The Specifics of Qualitative Research - Assignment Example

Qualitative Research Methods Introduction Qualitative research involves the incorporation of various methodologies with the aim of seeking various determinants in a particular research. The paper is going to analyze the various forms of qualitative research with an aim of deriving their similarities, differences and the context of use during various research studies. Dq2.1 (1)What are the similarities and differences between case studies and phenomenological research? Similarities Very few characteristics can quantify the similarities between case study and phenomenological research. The general research process in both the approaches is similar since they all commence from the statement of the research problem and proceed towards the research questions, then the collection of data, followed by data analysis and later on the research report generation (Seidman, 2012). Both the studies also explore various types of qualitative and quantitative approaches with an aim to extract the exact information about a certain phenomenon. The data collection techniques in both approaches are similar since they all employ the use of questionnaires, interviews, audiovisual materials and many other types of techniques for obtaining the information (Silverman, 2013). Differences In terms of focus, Phenomenological research is mainly aimed at comprehending the purpose of the occurrence of existence of a certain phenomenon while case studies focus to develop a conclusive analysis and description of a particular case that may be individual or in multiple forms (Creswell, 2013). In terms of the type of Problem suited for design, Phenomenological research mainly handles the importance of existence of a phenomenon that already exists in the real world while Case Studies mainly seeks to provide an understanding of a particular case or various multiple cases (Creswell, 2013). In terms of background of the discipline phenomenological research is mainly applied in education, philosophy and psychology while case studies is widely applicable in the fields of medicine, psychology, political science and law (Creswell, 2013). In relation to Unit of Analysis, Phenomenological research relies on the study of similar experiences shared by various individuals while case studies analyses a specific event, an activity, a program and it incorporates more than one individual (Creswell, 2013). In relation to the data collection forms, phenomenological research the primary data collection tools and techniques adopted are individual interviews. However, art, observations and secondary sources such as documentations may also be used. Case Studies In terms of strategies of data analysis Phenomenological research, data analysis mainly focused on meaning units, significant statements, structural and textural descriptions while case studies data analysis involves case and theme descriptions as well as the incorporation of cross-case descriptions (Creswell, 2013). In terms of written reports, the essence of the particular experience defined by phenomenological research while a detailed analysis involving multiple cases Is developed (Creswell, 2013) is viewed in case studies (2)What types of questions are appropriate for each design? Please some example Phenomenological research The particular type of research will involve questions such as: How do the various participants describe their individual experiences based on recovery and addiction? What is the context in which their experiences occur? How do the participants of the research comprehend their experiences of recovery and addiction? What are the individual differences in experiences? Case Study The questions and specific context are related to the case examples. However, I will provide examples of the questions. How do parents decide on the right practices to raise a child? What are some of the factors that contribute towards the decision? What are some of the challenges that are facing teenage parents? What are some of the generally accepted norms and practices of child upbringing? Dq2.2 (1)What differentiates grounded theory research from other forms of qualitative research? Please some example The main concepts of the grounded theory research are: Categories Coding and Codes The type of research adopts the use of abductive reasoning. It therefore disqualifies the extensive use of theory development, data analysis and data sampling (Creswell, 2013). The grounded theory incorporates two distinct analytic assumptions, which are theoretical sampling and constant comparison. Grounded theory differs from the other forms of research based on the key elements that constitute to its adoption and usage. They include: The link and comparison between various contexts and phenomenon strengthens the theory. The use of theory sampling involves the selection of the participants to interview (Creswell, 2013). It therefore implies that data analysis conducted upon the commencement of the first interview with various hypotheses and memos generated early. The third element involves theoretical sensitive coding. These concepts explain the type of phenomenon researched and studied. The main aim of this particular type of research is to come up with a specific theory based on various specific designs ad relevant data collected from the field (Ritchie et al, 2013). The theories founded based on the various views laid fourth by the participants of the particular type of research. The research design differs from the other types of design in the sense that it involves the cumulative study of a group of people. The sample study size ranges between sample sizes of a population ranging from between 40 to 60 individuals (Merriam, 2014). The type of method used to analyze the data differs from the other types of research designs. It adopts the use of selective coding, axial coding and open coding (Creswell, 2013). Dq2.3 (1)What is content analysis? It refers to a particular type of research method that involves the collection of data from different variables, which are descriptive of the various cultural expressions (Maxwell, 2012). These data sources include advertisements, cartoons, speeches, newspaper stories and various movies. (2)When is content analysis appropriate in qualitative research? Please some example Applicability In the various content analysis type of researches or studies, a researcher may analyze the depiction of different sexes for instance the male and the female in relation to their portrayal in the cover pages of the newspapers (Hennink et al, 2010). Content analysis is based on the various results collected. Empirical data plays a key role in the proving of a particular research study. Content analysis therefore remains as the best quantitative research method. Three approaches justify or summarize the use of content analysis (Flick, 2014). These approaches are summative, directed or conventional. These approaches cumulatively aid in the interpretation of data and follow a naturalistic paradigm. The collection of data through the various cumulative approached all undergo the different types of coding to bring out the meaning of the work that has been provided (Creswell, 2013). Example: Content Analysis of Internet Rape Sites Sarah Byrne, Lynn Jennifer Gosset, University of Cincinnati. There have been various researches conducted on the subject of sexuality with particular emphasis on pornography. Various violent and non-violent forms depicted vividly in various magazines ad adult films. In the particular studies, content analysis aims at looking at the degree of spread of the various adult content on various types of media. It looks at the popularity of the content on the World Wide Web (Creswell, 2013). Dq2.4 (1)How does the concept of philosophical assumptions relate to qualitative research? Use examples to support your answer Please some example Philosophical assumptions Methodological Assumptions Questions: What is the composition of the research process? Characteristics: Researchers adopt inductive logic, makes studies about the contextual topic and adopts the use of an emerging design Practice implication examples: The researcher works on particular details before generalization takes place. The contexts of the study are described in detail. The questions that have been generated from the field are constantly revised (Creswell, 2013). Rhetorical Assumptions Questions: What is the research language? Characteristics: The researcher expresses his views or questions in a informal literary style with the use of personal voice and adopts the use of limited definitions and qualitative terms Practice Implication Examples: The researcher uses narrative, which is an engaging style. The language of qualitative research therefore adopts the use of first person pronoun (Creswell, 2013). Axiological Assumptions Questions: What is the essence of values? Characteristics: The researcher agrees to the fact that the research may be influenced by bias studies and it should generate value based on the information that is collected. Practice Implication Examples: The researcher discusses values that contribute toward the increase of quality of the narrative. It also involves the views and opinions that are derived from the participants and the researchers own perspective (Creswell, 2013). Epistemological Assumptions Questions: What relationship exists between the researcher and the object of research? Characteristics: There is a general effort by the researcher to reduce the distance between them and the object of research. Practice Implication Examples: The researcher assumes and plays a role likened to an insider. In the particular case, the research interacts and lives freely among the participants initiating various collaborations while in the field (Creswell, 2013). Ontological Assumptions Questions: What is the state and reality of the studied nature? Characteristics: Participants in the study view reality as multiple and subjective. Practice Implication Examples: The researcher adopts the use of the participants’ themes and quotes with the aim of providing evidence of the various distinguishing perspectives based on the research findings (Creswell, 2013). Conclusion Qualitative research contains various methodologies that aim at collecting various types of information with the aim of deriving various assumption and proving various hypotheses. The methodologies and type of information that is collected is dependent on the variables that are being analyzed. However, majority of the data always contain similar data forms. References Creswell, J. W. (2013). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage. Flick, U. (2014). An introduction to qualitative research. Sage. Hennink, M., Hutter, I., & Bailey, A. (2010). Qualitative research methods. Sage. Maxwell, J. A. (2012). Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach: An Interactive Approach. Sage. Merriam, S. B. (2014). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation. John Wiley & Sons. Ritchie, J., Lewis, J., Nicholls, C. M., & Ormston, R. (Eds.). (2013). Qualitative research practice: A guide for social science students and researchers. Sage. Seidman, I. (2012). Interviewing as qualitative research: A guide for researchers in education and the social sciences. Teachers college press. Silverman, D. (2013). Doing qualitative research: A practical handbook. SAGE Publications Limited. Read More