Approaches to Qualitative Research

Approaches to Qualitative Research Examples of qualitative methods are action research, case study research and ethnography. Qualitative data sources include observation and participant observation (fieldwork), interviews and questionnaires, documents and texts, and the researcher’s impressions and reactions Quantitative research Is mean of testing objective theories by examining the relationship among variables. These variables in turn can be measured typically on instruments, so that numbered data can be analyzed using statically procedures. Quantitative research methods were originally developed in the natural sciences to study natural phenomena. Examples of quantitative methods now well accepted in the social sciences include survey methods, laboratory experiments, formal methods (e.g. econometrics) and numerical methods such as mathematical modelling. Mixed methods Research Is an approach to inquiry that combines or associates both qualitative and quantitative forms? Its involves philosophical assumptions , the use of qualitative and quantitative approaches and mixing the both approaches in a study. .Mixed research is research in which quantitative and qualitative techniques are mixed in a single study. It is the third major research paradigm, adding an attractive alternative (when it is appropriate) to quantitative and qualitative research. Worldviews in Creswell Worldviews/ Paradigms are intellectual Frameworks embodying tradition of scientific Theories and research The research design (strategies of inquiry and specific methods) is based on the espoused paradigm Worldviews/Paradigms Ontology – what exists in reality _ Epistemology – what can we know; how can we acquire knowledge _ Methodology – which research methods are appropriate for generating valid evidence. The four main worldviews/paradigms (Post)positivism numerical measures of observation and studing the behaviour of individals become paramount of post positivist Constructivism Advocacy / Participator y Pragmatism (Post)positivism _Constructivism Interpretivism _ Advocacy/Participatory Critical research _ Pragmatism The four main worldviews/paradigms (Post) positivism Constructivism, (Development, testing, Refinement of theories) Advocacy/Participatory Pragmatism (Change, improvement, action in the ystem) Positivism Positivist ontology and epistemology _Objective reality exists independent of humans _Reality is relatively stable and orderly and it can be described in models, i.e. theories _ The entities used in the theories can be identified in reality, and measured and often even controlled separately (reduction) Positivist ontology and epistemology Post positivism acknowledges the human rationality, free will and deterministic Worldview is compatible. However, the total system is supposed to work orderly, contradictions are problems that must be eliminated. Positivist ontology and epistemology The entities can be measured objectively, independent of the observer and instruments . Consequently, the measurements can be repeated by other researchers and the Results can be generalised. The ideal positivist inquiry is objective and value-free. Constructivism Constructivist ontology and epistemology Social realities are not given; they are produced by humans through their actions and interactions. The reality can only be understood through social constructions such as language and the meanings that involved persons assign to phenomena. The total social system is supposed to work relatively orderly, but human Interactions include always negotiation in order to avoid conflicts and contradictions. The social reality cannot be measured in an objective way, it can only be interpreted by the researcher The studied phenomena must be interpreted in the current context, in their natural settings