Nature of Inquiry and Research

The Key Aspects of a Research Approach

• Research approach: A structured plan detailing steps from broad assumptions to specific data collection and analysis methods.
• Key considerations for choosing a research approach include philosophical assumptions, procedures of inquiry, and specific methods.
• Quantitative research: Focuses on testing theories through examining relationships; characterized by objective measurement and use of numerical data.
• Qualitative research: Aims to explore and understand social phenomena by interpreting meanings ascribed by individuals or groups.

Characteristics of Research Approaches

• Qualitative Characteristics:
  • Subjective involvement of the researcher in the study.
  • Data presented in verbal forms; analysis is ongoing.
  • Emphasis on understanding behavior within natural settings.
• Quantitative Characteristics:
  • Objective approach with limited researcher involvement.
  • Uses numerals and statistics for analysis.
  • Strict design and predetermined data collection methods ensure reliability.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Qualitative Research

• Strengths:
  • Naturalistic approach fosters comprehensive understanding of human behavior.
  • Instrumental in enacting positive societal changes; respects individuality.
• Weaknesses:
  • High subjectivity in data analysis can lead to validity concerns.
  • Time-consuming due to data overload and extended analysis processes.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Quantitative Research

• Strengths:
  • Findings can be replicated and generalized across larger populations.
  • Establishes causal relationships more conclusively through numerical data.
• Weaknesses:
  • Lacks depth in understanding complex phenomena.
  • Limited flexibility in study design may restrict comprehensive insights.

Importance Across Fields of Inquiry

• Humanities and Social Inquiry: Qualitative methods yield insights on individual behaviors; quantitative methods enhance understanding of social interactions through defined factors.
• Culture and the Arts: Qualitative approaches illuminate cultural understanding; quantitative research explores lifestyle impacts and creative processes through numerical insights.
• Sports: Qualitative research investigates athlete experiences for policy enhancement; quantitative data analyzes performances based on numerical variables.
• Agriculture and Fisheries: Qualitative research uncovers farmers' beliefs and challenges; quantitative research seeks economic trends impacting countries.
• Science and Technology: Qualitative analysis explores innovation's impact on lived experiences; quantitative methods assess technology effectiveness in health issues.
• Business: Qualitative methods examine attitudes towards goods and services; quantitative approaches evaluate strengths and weaknesses using business frameworks.
• Information and Communications Technology: Qualitative research investigates how ICT improves lives; quantitative research identifies trends that promote new software innovations.

The Nature of Variables

• Variable: Represents a property that can be measured, controlled, and manipulated.
• Categorical Variables: Describe quality and include nominal (no logical order), ordinal (ranked order), dichotomous (two categories), and polychotomous (multiple categories).
• Numeric Variables: Measurable quantities categorized as continuous (any value within a range) or discrete (whole numbers only).
• Experimental Variables:
  • Independent: manipulated in experiments.
  • Dependent: measured response influenced by independent variables.
  • Extraneous: pre-existing factors affecting results.
• Non-Experimental Variables: Used to explore relationships without direct manipulation, such as predictor variables that influence outcomes in a study.