Qualitative vs Quantitative Research

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What are the key strengths of qualitative research methods like interpretivism?

Qualitative research methods provide in-depth insights into human behavior and highlight the diversity in experiences and perspectives.

What are two major weaknesses of quantitative research methods such as positivism?

Quantitative research overlooks subjective and emotional aspects of human behavior and struggles to address complex social dynamics, like cultural influences.

What types of research methods are commonly used in interpretivism?

Interpretivism commonly uses qualitative methods such as interviews and participant observations.

What are some common data collection techniques used in positivist research?

Common data collection techniques in positivist research include surveys and statistical analysis of measurable variables. Signup and view all the answers

How does the outcome of qualitative research differ from that of quantitative research?

Qualitative research outcomes are often rich and descriptive, focusing on individual experiences, while quantitative research outcomes aim for generalizable findings applicable to broader populations. Signup and view all the answers

What is one strength of qualitative research that enhances understanding of complex topics?

It provides rich, detailed insights into people's experiences and perspectives. Signup and view all the answers

Identify one weakness of quantitative research related to generalizability.

Results may not always apply to the unique contexts of specific populations. Signup and view all the answers

Name two common research methods used in qualitative research.

Interviews and focus groups. Signup and view all the answers

What type of data does quantitative research primarily rely on?

Numerical data, such as statistics and numbers. Signup and view all the answers

In qualitative research, what is the typical outcome of data analysis?

Detailed insights into complex phenomena. Signup and view all the answers

What is one method of data collection unique to quantitative research?

Surveys. Signup and view all the answers

What is one key strength of qualitative research?

Qualitative research is strong in exploring depth and providing detailed insights into individual experiences. Signup and view all the answers

How does qualitative research approach data analysis?

Through thematic, narrative, or content analysis. Signup and view all the answers

Mention one key characteristic that separates qualitative research from quantitative research.

Qualitative research is subjective and interpretive. Signup and view all the answers

Identify a weakness of quantitative research.

Quantitative research lacks context, as it often focuses on numbers rather than individual experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes primary research from secondary research?

Primary research involves collecting original data directly from sources, while secondary research utilizes existing data. Signup and view all the answers

Name a data collection technique commonly used in empirical research.

Common data collection techniques in empirical research include structured experiments and observations. Signup and view all the answers

How does the results section of a research article typically present findings?

The results section presents findings often as statistical data or qualitative insights. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the methodology section contributes to a research study.

The methodology section details how the study was conducted, including the tools and techniques used. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of educational research?

The primary focus of educational research is to examine issues within education to improve practices and outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant limitation of quantifying complex phenomena in research?

A significant limitation is that it simplifies complex phenomena, potentially losing nuanced understanding. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Qualitative Research

Explores experiences, meanings, and understanding
Data is non-numerical (words, images, observations)
Methods include interviews, focus groups, observations, and ethnography
Approach is subjective and interpretive
Focuses on context and depth of information
Analysis uses thematic, narrative, or content analysis
Outcomes provide detailed insights into complex phenomena
Example: Understanding personal experiences of grief
Qualitative research explores "why" and "how"
Strengths: deep understanding, contextual focus, flexibility
Weaknesses: time-consuming, subjectivity, limited generalizability, difficult to replicate

Quantitative Research

Tests hypotheses, measures variables, and examines relationships
Data is numerical (statistics, numbers)
Methods include surveys, experiments, and structured questionnaires
Approach is objective and scientific
Focuses on breadth and generalization of findings
Analysis uses statistical or mathematical analysis
Outcomes provide generalizable findings about populations
Example: Measuring the percentage of people experiencing grief
Quantitative research measures "what," "how much," or "how often"
Strengths: objectivity, reliability, generalizability, statistical analysis, tests relationships
Weaknesses: lacks context, inflexibility, simplifies complex phenomena, expensive tools

Research Topics

What is Research?
- Systematic investigation into a specific topic to create or expand knowledge
- Defines a problem or question.
- Collects and analyzes data using appropriate methods.
- Concludes and interprets data to provide insights.
Types of Research
- Primary Research: Involves collecting original data (e.g., interviews, surveys, experiments)
- Secondary Research: Uses existing data, such as books, articles, or statistics.
- Empirical Research: Focuses on observed and measured phenomena (e.g., experiments, observations).
IMRAD Structure (for Research Articles)
- Introduction: Explains background, objectives, and previous studies.
- Methodology: Describes how the study was conducted (tools, techniques, processes).
- Results: Presents findings (statistical or qualitative).
- Discussion: Analyses findings, significance, and implications.
Lecture 1: Introduction to Researching Education
Developing research questions (example: "What teaching methods enhance student engagement?")
Designing research (Selecting suitable methodologies and frameworks)
Collecting and analyzing data (Using methods such as surveys or classroom observations)
Interpreting findings to address educational challenges
Key components - epistemology (examining how knowledge is created and validated), ontology (investigating what exists).

Lecture 1: Research Ethics

Ethics govern how research is conducted ensuring respect, fairness, and protecting participants' rights and dignity
Key ethical principles: Care, Honesty, Confidentiality, Informed Consent, Preserving credibility, building trust, protection of vulnerable groups.
Ethical challenges in research such as working with vulnerable groups (children, refugees, disabled individuals) or potential harm to participants.
Best practices to mitigate risks and maintain ethical standards in research.

Lecture 2: Researcher Positionality

Positionality is the researcher's background, beliefs, biases and how they influence the research process.
Important factors include social identity (gender, race, class, religion), cultural context
Importance of acknowledging bias, building accountability, and strengthening relationships in research
Insider vs Outsider perspectives: Researchers familiar or not with the subjects they are researching.

Lecture 2: Pragmatism as a Research Lens

Pragmatism is a flexible research paradigm focusing on practical problems using a mix of methods.
Key features include problem-centeredness which determines research methods, empirical focus (relying on real-world evidence), and combining qualitative and quantitative methods.
Strengths of Pragmatism include creativity, adaptability, and suitability for complex problems.
Criticisms may focus on the challenges of integrating methods, or prioritisation of practical solutions over theoretical depth.

Critical Theory

A research paradigm that challenges power structures and advocates social change.
Addresses issues of inequality, oppression, and marginalization.
Applications in education include examining how policies or systems disadvantage certain groups.
Strengths include amplifying marginalised voices and encouraging reform.
Potential criticisms include the subjective and politically driven nature of findings.

Interpretivism

Focuses on how individuals perceive and interpret experiences.
Key features are a subjective reality, emphasis on context and conducting research with rich, detailed data.
Strengths include providing in-depth insights into human behaviour, highlight diversity in experiences, and providing insights into perspectives
Criticisms include findings not being generalisable and potentially lacking in analytical depth.

Positivism

Emphasizes objective, measurable truths.
Key features are a detached approach to minimize bias, focusing on observable and measurable data, and aiming to generalise findings to broader populations.
Applications in education include statistical analysis of student performance and teaching impact.
Criticisms include overlooking subjective and emotional aspects of human behavior and struggles to address complex social dynamics.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz delves into the differences between qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Explore how each approach gathers data, analyzes information, and what types of insights they can provide. Understand the strengths and weaknesses of both methods to better apply them in research settings.