Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research Methods
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Questions and Answers

How does the researcher approach the measurement of data in quantitative research?

  • By emphasizing the social context of the research.
  • Using a dynamic research design.
  • By statistical analysis of many cases. (correct)
  • Through thematic analysis of few cases.

What is the role of the researcher in qualitative research?

  • To be involved and engage with the participants. (correct)
  • To maintain a detached stance from the subject matter.
  • To investigate independently of the research setting.
  • To confirm pre-existing hypotheses through data.

Which aspect is considered essential in qualitative research but not in quantitative research?

  • Empirical data measurement.
  • The distinction between theory and data.
  • Authenticity of the data. (correct)
  • Statistical manipulation.

What type of reasoning is primarily used in qualitative research?

<p>Inductive reasoning. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of quantitative research design?

<p>It is characterized by a fixed research design. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which area does qualitative research focus more compared to quantitative research?

<p>Social reality and cultural meanings. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do theory and data relate in qualitative research compared to quantitative research?

<p>They are bonded in qualitative research and distinct in quantitative research. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common pitfall in understanding the differences between qualitative and quantitative research?

<p>Believing that qualitative research lacks empirical data. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the study mentioned in the abstract?

<p>Strengths and weaknesses of research methodologies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of research methodologies are discussed in the study?

<p>Qualitative and Quantitative (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which author is associated with the concept of qualitative evidence in research?

<p>J.M. Morse (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of approach does 'Method in social science: A realist approach' suggest?

<p>A realist approach to social science (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What publication mentions 'Philosophical Requirements in Researching Organizations'?

<p>Researching in Organizations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which year was 'A Teacher’s Guide to Classroom Research' published?

<p>2008 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which journal discusses 'Connection, trust, and commitment: Dimensions of co-creation'?

<p>Journal of Strategic Management (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these works focuses on the philosophical aspects of social research?

<p>The Penguin Dictionary of Philosophy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the limitations of case study research identified by Lee?

<p>Lack of generalizability (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What strength of case study research is highlighted by Benbasat and associates?

<p>Insight into emerging topics (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Yin, when are single case studies most appropriate?

<p>To explore previously un-researched subjects (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which methodology allows for cross case analysis according to Benbasat and colleagues?

<p>Multiple-case designs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one problem with quantitative approaches in case study research?

<p>They do not allow for personal interpretations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of behavior do qualitative researchers claim to know relatively little about initially?

<p>The context in which the behavior occurs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the focus of the quantitative survey conducted in Pakistan during the conflict?

<p>To determine the number of separated children (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the sites visited during the Pakistan conflict survey?

<p>Varied in population size and composition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a main weakness of qualitative data according to ACAPS?

<p>It requires skilled interviewers for data collection. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which methodology is emphasized in qualitative case study approaches?

<p>Participant-observation and in-depth interviews. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What criticism do physical scientists have regarding qualitative methods?

<p>They often lead to subjective interpretations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential issue when generalizing findings from qualitative case studies?

<p>Conclusions may be limited to specific organizations studied. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Kerlinger, what is a major weakness of qualitative research?

<p>The risk of improper interpretation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason for using secondary data in research as mentioned in the content?

<p>It sufficiently justifies research purposes without the need for primary data. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method primarily focuses on qualitative analysis according to the content?

<p>Case study approach. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major requirement for qualitative data collection that distinguishes it from quantitative data?

<p>Skilled interviewers and analysts. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a common critique of the available textbooks on survey research methods?

<p>They did not cover practical applications. (B), They were too focused on theoretical concepts. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What year was 'Survey Research Methods' published?

<p>1973 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the status of survey research courses at the time of the book's publication?

<p>They were rare, limiting the book's reach. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did many instructors suggest to Wadsworth after the publication of 'Survey Research Methods'?

<p>To also write a general social research textbook. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the author respond to the lack of a suitable textbook for survey research?

<p>By jotting down contents for an ideal research methods textbook. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of approach did 'cookbook' textbooks primarily utilize?

<p>Step-by-step instructions on conducting research. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the author feel while teaching the small class of six students?

<p>They were highly motivated and receptive. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the outcomes of the author completing 'Survey Research Methods'?

<p>It was adopted widely by various instructors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following refers to a type of reasoning that moves from specific observations to broader generalizations?

<p>Inductive reasoning (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of qualitative research compared to quantitative research?

<p>Understanding underlying meanings (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical concern emphasizes the importance of not causing harm to participants in research?

<p>No harm to the participants (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of nominal level measurement?

<p>It categorizes variables without a numerical value. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In research design, which of the following serves as a guideline for the selection of sampling methods?

<p>Population and sampling (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the conflict paradigm in social research?

<p>Inequalities and power dynamics (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept involves ensuring that research methods are systematic and free from bias?

<p>Objectivity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of study involves data collection across multiple time points to observe changes?

<p>Longitudinal study (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The term 'operationalization' refers to which aspect of research methodology?

<p>Defining concepts in measurable terms (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theory emphasizes the role of social constructs in understanding human behavior?

<p>Symbolic Interactionism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the ecological fallacy refer to in social research?

<p>Assuming individual traits from group data (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary purpose of conducting descriptive research?

<p>To provide a detailed account of a phenomenon (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main aim of the ethics of research design?

<p>To ensure participants' rights are upheld (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an indicator of reliability in research?

<p>Validity of the findings (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Quantitative Research

A research approach that focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis to identify patterns and relationships between variables.

Qualitative Research

A research approach that focuses on in-depth understanding of experiences, perspectives, and meanings through interviews, observations, and other non-numerical data.

Quantitative Truth

The truth in quantitative research is defined by the researcher.

Qualitative Truth

The truth in qualitative research is defined by the people involved in the investigation.

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Quantitative Reasoning

Deductive reasoning in quantitative, moving from general principles to specific observations.

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Qualitative Reasoning

Inductive reasoning in qualitative research, moving from specific observations to general concepts.

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Quantitative Research Design

Fixed and predetermined in quantitative research, focusing on testing established hypotheses.

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Qualitative Research Design

Flexible and adaptable in qualitative research, focused on generating hypotheses during investigation.

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Strengths of qualitative research

Provides rich insights, explores complex social phenomena, and allows for understanding context.

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Weaknesses of qualitative research

Can be subjective and difficult to generalize findings to larger populations, potentially lacking precision.

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Strengths of quantitative research

Offers a systematic approach with precise measurements and allows for generalization, statistically testing hypotheses.

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Weaknesses of quantitative research

May oversimplify complex social phenomena, potentially lacking richness of contextual information.

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Comparison of Research Methodologies

Examining the differences and similarities between qualitative and quantitative research approaches to inform research design.

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Research Methodology

The overall strategy for conducting research, including both philosophical underpinnings and practical implementation.

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Qualitative Data: Objectivity

Qualitative data is not easily verifiable as objective truth. Its interpretation depends on the researcher's perspective and understanding.

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Qualitative Data Analysis

Qualitative data analysis requires a lot of effort. It involves categorization, coding, and interpreting rich information from interviews, observations, etc.

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Qualitative Research: Skills Needed

Qualitative research needs skilled interviewers who can build rapport, understand perspectives, and gather nuanced information.

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Case Study Approach

Case studies focus on a small group of individuals or organizations to gain in-depth understanding of a specific situation.

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Qualitative Research: Generalizability

Findings from qualitative research might not apply to other situations or populations. It focuses on specific contexts.

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Qualitative Research: Criticisms

Critics argue that qualitative research lacks control and objectivity, making it vulnerable to bias and subjective interpretations.

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Qualitative Research: Independent Variables

Qualitative research doesn't allow manipulation of independent variables, making it difficult to establish clear cause-and-effect relationships.

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Qualitative Research: Randomization

Qualitative research doesn't use random sampling, making it challenging to generalize findings to larger populations.

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Case Study Strengths: IS

Case studies in Information Systems (IS) allow researchers to understand real-world systems in their natural environment, identify emerging trends, and generate new theories based on real-world practices.

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Why Case Studies?

Case studies are suitable for investigating contemporary events, exploring uncharted areas, and building/testing theories. They allow deeper understanding of complex, dynamic situations.

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Case Study Limitations

Challenges in case study research include lack of control over variables, difficulty drawing general conclusions, and limited ability to repeat the study exactly.

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Multiple Case Design

Multiple case studies allow for cross-case analysis, drawing comparisons between different cases to strengthen findings and generalize theories.

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Qualitative Focus: Context

Qualitative researchers prioritize understanding the context of observed behavior, analyzing it from the perspective of those involved.

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Quantitative Research: Comparisons

Quantitative data is crucial to compare results between different approaches. It provides objective measures and helps identify trends.

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Separation in Conflict Zones

In conflict areas, identifying the number of separated children is vital for providing assistance. Targeted surveys help gather this data.

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Purposive Sampling

Researchers carefully select sites to study based on their specific characteristics and relevance to the research question.

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Ideal Research Textbook

A textbook that effectively balances theoretical concepts and practical applications of survey research methods.

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Abstract Research Methods

Research methods textbooks that focus heavily on theoretical principles without clear practical applications.

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'Cookbook' Research Methods

Research methods textbooks that provide detailed, step-by-step instructions for conducting surveys, often neglecting broader theoretical understanding.

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Survey Research Textbook

A textbook specifically designed for teaching survey research methods, typically focusing on both theory and practical applications.

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General Social Research Textbook

A textbook that covers various research methods including survey research, field research, and experiments.

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Need for a General Research Text

The author and editors observed a gap in research textbooks: a well-structured and comprehensive book for general social research courses.

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Collaboration in Textbook Writing

The author sought input from social research instructors across the country to ensure the textbook's effectiveness.

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The Practice of Social Research

The general social research textbook written by the author, drawing on his experiences with survey research and input from other instructors.

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Paradigms

Fundamental frameworks or worldviews that shape how researchers understand and interpret social phenomena.

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Macrotheory

A theory that focuses on large-scale social structures, institutions, and social systems.

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Microtheory

A theory that focuses on small-scale interactions, behaviors, and meanings.

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Symbolic Interactionism

A paradigm that emphasizes how individuals create and interpret meaning through social interaction, focusing on symbols and language.

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Structural Functionalism

A paradigm that sees society as a complex system with interconnected parts, each serving a function to maintain stability.

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Conflict Paradigm

A paradigm that focuses on power struggles, inequality, and social change, emphasizing the competition for scarce resources.

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Deductive Reasoning

A logical process that starts with a general theory or hypothesis and uses observations to test and refine it.

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Inductive Reasoning

A logical process that starts with specific observations and uses them to develop general explanations or theories.

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Nomothetic Explanation

An explanation that aims to identify general patterns and causal relationships that apply to a large population.

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Idiographic Explanation

An explanation that focuses on providing a unique and detailed account of a specific event or individual.

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Units of Analysis

The level of social phenomena being studied, such as individuals, groups, organizations, or social interactions.

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Ecological Fallacy

The error of assuming that patterns observed at a higher level of analysis (e.g., neighborhoods) also apply to individuals within those groups.

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Reductionism

The error of assuming that explanations for social phenomena can be fully understood by reducing them to individual-level factors.

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Cross-Sectional Study

A research design that collects data from a single point in time, allowing comparisons between groups.

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Longitudinal Study

A research design that collects data from multiple points in time, allowing researchers to observe changes and trends over time.

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Study Notes

Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research Methods

  • Quantitative research focuses on objective truth, researcher-defined, and statistically analyzed data. Deductive reasoning (general to specific) is used; research design is fixed. Statistical manipulation is necessary.
  • Qualitative research emphasizes reality defined by participants, with the researcher as an observer. Holistic viewpoints are favored, with inductive reasoning (specific to general). Research design is dynamic; statistical testing is not required.

Differences between Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches

  • Quantitative Approach: Focuses on impartial facts, variables, reliability (value-free), theory and data are distinct, independent of setting, analysis of many cases via statistical methods, researcher is detached.
  • Qualitative Approach: Focuses on social reality, cultural meaning, communication process/events, authenticity (values explicit), theory and data are bonded, situational constraints, analysis of few cases via thematic methods, researcher is involved.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Qualitative Research Methods

  • Weaknesses (ACAPS, 2012):
  • Data not objectively verifiable
  • Labor-intensive analysis (categorization, recoding)
  • Requires skilled interviewers for data collection
  • Strengths (Benbasat et al.):
  • Studies information systems in natural settings
  • Understands the nature/complexity of processes
  • Provides insights into emerging topics in information systems
  • Strengths (Yin):
  • Appropriate for contemporary events and subjects that don't need controlled behaviors or variables.
  • Single case studies are good for exploring new topics, multiple cases are better for description, theory building, or testing.
  • Weaknesses (Kerlinger, Lee—general qualitative criticism):
  • Inability to manipulate independent variables
  • Risk of improper interpretation
  • Lack of power to randomize
  • Weaknesses (Case Study approaches—specific criticism):
  • Lack of controllability
  • Lack of deductibility
  • Lack of repeatability
  • Lack of generalizability

Case Study Method Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Case studies: Gather data from a small number of organizations using methods like participant observation, in-depth interviews, and longitudinal studies.
  • Goal: Understand the problem being investigated. Captures richness of organizational behavior.
  • Limitations: Conclusions may be specific to the studied organization, not generalizable.
  • Appropriate use: Studying contemporary events or previously un-researched subjects.

Quantitative Research Example: Pakistan Conflict

  • Use-case: Child protection cluster in Pakistan (2008) during conflict needed to determine numbers of separated children.
  • Method: Small, purposeful sample of sites, surveys of community groups.

Other Research Methodological Content

  • Surveys: A commonly used quantitative research method.
  • Book by Babbie: Discusses human inquiry, science foundations, social research, various research designs, indexes & scales, & sampling methods.
  • Author's perspective (Babbie): Early difficulties with a lack of specific survey research texts, later development of such texts including their own.

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Comparison Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research Approaches in Social Sciences PDF

Description

Explore the key differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods in this quiz. Understand how quantitative research emphasizes objective data and deductive reasoning, while qualitative research focuses on participant-defined realities and inductive reasoning. Test your knowledge on these two critical approaches in research design.

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