Research Approaches

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of applied research?

To apply findings to a specific situation (correct)

To explore new areas without a specific goal

To develop theories for academic discussion

To validate existing knowledge

Which research approach is best suited for testing a hypothesis?

Qualitative research

Deductive approach (correct)

Simply observational

Inductive approach

What distinguishes qualitative research from quantitative research?

Quantitative research relies on interviews and observations

Qualitative research uses numerical data

Quantitative research examines attitudes and perceptions

Qualitative research gathers non-numerical data (correct)

What is a common method used in quantitative research?

Questionnaires Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes inductive reasoning in research?

Developing a theory based on observations Signup and view all the answers

One feature of qualitative research is that it tends to focus on which aspect?

Gaining deeper insights into human thoughts Signup and view all the answers

What type of data is primarily collected in quantitative research?

Numerical data Signup and view all the answers

Why can qualitative research be considered biased?

Questions are often leading or manipulated Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary form of reasoning used in quantitative analysis?

Deductive reasoning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is associated with qualitative research?

Holistic approach Signup and view all the answers

Which method of data collection is typical in quantitative research?

Standardized instruments Signup and view all the answers

How are findings typically communicated in qualitative research?

Utilizing narratives and individual accounts Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes inductive reasoning from deductive reasoning?

Inductive reasoning focuses on specific observations to form generalizations. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes quantitative research?

It analyzes known variables through established guidelines. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the nature of the research process in qualitative studies?

It is flexible with emergent design. Signup and view all the answers

What type of sample size is most commonly associated with quantitative research?

Large, representative samples Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of quantitative research?

To employ mathematical models and hypotheses Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes qualitative research?

It focuses on understanding human behavior and attitudes. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes empirical research from conceptual research?

Empirical research is data-driven and factual. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of analysis does qualitative research primarily utilize?

Observational and interpretive analysis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common method for collecting data in qualitative research?

In-depth interviews and focus groups Signup and view all the answers

How does quantitative research ensure objectivity?

Through rigorous application of mathematical models Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research is best suited for exploring complex human emotions and social dynamics?

Qualitative research Signup and view all the answers

What is a key limitation of qualitative research?

It often lacks generalizability due to small sample sizes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Approaches

Deductive/Inductive approach
- The purpose of research is key in deciding whether to use a deductive or inductive approach.
- Deductive approaches are best for testing pre-existing hypotheses, while inductive approaches are best for exploring new areas, answering specific research questions, or forming new hypotheses.
Applied/Basic research
- Applied research is designed to solve a specific problem or address a particular situation.
- Basic research is used to improve knowledge generally, without any specific applied purpose.
Qualitative/Quantitative research
- Quantitative research focuses on collecting and analyzing numerical data, measuring the scale, range, frequency, etc., of phenomena.
  - Quantitative Research is often structured, detailed, and statistically presentable.
- Qualitative research examines and reflects on less tangible aspects of a research subject, including values, attitudes, and perceptions.
  - Qualitative research can be difficult to interpret and present findings, and it may be more susceptible to challengers.

Qualitative Research

Qualitative research is used to understand a subject in-depth.
It helps develop ideas or hypotheses.
Qualitative research uncovers trends in thoughts and opinions.
Common methods include focus groups, individual interviews, and observations.
- For media studies, individual interviews are used to understand opinions about music magazines.
Qualitative research is often characterized by:
- Broad, open-ended questions
- Data collection in the form of words and text due to open-ended questions.
- Smaller scale studies to understand individual meanings and opinions.
- Descriptions and analyses of themes and general trends
Qualitative research can be biased, as it may be influenced by biases in the research process.

Quantitative Research

Quantitative research collects and analyzes numerical data that can be converted into statistics.
It uses measurable data to formulate facts and uncover patterns in research.
Common methods include questionnaires and surveys.
- In media studies, questionnaires and surveys are used to collect numerical data that can be converted to facts and statistics to understand trends.
Quantitative research is often characterized by:
- Specific, closed-ended questions
- Collection of data from participants
- Use of numbers that can be analyzed using statistics.
- Relatively unbiased towards the subject matter.

Research Methods, continued

Qualitative/Quantitative Research -Purpose of research - Quantitative: To explain, predict, confirm, validate, and test theories. - Qualitative: To describe, explain, explore, interpret, and build theories.
- Nature of the research process
  - Quantitative: Focused, with known and established guidelines for data collection and analysis. It has a static design with a context-free and detached perspective.
  - Qualitative: Holistic, with unknown variables and flexible guidelines for data collection and analysis. It has an emergent design with a context-bound and personal perspective.
- Methods of data collection
  - Quantitative: Representative and large samples using standardized instruments.
  - Qualitative: Informative, small samples with methods like observations and interviews.
- Form of reasoning used in analysis
  - Quantitative: Deductive analysis.
  - Qualitative: Inductive analysis.
- Communicating findings
  - Quantitative: Numbers, statistics, aggregated data, formal voice, and scientific style.
  - Qualitative: Words, narratives, individual quotes, personal voice, and literary style.

Types of Research

Conceptual and Empirical Research
- Conceptual Research:
  - Focuses on abstract ideas or theories.
  - Used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or reinterpret existing ones.
- Empirical Research:
  - Data-based research involving real-world observations and experiments.
  - Primarily experimental and focused on collecting data directly from the source.
  - Leads to verifiable conclusions through observation or experiment.
Quantitative and Qualitative Research
- Quantitative Research:
  - Based on the measurement of quantity or amount, applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity.
  - Refers to systematic empirical investigation of quantitative properties and phenomena and their relationships.
  - Aims to develop and employ mathematical models, theories, or hypotheses related to phenomena.
  - Inferences are largely based on quantitative data.
  - Emphasizes objectivity to ensure replicability of findings.
- Qualitative Research:
  - Concerned with qualitative phenomena, including quality or kind, e.g., human behavior.
  - Explores why people think or do certain things, attitudes, and opinion research, e.g., what people feel or think about something.
  - Qualitative research presents a non-quantitative type of analysis.
  - It involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data by observing what people do and say.
  - Qualitative research is subjective and uses different methods of collecting information, mainly individual, in-depth interviews and focus groups.
  - Qualitative research is exploratory and open-ended.

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Description

This quiz covers various research approaches including deductive and inductive methods, applied versus basic research, and qualitative versus quantitative research. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective research design and methodology. Test your knowledge on how each approach impacts research outcomes.