Research Methods: Qualitative vs Quantitative

Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of qualitative research?

To describe and understand social phenomena and interactions among people. (correct)

To test causal relationships between variables.

To predict future trends based on numerical data.

To establish proven relationships through statistical measures.

Which sampling method is typically used in quantitative research?

Purposive sampling

Convience sampling

Random sampling (correct)

Snowball sampling

What is the typical relationship between researchers and participants in qualitative research?

Informal and participatory. (correct)

Objective and analytical.

Experimental and controlled.

Formal and detached.

What does the term 'Lived Space' refer to in the context of phenomenology?

The physical environment and its significance in experiences Signup and view all the answers

Which type of data is primarily utilized in quantitative research?

Statistical information and numerical data. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of qualitative data analysis?

Content analysis and coding. Signup and view all the answers

Which question best illustrates the concept of 'Lived Time'?

Can you recount your achievements before entering school and through different educational stages? Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of lived experience is primarily concerned with physical existence and bodily awareness?

Lived Body Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding the generalizability of qualitative research findings?

Typically low generalizability compared to quantitative research. Signup and view all the answers

What is one purpose of qualitative research?

To understand participants’ perspectives. Signup and view all the answers

What type of research setting is typically associated with quantitative research?

Controlled setting with precise measurements. Signup and view all the answers

What does the scientific method of quantitative research involve?

Confirmatory, top-down, or deductive approach. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of qualitative research when analyzing data?

Descriptive insights into processes and meanings. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT represent a question related to 'Lived Body'?

How do achievements occur over time? Signup and view all the answers

What type of information is most often reported in quantitative research?

Statistical reporting of data findings. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following questions best pertains to 'Lived Human Relations'?

What are some reasons for your achievements prompted by other people? Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the questions that describe the 'Lived Space' aspect?

Spatial experiences and significance of the environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of content analysis in qualitative research?

Systematically examining forms of communication for patterns. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes qualitative research in terms of its data collection approach?

It involves fieldwork and direct observation of participants. Signup and view all the answers

How do achievements contribute to personal life according to the phenomenological perspective?

They enhance self-identity and personal meaning. Signup and view all the answers

In qualitative research, what is an inductive process used for?

To build theories from specific observations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of participant observation in qualitative research?

To gain deep insight through immersion in the participants' environment. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes in-depth interviews from regular conversations?

In-depth interviews involve predetermined response categories. Signup and view all the answers

Which group size is typical for a focus group interview in qualitative research?

7-10 people. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the four aspects of lived experience identified by Manen?

Lived Future Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a reason why self-reported data may be unreliable?

Participants may have the tendency to underestimate or overestimate their behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of systematic observation?

Behavior or occurrence of interest is identified and monitored in a natural setting. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following studies is an example of correlational research?

The Relationship Between Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction Signup and view all the answers

In which type of research would you collect data from national surveys or historical records?

Secondary research Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of quantitative research?

It lacks the ability to provide a comprehensive textual description of human experiences. Signup and view all the answers

Why might numerical data be insufficient in some research contexts?

It may not capture intangible factors such as social norms. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does descriptive research primarily focus on?

Describing and summarizing characteristics of a population. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant strength of qualitative research?

It can provide exhaustive insights into complex phenomena. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common method used in systematic observation?

Sitting in on classes to observe and record behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of quantitative research?

It enables the establishment of causality more conclusively. Signup and view all the answers

In ex post facto research, what is primarily compared between groups?

Groups exposed to presumed causes and those not exposed Signup and view all the answers

Which research type does NOT involve experimental manipulation?

Ex Post Facto Research Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the use of intact groups in research?

They are commonly used in quasi-experimental research. Signup and view all the answers

What type of research is specifically designed to answer questions of who, what, when, where, and how?

Descriptive Research Signup and view all the answers

Which data collection technique is NOT commonly associated with correlational research?

Interviews Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of quasi-experimental research?

To establish cause-and-effect relationships Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of descriptive research?

It measures variables as they naturally occur. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Objectives of the Lesson

Understand research processes and their specifics.
Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative research.
Identify data used in both qualitative and quantitative research.

Qualitative Research

Reveals participants' views and perspectives.
Emphasizes understanding through verbal data and observations.
Utilizes purposive sampling with small sample sizes.
Involves less formal relationships with participants.
Collects verbal, image, or artifact-based data.
Data collection methods include interviews, observations, and document analysis.
Analysis involves content analysis and coding with moderate to high subjectivity.
Reporting is typically narrative with participant context.

Quantitative Research

Tests causal relationships between variables and makes predictions.
Focuses on generalizing results to a larger population.
Employs random sampling with larger sample sizes.
Utilizes formal relationships with participants.
Collects statistical, number-based data.
Data collection methods include tests and experiments requiring precise measurements.
Data analysis uses statistical methods with low subjectivity.
High generalizability with confirmatory and deductive scientific methods.

Qualitative Research Paradigms

Involves beliefs dictating what should be studied and how research should be executed.
Primarily based on human interactions rather than mechanical instruments.
Descriptive and interested in processes, meanings, and understanding.

Methods in Qualitative Research

Participant Observation: Immersion in participants' natural settings to record behaviors.
Observation: Systematic noting of events and behaviors in social settings.
In-Depth Interview: Conversations that include predetermined response categories.
Focus Group Interview: Includes 6-10 participants sharing common characteristics relevant to research.
Content Analysis: Systematic examination of communication forms for objective pattern documentation.
Narratology: Sensitive narrative inquiry focused on personal experiences.
Visual Media: Analysis of films and photographs capturing perspectives of events.

Strengths of Qualitative Research

Provides in-depth insights into complex phenomena.
Reveals underlying meanings and human relationships.
Enables multiple avenues to understand behaviors and conditions.

Weaknesses of Qualitative Research

May lack generalizability to larger populations.
Less effective in establishing causality.
Potential bias due to researcher interpretation.

Strengths of Quantitative Research

Results are replicable and generalizable to vast populations.
Establishes causation and makes predictions based on numerical data.
Data analysis is quicker with statistical software.
Lower subjectivity enhances validity and reliability measurement.

Weaknesses of Quantitative Research

Lacks depth required for understanding complex phenomena.
May overlook intangible factors influencing behaviors.
Less flexibility in study design restricts exploratory potential.

Types of Quantitative Research

Descriptive Research: Answers who, what, when, where, and how of research problems; uses surveys and observations.
Correlational Research: Examines relationships between variables without inferring causation; utilizes questionnaires and tests.
Ex Post Facto Research: Analyzes pre-existing conditions to infer causality; uses comparative data techniques.
Quasi-Experimental Research: Establishes cause-and-effect relationships without random assignment; focuses on intact groups.
Experimental Research: Involves manipulation of variables to determine effects; rigorously controls conditions and assignments.

Qualitative Research Example

Phenomenology on Students' Academic Performances: Exploration through lived experiences such as achievements and struggles across time.

Four Aspects of Lived Experience

Lived Space: Spatiality and interaction with surrounding environments.
Lived Body: Real existence and physicality through experiences.
Lived Time: The temporal aspect of experiences and achievements.
Lived Relations: Interactions with others concerning achievements and their influences.

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Description

This quiz explores the objectives and characteristics of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Learn to identify the processes, data types, and analysis techniques used in both approaches. Test your understanding of how these methods differ and their implications for research.