A choice between using qualitative or quantitative methods
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Answer (Detailed Solution Below)Option 4 : A framework for every stage of collection and analysis of data Free 15 Questions 30 Marks 15 Mins Research design: It is a framework of methods, tools, and techniques selected by a researcher. "A research design provides a framework for the collection and analysis of data"- this statement is true because
Qualitative Research Design:
Grounded theory:
Key Points The choice of methods to be used is, indeed, very important, as is an understanding of your fundamental research philosophy. But a research design will highlight these choices and other decisions about which elements are considered to be more important than others, as well as your hypotheses about causality and predictability. Therefore, "A research design provides a framework for the collection and analysis of data". Last updated on Nov 10, 2022 The notification for the MH SET (Maharashtra State Eligibility Test) has been released on 10th November 2022. The exam will be taking place on 26th March 2023. The Maharashtra State Eligibility Test is conducted by the Savitribai Phule Pune University. Candidates having a master's degree from a UGC-recognized university are eligible to apply for the exam. The candidates are selected on the basis of the marks acquired in the written examination, comprising two papers. The serious aspirant can go through the MH SET Eligibility Criteria in detail. Deciding between a quantitative design and a qualitative design for your studyChoosing whether you will carry out a quantitative or a qualitative research project is one of the questions that many early career researchers (ECRs) struggle with the most. Both approaches have their own benefits and challenges, so it is vital to give full consideration to the choice between each design. This article will help you to work out which approach you should use for your project. But first, let’s take a look at the difference between the two approaches. Quantitative design vs. qualitative designQuantitative research collects numerical data, such as reaction time, rating scales and temperature. Therefore, quantitative design is used more in STEM disciplines. Qualitative research focuses on people’s experiences. This type of research focuses primarily on collecting non-numerical data by using people-centred methods (such as conducting interviews or surveys, or other forms of data gathering involving direct participant observation), and then studying these data to form an impression of the trends or patterns contained in it. Therefore, qualitative design is used more in SSAH disciplines. Note: There is also mixed-methods design, which combines elements of both quantitative design and qualitative design. Therefore, it is likely to be used in interdisciplinary projects. However, this warrants a separate discussion and is not covered here. Now that we’ve seen the essential differences, let’s explore how you should decide between the two types of design. 1. Determine the nature of the data you are seekingBased on the above knowledge, you should ask yourself this simple but most important question:
Once you are clear about the type of data you wish to obtain, there are some other considerations. 2. Consider the kind of supervision you will receiveAs an ECR, it is important that you have the support of an experienced researcher to help you to execute and complete your project. So as you are planning your research design, you should also consider what supervision is available to you. It could be extremely difficult to complete a quantitative project if the only guidance you will be receiving is from a supervisor or principal investigator (PI) whose research interests are mainly qualitative. Also, it is a good idea to have discussions as early on as possible with your supervisor and/or PI. Discussing the different approaches that you are considering can be helpful for narrowing down your available options. 3. Consider the needs and circumstances of your participantsAlso consider the needs and particular circumstances of your intended participants. If you are working with a group of people who would find traditional experiments more difficult to complete, it might be better to conduct informal interviews with them, to enable them to share their experiences in a way that would work better for them. Alternatively, some groups may find it much easier to fill in some questionnaires or respond to stimuli than to have long discussions about the issue(s) you are studying. In conclusionBy considering these different points, you will be able to make an informed decision as to what kind of approach will be the best fit for your project. Remember that different questions will need different approaches. So, as you’re planning your research design, it’s always a good idea to consider the same questions from different perspectives. Read next (second) in series: How to design a quantitative research study Charlesworth Author Services, a trusted brand supporting the world’s leading academic publishers, institutions and authors since 1928. To know more about our services, visit: Our Services Visit our new Researcher Education Portal that offers articles and webinars covering all aspects of your research to publication journey! And sign up for our newsletter on the Portal to stay updated on all essential researcher knowledge and information! Register now: Researcher Education Portal Maximise your publication success with Charlesworth Author Services. Why would you choose quantitative research?The purpose of quantitative research is to attain greater knowledge and understanding of the social world. Researchers use quantitative methods to observe situations or events that affect people. Quantitative research produces objective data that can be clearly communicated through statistics and numbers.
What is easier quantitative or qualitative?In general, quantitative studies are easier to conduct, but require more participants than qualitative studies. Specifically, data collection in quantitative studies tend to require less time commitment from participants, and the data analysis can be conducted relatively quickly.
Why is qualitative research better?Qualitative research is very important in educational research as it addresses the “how” and “why” research questions and enables deeper understanding of experiences, phenomena, and context. Qualitative research allows you to ask questions that cannot be easily put into numbers to understand human experience.
Why is it important to use qualitative or quantitative descriptors in scientific research?Simply put, quantitative data gets you the numbers to prove the broad general points of your research. Qualitative data brings you the details and the depth to understand their full implications. To get the best results from these methods in your surveys, it's important that you understand the differences between them.
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