RMC1

Chapter 1

The Selection of a Research Approach

Introduction

• Research approaches – plans and the procedures for research that span the steps

• Research designs – procedures for inquiry

• Research methods – specific data collection, analysis, and interpretation methods

• Research problem – issue being addressed

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The Three Approaches to Research

• Qualitative

• Quantitative

• Mixed methods

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Qualitative research:

•Focuses on understanding meaning

•Uses emerging questions

•Collects data in participant’s setting

•Uses the an inductive approach to analysis

•Has a written report that is flexible in structure

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The Three Approaches to Research

Quantitative research:

•Tests objective theories

•Examines relationships among measurable variables

•Uses survey instruments that produce numbered data

•Uses statistical analysis of data generated

•Tests theories deductively

•Uses a set structure for the final report

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The Three Approaches to Research

Mixed methods research:

•Collects both quantitative and qualitative data

•Integrates the two forms of data

•Uses distinct designs that may involve philosophy or theory

•Yields additional insight to a research problem

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The Three Approaches to Research

Three Components Involved in an Approach

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Philosophical worldviews:

•Beliefs about the world and nature of research

•Make explicit in proposal

•Four common worldviews: – Postpositivism – Constructivism – Transformative – Pragmatism

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Three Components Involved in an Approach

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Three Components Involved in an Approach

Research designs:

•Types of inquiry

•Qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods

•Provides specific direction for procedures

•Types of designs have grown

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Three Components Involved in an Approach

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Three Components Involved in an Approach

Quantitative research designs:

•Causal-comparative research

•Correlational design

•Survey research

•Experimental research

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Three Components Involved in an Approach

Qualitative research designs:

•Narrative research

•Phenomenological research

•Grounded theory

•Ethnography

•Case studies

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Three Components Involved in an Approach

Mixed methods research designs:

•Integration of quantitative and qualitative research and data and analyses

•Core designs – Convergent parallel mixed methods – Explanatory sequential mixed methods – Exploratory sequential mixed methods

•Complex designs (e.g., experiment)

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Three Components Involved in an Approach

Research methods:

•Specific forms of – Data collection (e.g., instrument, observations) – Analysis (e.g., statistical analysis, interpret themes) – Interpretation

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Three Components Involved in an Approach

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Three Components Involved in an Approach

Research Approaches as Worldviews, Design, and Methods

• Research approach tends to be quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods

• Compare philosophy, strategies, methods

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Research Approaches as Worldviews, Design, and Methods

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Research Approaches as Worldviews, Design, and Methods

• Quantitative approach scenario: – Postpositivist worldview – Experimental design – Pretest and posttest measures of attitudes

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Research Approaches as Worldviews, Design, and Methods

• Qualitative approach scenario: – Constructivist worldview – Ethnographic design – Observation of behavior

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Research Approaches as Worldviews, Design, and Methods

• Qualitative approach scenario: – Transformative worldview – Narrative design – Open-ended interviewing

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Research Approaches as Worldviews, Design, and Methods

• Mixed methods approach scenario: – Pragmatic worldview – Collection of both quantitative and qualitative data

sequentially in the design

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Research Approaches as Worldviews, Design, and Methods

Criteria for Selecting a Research Approach

The research problem and questions:

• Quantitative approach is best when – Identifying factors that influence a particular

outcome – Evaluating the utility of an intervention – Understanding best predictors of an outcome

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The research problem and questions:

•Qualitative approach is best when – The topic is new – The subject has not been addressed with a certain

sample – Existing theories do not apply

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Criteria for Selecting a Research Approach

The research problem and questions:

• Mixed methods approach is best when: –Neither quantitative nor qualitative approaches are adequate to understand a research problem –The strength of qualitative and quantitative approaches provides the best understanding –E.g., generalize findings and develop detailed view

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Criteria for Selecting a Research Approach

Personal experiences:

• Training

• Preferences

• Time

• Resources

• Experiences

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Criteria for Selecting a Research Approach

Audience:

•Journal editors

•Journal readers

•Faculty committees

•Conference attendees

•Colleagues in the field

•Advisers

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Criteria for Selecting a Research Approach

Summary

• Identify approach as qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods

• Approach includes worldview, research design, and research methods

• Choice of approach – Research problem – Personal experiences – Audience

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