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Research Methodology and Program Evaluation

Vibert Jacob

South University

August 7, 2018

Abstract

The research paper will leverage the use quantitative research methodology which is one of the critical methodologies which is effective in providing numerical representation of observations of variables under consideration. The method has numerous advantages over the mixed-methods and qualitative methodology including its being objective and supporting large sample size in drawing generations of the population under study. Collection of data using quantitative research methodology mainly relies on different sources including secondary data and surveys as well as observations. The research paper will use such sources of information in making observation and drawing inferences about the key characteristics of variables under study.

Keywords: Quantitative Research Methodology, Surveys, Questionnaires, data collection sources.

Research Methodology and Program Evaluation

Introduction

Quantitative research methodology is critical in proving effective numerical representation of observations to describe and explain phenomena under study. In this evaluation of the program, the method will be vital in portraying the challenges facing the healthcare sector as well as the concerted efforts put in place by key stakeholders including the government. I chose this methodology since it will help in presenting unbiased information on the variables under study with mathematical quantification as well as in expressing test relationships. Quantitative research is an empirical evaluation of the problems to be studied and determines the extent to which the policy or program implementations are in tandem with a particular set of standards (Creswell & Creswell, 2017). Therefore, quantitative research methodology is one of the most appropriate choices in the collection and analysis of information concerning the challenges bedeviling the healthcare sector in the United States.

Advantages of Quantitative Research Methodology

Assessment of the quantitative research methodology shows numerous strengths of the method. Quantitative research method has numerous benefits as compared to qualitative and mixed methods methodology in researching the identified phenomena under study. For instance, it provides clear statistical data for inference and supports large sample sizes which are critical in assessing generality over the population under investigation. In other words, quantitative research methodology is statistically based and provide little to no room for personal accounting. Therefore, quantitative research methodology is a vital conducting assessment of key variables to be studied since it is objective and comparison can be drawn from such data (Walliman, 2017).

Sources and Collection of Data

There are various sources of information in the quantitative research approach. Some of the common sources include surveys, observations, and secondary data. The survey can be electronic-based or conducted manually with the view of capturing the information from the selected research study subjects. Additionally, observation entails taking counts of the phenomena to be studied as well as in coding of informational observation data into numerical information. On the other hand, secondary data sources mainly relate with the analysis of documented information including annual reports and other important records of paramount important in the research study (Hammersley, 2017).

Numerous methods can be used in the collection of information and data from the identified sources of information. For instance, surveying is one of the most common methods of data collection in quantitative research methods. A representative of the population to be studied is identified, and questionnaires are administered to the participants. Conversely, observational study is also another critical method which helps the research to assess the characteristics of the participants and draw a conclusion. On the other hand, researchers can leverage the benefits of interviews in the collecting desired information data. It involves conducting face-to-face with the interviewees, the research study subjects. Open-ended or close-ended questions can be administered depending on the type of information the research may want to collect (Hammersley, 2017).

Conclusion

Therefore, it is essential to note quantitative research methodology is critical in providing a statistically based approach which facilitates effective data-driven decisions. Unlike the qualitative research and mixed-method methods, quantitative research methodology has numerous advantages including being objective and presenting unbiased information about the variables under study.

References

Creswell, W. J., & Creswell, D. J. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. New York: Sage publications.

Hammersley, M. (2017). Deconstructing the qualitative-quantitative divide 1. In Mixing methods: Qualitative and quantitative research. New Jersey: Routledge.

Walliman, N. (2017). Research methods: The basics. New York: Routledge.