Unit I Essay Research

RCH 8301, Quantitative Research Methods 1

Course Learning Outcomes for Unit I Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Differentiate between quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research design methods. 1.1 Compare and contrast qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Course/Unit Learning Outcomes

Learning Activity

1.1

Unit Lesson Chapter 1, pp. 3–16 Chapter 2, pp. 21–33 Chapter 3, pp. 39–53 Unit I Essay

Required Unit Resources Chapter 1: Definitions, Purposes, and Dimensions of Research, pp. 3–16 Chapter 2: Planning a Quantitative Research Project, pp. 21–33 Chapter 3: Variables, Research Questions, and Hypotheses, pp. 39–53

Unit Lesson Unit I explores conceptual definitions of variable, variable types, research questions, and research types in order to ensure that you have a deep foundation rooted in these underlying principles. This unit will provide insight about practical implementation of conducting real-time research. It will outline a structural framework for planning a quantitative research study along with the related definitions of paradigms, approaches, and dimensions of research.

Variables

“A variable is defined as a characteristic of the participants or situation for a given study that has different values” (Gliner et al., 2017, p. 39). In research, variables are termed as the central idea of a study that give meaning to a research direction. Variables can be placed into different categories. An independent variable is a “variable that is assumed to affect or predict the value(s) of another variable” (Gliner et al., 2017, p. 39). A dependent variable is “assumed to measure or assess the effect of the independent variable” (Gliner et al., 2017, p. 39). The dependent variable is considered as an object of the study that is influenced by the independent variables.

An independent variable is further characterized in two ways: 1) being active or manipulated and 2) being an attribute or measured variable. An active independent variable is also called a manipulated or experimental

UNIT I STUDY GUIDE

Planning a Research Study

(Aleximx, n.d.)

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variable where the researcher has control over its manipulation. Contrary to the active independent variable, it can be an attribute or measured variable in which manipulation is not possible. One of the core purposes of conducting research is the identification of a causal relationship, which demonstrates that an independent variable puts an impact on the dependent variable (i.e., independent is the cause and dependent is the effect). To infer the cause-and-effect relationship, three conditions must be fulfilled: 1) time ordering, 2) association, and 3) non-spuriousness relationship. An independent variable is also categorized as a grouping variable because of the existence of different levels, which are the values of variables participating in the same intervention. It is possible to include multiple independent and dependent variables in the research.

Research hypotheses and research questions are other important aspects of the study. A hypothesis is the predictor statement of research that defines what a researcher expects the outcome to be. It can be categorized as a null and alternative hypothesis, negation of a relationship and detailing the association, or confirming a relationship between variables respectively. The three types of research questions include descriptive, observational, and associational questions. A descriptive question entails the description of happenings or existing characteristics. An observational question is based upon observing the mutual impact of variables on each other. Finally, a difference question, which is also called a causal question, determines the impact of change in one known variable on others in the same context (Gliner et al., 2017). A research question must

incorporate clarity, have a focused approach, be concise, have complexity, and have agreeableness to validate the authenticity of the research.

Planning the Research Project

Planning the research project is the most important aspect because it determines the success and failure rate of a study and identifies its direction (Baron & Kenny, 1986). The planning steps include identifying the research problem and reviewing literature to formulate the body of the intended research. The research problem is the concerned area, topic, or condition, which the researcher highlights and identifies with the purpose to solve, improve, reduce, or eliminate it. The research problem can be identified from the existing literature, theory, or practice, which requires deliberate investigation and immediate attention. A thoughtful research problem statement must be concise, brief, to the point, and backed up with assertions. Too broad or too narrow of research referents should be avoided; if the research has too broad a scope, the research might lose direction, and if the research has too narrow a scope, it might not cover all of the referents (Isaac & Michael, 1985). Furthermore, the research problem should be backed by in-depth research and respective points that validate the highlighted issue. It can be an extension of an existing research work as long as the scope is broadened and the territory is unexplored.

Qualitative and Quantitative Research

Quantitative and qualitative research methods are the two main research methods. A mixed methods research design is a combination of the two. Key differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods have been listed below.

 Qualitative research makes use of non-numerical data while quantitative research uses numerical data.

 Qualitative research draws generalizations while quantitative research is more precise.

 Qualitative research uses an inductive approach while quantitative research used a deductive approach.

 Qualitative research uses purposive sampling method while quantitative research uses a random sampling method.

 Qualitative research uses descriptive data while quantitative research uses measurable data.

 Qualitative research is unstructured while quantitative research is more structured.

(Mrchan, n.d.)

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 Qualitative research uses an exploratory approach while quantitative research uses a conclusive approach.

Literature Review

The literature review, as is evident from its name, is the in- depth analysis of all the previous research and studies that have been conducted on the researcher’s topic of interest. A researcher sifts through books, scholarly articles, and published journals, and he or she provides a description, evaluation, and critical review within the context of the research problem. Theoretical and methodological assertions about the topic are also a significant part of the literature review section. Both primary and secondary sources of literature are viable for research. Primary sources refer to the original work, including reports embodying all of the original and firsthand information that the researcher has collected. Secondary resources provide secondhand data, which is not original about the research topic. The distinguishing factor between primary and secondary is that all of the secondary sources are descriptions of original work, which include critical studies, review-based papers, and biographies (Gliner et al., 2017). Research is a systematic and careful study that details a specific problem. It uses scientific techniques to discover and interpret facts in order to better understand the investigated issue or concern. Research then poses a question about the facts. Research entails theory development, theory review and critical assessment, practical implementation of a theory, and development of research tools and techniques. Another purpose of the research might be the researcher’s personal interest of gaining the knowledge.

Types of Research

There are different types of research. Theoretical research strives to gather information about a phenomenon that may not have any real-world application but may extend existing knowledge. Applied research is a methodological technique that is conducted with a purpose to solve a practical concern or issue. Field-based research occurs in a natural setting, whereas laboratory research is confined to the lab by using special equipment or subjects of the study. A participant research report is specifically related to ethnographic studies but can be used in a variety of research. Observatory research has a systematic structure that is related to observing the people in social and natural situations, including prolonged engagement. It is also termed correlational or nonexperimental research, which does not include an artificial environment or a setting (Gliner et al, 2017). Research data is the main component of a study and is widely accepted by the research communities to obtain the answers of research. Research data is the evidence used to support research conclusions. Quantitative data is the numeric form of data that can be easily measured, and qualitative data is descriptive data whose information cannot be measured. Research paradigms, which are frameworks for solving problems, can either be positivist, which are most likely to be quantitative methods; constructivist, which will use qualitative methods; or pragmatic, which uses a mixed methods approach. The choice of the research approach depends on the researcher’s selection and the requirements of the study. They include experimental, descriptive, or observational modes. This unit covered all of the foundational concepts of research, including the methodological mediums, approaches, and methods, and the underlying concept of how to conduct a research-based study. The process of research planning and the description of related components, including problem statement and literature reviews, was also reviewed. The content in this unit should help you gain practical insight into conducting research.

(Vaeenma, n.d.)

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References

Aleximx. (n.d.). Business research concept on the gearwheels, 3D rendering (ID 78439846) [Illustration]. Dreamstime. https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-illustration-business-research-concept-gearwheels- d-rendering-image78439846

Baron, R. M., & Kenny, D. A. (1986). The moderator-mediator variable distinction in social psychological

research: Conceptual, strategic, and statistical considerations. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 51, 1173–1182. https://libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direc t=true&db=pdh&AN=1987-13085-001&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Gliner, J. A., Morgan, G. A., & Leech, N. L. (2017). Research methods in applied settings: An integrated

approach to design and analysis (3rd ed.). Routledge. Isaac, S., & Michael, W. B. (1995). Handbook in research and evaluation: A collection of principles, methods,

and strategies useful in the planning, design and evaluation of studies in education and the behavioral sciences. EDITS.

Mrchan. (n.d.). Business vision concept. Ideas, problem (ID 53417050) [Illustration]. Dreamstime.

https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-illustration-business-vision-concept-magnifying-glass-lot-other- words-paper-showing-blank-space-image53417050

Vaeenma. (n.d.). Qualitative data collection tools (ID 85644895) [Image]. Dreamstime.

https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photo-qualitative-data-collection-tools-diagram-image85644895

Learning Activities (Nongraded) Nongraded Learning Activities are provided to aid students in their course of study. You do not have to submit them. If you have questions, contact your instructor for further guidance and information. Part I: Complete the Unit I Check Your Knowledge Activity to gain a better understanding of the lesson topic. (Transcript for the Unit I Check Your Knowledge Activity) Part II: Review the “Interpretation Questions” and “Application Problems” at the end of Chapters 1, 2, and 3.