Types of Research<\/h1> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t <\/div>\n\t \t<\/div>\n\t\t <\/div>\n\t \n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \t \n\t\t\t\n\t \t \t \n\t\t \n\n\n\n \n Research is often put into categories:<\/p>\n
\n- pure and applied<\/li>\n
- quantitative and qualitative<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Pure and applied research<\/strong><\/p>\nPure research (also known as \u201cbasic\u201d or \u201cfundamental\u201d research) is exploratory in nature and is conducted without any practical end-use in mind. It is driven by gut instinct, interest, curiosity or intuition, and simply aims to advance knowledge and to identify\/explain relationships between variables. However, as the term \u201cfundamental\u201d suggests, pure research may provide a foundation for further, sometimes applied research.<\/p>\n
In general, applied research is not carried out for its own sake but in order to solve specific, practical questions or problems. It tends to be descriptive, rather than exploratory and is often based upon pure research. However, the distinction between applied and pure research may sometimes be unclear; for example, is research into the genetic codes of plants being carried out simply to advance knowledge or for possible future commercial exploitation? It could be argued that the only real difference between these two categories of research is the length of time between research and reasonably foreseeable practical applications, either in the public or private sectors.<\/p>\n
Quantitative and qualitative research <\/strong><\/p>\nThe terms \u201cquantitative research\u201d and \u201cqualitative research\u201d are commonly used within the research community and implicitly indicate the nature of research being undertaken and the types of assumptions being made. In reality, many research activities do not fall neatly into one or other category,<\/p>\n
Some quantitative studies involve mathematics so complex that very few researchers are able to understand and reproduce the work. In contrast, some qualitative research studies can be carried out in a systematic and logically ordered fashion that may be replicated relatively easily by other researchers. The reverse is also true.<\/p>\n
However, most research does not fit clearly into one category or the other. Many studies are best performed using features of both. For example, trends in economic behaviour may be presented as time series graphs, analysed statistically and modelled mathematically, but individual events (i.e. a blip on the graph) may best be explained using a qualitative approach (e.g. an in-depth personal interview).<\/p>\n
All research (quantitative or qualitative) is based on some underlying assumptions about what constitutes \u201cvalid\u201d research and which research methods are appropriate. In quantitative research, methods of observation are submitted to tests of reliability and validity to establish the credibility of these observations. This can be done using a range of methods, many of which are statistical. Qualitative research checks reliability and validity in the form of prolonged treatment, triangulation, and persistent observation.<\/p>\n
Both approaches have their own ways of sampling. Random sampling (or stratified random sampling) is often preferred in quantitative research as it allows the researcher to pick a representation of a larger group and the results can be generalised to the larger group. In qualitative research, sampling is generally not random since the researcher is trying to find a subject or group that is especially suited to the topic area.<\/p>\n
The practitioners of quantitative approach argue that it is\u00a0 \u201cobjective\u201d, which means that it tries to be unbiased toward its subjects and has no interaction with a study\u2019s participants.\u00a0 Quantitative approaches often focus on tightly controlled variables in a structured setting to provide an explanation of theories, with an emphasis on gathering and validating knowledge through systematic, objective observations. Quantitative research counts and measures behaviour with scales, tools, or interventions<\/p>\n
Qualitative research tries to understand the subject\u2019s viewpoint.\u00a0 Qualitative approaches can have flexible variables and tend to provide an in-depth description of a topic or participant.<\/p>\n
As a consequence, the approach and methods used by quantitative or qualitative research are different, leading to differences in research design.<\/p>\n
There is an ongoing, often quite fierce debate between some practitioners of qualitative and quantitative research. Quantitative researchers often argue that reliability and validity are difficult to prove when doing qualitative research and the approach is too subjective. Quantitative research regards itself as objective and \u2018value-free\u2019; many Feminist evaluators have attacked what they call the \u2018myth\u2019 of value-free scientific inquiry. Qualitative researchers also argue that most quantitative data is based on qualitative judgement, i.e. numbers can\u2019t be interpreted without understanding the assumptions which lie beneath them.<\/p>\n
The key features outlined below for quantitative and qualitative research are generalisations but provide an outline for you.<\/p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n \n
\n \n \n - \n \n \n <\/i> <\/i>\t\t\t Features of quantitative research<\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n \t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t
Quantitative research methods describe phenomena in a numerical format for example:<\/p>\n
\n- the height of a person (in metres)<\/li>\n
- the weight of a person (in kilograms)<\/li>\n
- the age of a person (in years and months)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The key features of quantitative research are:<\/p>\n
\n- it is usually based upon numerical measurements and thus tends to use numbers and statistical methods of analysis<\/li>\n
- it tends to be associated with large scale studies and with a specific focus, often condensing information from a large number of specific occurrences to investigate causal hypotheses<\/li>\n
- it is a very controlled approach to research<\/li>\n
- validity and reliability can be measured numerically using statistical tests<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
There are three primary types of quantitative research designs:<\/p>\n
\n- Experimental<\/li>\n
- Quasi-experimental<\/li>\n
- Descriptive and correlational<\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n
- \n \n \n <\/i> <\/i>\t\t\t Features of qualitative research<\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n \t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t
Qualitative research takes an inductive approach and its methods were developed in the social sciences to enable researchers to study social and cultural phenomena<\/p>\n
There is no universally accepted definition of qualitative research, although it is accepted that data collected during qualitative research activities is usually not numerical. Qualitative approaches to research are based on a \u201cworld view\u201d which is holistic and has the following beliefs:<\/p>\n
\n- there is not a single reality<\/li>\n
- reality is based upon perceptions that are different for each person and change over time<\/li>\n
- what we know has meaning only within a given situation or context<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A range of terms is employed to indicate that the approach to research being used is qualitative; these include holistic, naturalistic, ethnographic, constructivist and interpretive. One significant difference between qualitative and quantitative research approaches is that no intervention or control group is used in qualitative research.<\/p>\n
The key features of qualitative research are that:<\/p>\n
\n- it is not based upon numerical measurements and does not use numbers and statistical methods as key research indicators and tools<\/li>\n
- it uses words as the unit of analysis and often takes an in-depth, holistic or rounded approach to events\/issues\/case studies<\/li>\n
- it tends to be associated with description<\/li>\n
- it tends to be associated with small-scale studies and a holistic perspective, often studying a single occurrence or small number of occurrences\/case studies in great depth<\/li>\n
- it does not investigate causal hypotheses<\/li>\n
- it develops and tests theories as part of an ongoing process<\/li>\n
- it tends to be associated with researcher involvement and with the researcher acting as a measurement tool<\/li>\n
- it tends to be associated with emergent research design<\/li>\n
- it use a wide range of approaches and analyses in a fashion that is sometimes impossible to replicate yet this does not invalidate the research<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Examples of qualitative research methods are:<\/p>\n
\n- action research<\/li>\n
- case study<\/li>\n
- grounded theory<\/li>\n
- historical methods<\/li>\n
- ethnography<\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n
Choice of research method<\/strong><\/p>\nDeciding how to research something is an important part of becoming a researcher. You need to make an informed choice about the research methods you will use and be able to justify why you think that they are the most appropriate. You have to take into account what other people have done so it is important to read widely the literature that is related to your proposed area of research. You may have to read up on research methods that you haven’t used before in order to learn whether they are appropriate and how to use them.<\/p>\n
These are questions to keep in mind as you consider which research methods are the most appropriate for your project.<\/p>\n
\n- What do you need to find out – how are you going to do this?<\/li>\n
- Is there more than one way of finding out what you need?<\/li>\n
- What methods have other people used in similar situations and why?<\/li>\n
- What are the strengths and limitations of the methods you are considering?<\/li>\n
- How do these limitations influence what you can find out and what you can conclude from your results?<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n
\n - \n \n \n <\/i> <\/i>\t\t\t Popular methods<\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n \t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t
Action Research<\/strong><\/p>\nThis is generally applied in the social sciences. It seeks transformative change through the simultaneous process of taking action and doing research, which are linked together by critical reflection.<\/p>\n
Case Study<\/strong><\/p>\nIn the social and life sciences, a case study is a research method involving an up-close, in-depth, and detailed examination of a particular case.<\/p>\n
Coding <\/strong><\/p>\nA procedure by which raw data are transformed into meaningful categories. For example, a process of categorising data from open-ended questions.<\/p>\n
Ethnography<\/strong><\/p>\nInvolves the production of highly detailed accounts of how people in a social setting lead their lives, based on systematic and long-term observation of, and discussion with, those people.<\/p>\n
Evaluation<\/strong><\/p>\nThe systematic determination of the value, validity, or effectiveness of something often in terms of some kind of intervention.<\/p>\n
Interviews <\/strong><\/p>\nIntensive open-ended individual interviews which deeply explore the respondent’s point of view, feelings and perspectives.<\/p>\n
Mixed Methods<\/strong><\/p>\nInquiry that combines two or more methods. This particular term usually refers to mixing that crosses the quantitative-qualitative boundary.<\/p>\n
Narrative Research<\/strong><\/p>\nFocused on the getting and interpretation of people’s narrative accounts of their experience.<\/p>\n
Observational Research<\/strong><\/p>\nThe researcher observes research participants in some way. The extent to which the presence of the researcher is apparent to those being studied can vary.<\/p>\n
Questionnaires<\/strong><\/p>\nA set of questions and their corresponding response categories (either printed or in electronic form) used with or without the presence of an interviewer as a means of collecting structured data from respondents.<\/p>\n
Survey<\/strong><\/p>\nGenerally refers to a research method that involves asking a sample of people a set of pre-prepared questions on a single occasion in order to gather data about their opinions and behaviour.<\/p>\t\t\t <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n\n\n
\n Books on research methods<\/h3> \n The library has books on research methods which you might find useful. Use the library catalogue<\/a> to find these books and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n\u00a0<\/p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n \n
\n Books on research methods<\/h3> \n\t\t\n \n\n\n\t- \n\t\n\t\t
![\"book1\"](\"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/researchmethods\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/308\/2020\/06\/book1.jpg\")
<\/a>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t- \n\t\n\t\t
![\"book2\"](\"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/researchmethods\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/308\/2020\/06\/book2.jpg\")
<\/a>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t- \n\t\n\t\t
![\"book5\"](\"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/researchmethods\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/308\/2020\/06\/book5.jpg\")
<\/a>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t- \n\t\n\t\t
![\"book6\"](\"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/researchmethods\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/308\/2020\/06\/book6.jpg\")
<\/a>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t- \n\t\n\t\t
![\"book7\"](\"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/researchmethods\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/308\/2020\/06\/book7.jpg\")
<\/a>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t- \n\t\n\t\t
![\"book4\"](\"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/researchmethods\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/308\/2020\/06\/book4.jpg\")
<\/a>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\t- \n\t\n\t\t
![\"book1\"](\"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/researchmethods\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/308\/2020\/06\/book1-300x200.jpg\")
\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t- \n\t\n\t\t
![\"book2\"](\"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/researchmethods\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/308\/2020\/06\/book2-300x200.jpg\")
\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t- \n\t\n\t\t
![\"book5\"](\"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/researchmethods\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/308\/2020\/06\/book5-300x200.jpg\")
\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t- \n\t\n\t\t
![\"book6\"](\"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/researchmethods\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/308\/2020\/06\/book6-282x200.jpg\")
\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t- \n\t\n\t\t
![\"book7\"](\"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/researchmethods\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/308\/2020\/06\/book7-280x200.jpg\")
\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t- \n\t\n\t\t
![\"book4\"](\"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/researchmethods\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/308\/2020\/06\/book4-253x200.jpg\")
\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n \u00a0<\/p>\n
The next section<\/strong><\/a> describes the originality and critical analysis\u00a0of research.<\/p>\n![\"page](\"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/researchmethods\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/308\/2021\/08\/page2of5.png\")
<\/p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t <\/div>\n\t \t<\/div>\n\t\t <\/div>\n\t \n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Types of Research Research is often put into categories: pure and applied quantitative and qualitative Pure and applied research Pure research (also known as \u201cbasic\u201d or \u201cfundamental\u201d research) is exploratory in nature and is conducted without any practical end-use in mind. It is driven by gut instinct, interest, curiosity or intuition, and simply aims to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3722,"featured_media":0,"parent":2689,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4474","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","has-post-title","has-post-date","has-post-category","has-post-tag","has-post-comment","has-post-author",""],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/Patqgi-1aa","builder_content":"
Types of Research<\/h1>\n
Research is often put into categories:<\/p>
- pure and applied<\/li>
- quantitative and qualitative<\/li> <\/ul>
Pure and applied research<\/strong><\/p> Pure research (also known as \u201cbasic\u201d or \u201cfundamental\u201d research) is exploratory in nature and is conducted without any practical end-use in mind. It is driven by gut instinct, interest, curiosity or intuition, and simply aims to advance knowledge and to identify\/explain relationships between variables. However, as the term \u201cfundamental\u201d suggests, pure research may provide a foundation for further, sometimes applied research.<\/p>
In general, applied research is not carried out for its own sake but in order to solve specific, practical questions or problems. It tends to be descriptive, rather than exploratory and is often based upon pure research. However, the distinction between applied and pure research may sometimes be unclear; for example, is research into the genetic codes of plants being carried out simply to advance knowledge or for possible future commercial exploitation? It could be argued that the only real difference between these two categories of research is the length of time between research and reasonably foreseeable practical applications, either in the public or private sectors.<\/p>
Quantitative and qualitative research <\/strong><\/p> The terms \u201cquantitative research\u201d and \u201cqualitative research\u201d are commonly used within the research community and implicitly indicate the nature of research being undertaken and the types of assumptions being made. In reality, many research activities do not fall neatly into one or other category,<\/p>
Some quantitative studies involve mathematics so complex that very few researchers are able to understand and reproduce the work. In contrast, some qualitative research studies can be carried out in a systematic and logically ordered fashion that may be replicated relatively easily by other researchers. The reverse is also true.<\/p>
However, most research does not fit clearly into one category or the other. Many studies are best performed using features of both. For example, trends in economic behaviour may be presented as time series graphs, analysed statistically and modelled mathematically, but individual events (i.e. a blip on the graph) may best be explained using a qualitative approach (e.g. an in-depth personal interview).<\/p>
All research (quantitative or qualitative) is based on some underlying assumptions about what constitutes \u201cvalid\u201d research and which research methods are appropriate. In quantitative research, methods of observation are submitted to tests of reliability and validity to establish the credibility of these observations. This can be done using a range of methods, many of which are statistical. Qualitative research checks reliability and validity in the form of prolonged treatment, triangulation, and persistent observation.<\/p>
Both approaches have their own ways of sampling. Random sampling (or stratified random sampling) is often preferred in quantitative research as it allows the researcher to pick a representation of a larger group and the results can be generalised to the larger group. In qualitative research, sampling is generally not random since the researcher is trying to find a subject or group that is especially suited to the topic area.<\/p>
The practitioners of quantitative approach argue that it is\u00a0 \u201cobjective\u201d, which means that it tries to be unbiased toward its subjects and has no interaction with a study\u2019s participants.\u00a0 Quantitative approaches often focus on tightly controlled variables in a structured setting to provide an explanation of theories, with an emphasis on gathering and validating knowledge through systematic, objective observations. Quantitative research counts and measures behaviour with scales, tools, or interventions<\/p>
Qualitative research tries to understand the subject\u2019s viewpoint.\u00a0 Qualitative approaches can have flexible variables and tend to provide an in-depth description of a topic or participant.<\/p>
As a consequence, the approach and methods used by quantitative or qualitative research are different, leading to differences in research design.<\/p>
There is an ongoing, often quite fierce debate between some practitioners of qualitative and quantitative research. Quantitative researchers often argue that reliability and validity are difficult to prove when doing qualitative research and the approach is too subjective. Quantitative research regards itself as objective and \u2018value-free\u2019; many Feminist evaluators have attacked what they call the \u2018myth\u2019 of value-free scientific inquiry. Qualitative researchers also argue that most quantitative data is based on qualitative judgement, i.e. numbers can\u2019t be interpreted without understanding the assumptions which lie beneath them.<\/p>
The key features outlined below for quantitative and qualitative research are generalisations but provide an outline for you.<\/p>\n
Features of quantitative research<\/h4>
Quantitative research methods describe phenomena in a numerical format for example:<\/p>
- the height of a person (in metres)<\/li>
- the weight of a person (in kilograms)<\/li>
- the age of a person (in years and months)<\/li> <\/ul>
The key features of quantitative research are:<\/p>
- it is usually based upon numerical measurements and thus tends to use numbers and statistical methods of analysis<\/li>
- it tends to be associated with large scale studies and with a specific focus, often condensing information from a large number of specific occurrences to investigate causal hypotheses<\/li>
- it is a very controlled approach to research<\/li>
- validity and reliability can be measured numerically using statistical tests<\/li> <\/ul>
There are three primary types of quantitative research designs:<\/p>
- Experimental<\/li>
- Quasi-experimental<\/li>
- Descriptive and correlational<\/li> <\/ul><\/li>
Features of qualitative research<\/h4>
Qualitative research takes an inductive approach and its methods were developed in the social sciences to enable researchers to study social and cultural phenomena<\/p>
There is no universally accepted definition of qualitative research, although it is accepted that data collected during qualitative research activities is usually not numerical. Qualitative approaches to research are based on a \u201cworld view\u201d which is holistic and has the following beliefs:<\/p>
- there is not a single reality<\/li>
- reality is based upon perceptions that are different for each person and change over time<\/li>
- what we know has meaning only within a given situation or context<\/li> <\/ul>
A range of terms is employed to indicate that the approach to research being used is qualitative; these include holistic, naturalistic, ethnographic, constructivist and interpretive. One significant difference between qualitative and quantitative research approaches is that no intervention or control group is used in qualitative research.<\/p>
The key features of qualitative research are that:<\/p>
- it is not based upon numerical measurements and does not use numbers and statistical methods as key research indicators and tools<\/li>
- it uses words as the unit of analysis and often takes an in-depth, holistic or rounded approach to events\/issues\/case studies<\/li>
- it tends to be associated with description<\/li>
- it tends to be associated with small-scale studies and a holistic perspective, often studying a single occurrence or small number of occurrences\/case studies in great depth<\/li>
- it does not investigate causal hypotheses<\/li>
- it develops and tests theories as part of an ongoing process<\/li>
- it tends to be associated with researcher involvement and with the researcher acting as a measurement tool<\/li>
- it tends to be associated with emergent research design<\/li>
- it use a wide range of approaches and analyses in a fashion that is sometimes impossible to replicate yet this does not invalidate the research<\/li> <\/ul>
Examples of qualitative research methods are:<\/p>
- action research<\/li>
- case study<\/li>
- grounded theory<\/li>
- historical methods<\/li>
- ethnography<\/li> <\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n
Choice of research method<\/strong><\/p> Deciding how to research something is an important part of becoming a researcher. You need to make an informed choice about the research methods you will use and be able to justify why you think that they are the most appropriate. You have to take into account what other people have done so it is important to read widely the literature that is related to your proposed area of research. You may have to read up on research methods that you haven't used before in order to learn whether they are appropriate and how to use them.<\/p>
These are questions to keep in mind as you consider which research methods are the most appropriate for your project.<\/p>
- What do you need to find out - how are you going to do this?<\/li>
- Is there more than one way of finding out what you need?<\/li>
- What methods have other people used in similar situations and why?<\/li>
- What are the strengths and limitations of the methods you are considering?<\/li>
- How do these limitations influence what you can find out and what you can conclude from your results?<\/li> <\/ul>\n
Popular methods<\/h4>
Action Research<\/strong><\/p> This is generally applied in the social sciences. It seeks transformative change through the simultaneous process of taking action and doing research, which are linked together by critical reflection.<\/p>
Case Study<\/strong><\/p> In the social and life sciences, a case study is a research method involving an up-close, in-depth, and detailed examination of a particular case.<\/p>
Coding <\/strong><\/p> A procedure by which raw data are transformed into meaningful categories. For example, a process of categorising data from open-ended questions.<\/p>
Ethnography<\/strong><\/p> Involves the production of highly detailed accounts of how people in a social setting lead their lives, based on systematic and long-term observation of, and discussion with, those people.<\/p>
Evaluation<\/strong><\/p> The systematic determination of the value, validity, or effectiveness of something often in terms of some kind of intervention.<\/p>
Interviews <\/strong><\/p> Intensive open-ended individual interviews which deeply explore the respondent's point of view, feelings and perspectives.<\/p>
Mixed Methods<\/strong><\/p> Inquiry that combines two or more methods. This particular term usually refers to mixing that crosses the quantitative-qualitative boundary.<\/p>
Narrative Research<\/strong><\/p> Focused on the getting and interpretation of people's narrative accounts of their experience.<\/p>
Observational Research<\/strong><\/p> The researcher observes research participants in some way. The extent to which the presence of the researcher is apparent to those being studied can vary.<\/p>
Questionnaires<\/strong><\/p> A set of questions and their corresponding response categories (either printed or in electronic form) used with or without the presence of an interviewer as a means of collecting structured data from respondents.<\/p>
Survey<\/strong><\/p> Generally refers to a research method that involves asking a sample of people a set of pre-prepared questions on a single occasion in order to gather data about their opinions and behaviour.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n
Books on research methods<\/h3>
The library has books on research methods which you might find useful. Use the library catalogue<\/a> to find these books and more.\u00a0<\/p> \u00a0<\/p>\n
Books on research methods<\/h3>[gallery ids=\"6226,6227,6229,6230,6231,6228\"]\n
\u00a0<\/p>
Research is often put into categories:<\/p>\n
- \n
- pure and applied<\/li>\n
- quantitative and qualitative<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Pure and applied research<\/strong><\/p>\n
Pure research (also known as \u201cbasic\u201d or \u201cfundamental\u201d research) is exploratory in nature and is conducted without any practical end-use in mind. It is driven by gut instinct, interest, curiosity or intuition, and simply aims to advance knowledge and to identify\/explain relationships between variables. However, as the term \u201cfundamental\u201d suggests, pure research may provide a foundation for further, sometimes applied research.<\/p>\n
In general, applied research is not carried out for its own sake but in order to solve specific, practical questions or problems. It tends to be descriptive, rather than exploratory and is often based upon pure research. However, the distinction between applied and pure research may sometimes be unclear; for example, is research into the genetic codes of plants being carried out simply to advance knowledge or for possible future commercial exploitation? It could be argued that the only real difference between these two categories of research is the length of time between research and reasonably foreseeable practical applications, either in the public or private sectors.<\/p>\n
Quantitative and qualitative research <\/strong><\/p>\n
The terms \u201cquantitative research\u201d and \u201cqualitative research\u201d are commonly used within the research community and implicitly indicate the nature of research being undertaken and the types of assumptions being made. In reality, many research activities do not fall neatly into one or other category,<\/p>\n
Some quantitative studies involve mathematics so complex that very few researchers are able to understand and reproduce the work. In contrast, some qualitative research studies can be carried out in a systematic and logically ordered fashion that may be replicated relatively easily by other researchers. The reverse is also true.<\/p>\n
However, most research does not fit clearly into one category or the other. Many studies are best performed using features of both. For example, trends in economic behaviour may be presented as time series graphs, analysed statistically and modelled mathematically, but individual events (i.e. a blip on the graph) may best be explained using a qualitative approach (e.g. an in-depth personal interview).<\/p>\n
All research (quantitative or qualitative) is based on some underlying assumptions about what constitutes \u201cvalid\u201d research and which research methods are appropriate. In quantitative research, methods of observation are submitted to tests of reliability and validity to establish the credibility of these observations. This can be done using a range of methods, many of which are statistical. Qualitative research checks reliability and validity in the form of prolonged treatment, triangulation, and persistent observation.<\/p>\n
Both approaches have their own ways of sampling. Random sampling (or stratified random sampling) is often preferred in quantitative research as it allows the researcher to pick a representation of a larger group and the results can be generalised to the larger group. In qualitative research, sampling is generally not random since the researcher is trying to find a subject or group that is especially suited to the topic area.<\/p>\n
The practitioners of quantitative approach argue that it is\u00a0 \u201cobjective\u201d, which means that it tries to be unbiased toward its subjects and has no interaction with a study\u2019s participants.\u00a0 Quantitative approaches often focus on tightly controlled variables in a structured setting to provide an explanation of theories, with an emphasis on gathering and validating knowledge through systematic, objective observations. Quantitative research counts and measures behaviour with scales, tools, or interventions<\/p>\n
Qualitative research tries to understand the subject\u2019s viewpoint.\u00a0 Qualitative approaches can have flexible variables and tend to provide an in-depth description of a topic or participant.<\/p>\n
As a consequence, the approach and methods used by quantitative or qualitative research are different, leading to differences in research design.<\/p>\n
There is an ongoing, often quite fierce debate between some practitioners of qualitative and quantitative research. Quantitative researchers often argue that reliability and validity are difficult to prove when doing qualitative research and the approach is too subjective. Quantitative research regards itself as objective and \u2018value-free\u2019; many Feminist evaluators have attacked what they call the \u2018myth\u2019 of value-free scientific inquiry. Qualitative researchers also argue that most quantitative data is based on qualitative judgement, i.e. numbers can\u2019t be interpreted without understanding the assumptions which lie beneath them.<\/p>\n
The key features outlined below for quantitative and qualitative research are generalisations but provide an outline for you.<\/p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n \n
\n \n- \n
- \n \n \n <\/i> <\/i>\t\t\t Features of quantitative research<\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n \t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
Quantitative research methods describe phenomena in a numerical format for example:<\/p>\n
- \n
- the height of a person (in metres)<\/li>\n
- the weight of a person (in kilograms)<\/li>\n
- the age of a person (in years and months)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The key features of quantitative research are:<\/p>\n
- \n
- it is usually based upon numerical measurements and thus tends to use numbers and statistical methods of analysis<\/li>\n
- it tends to be associated with large scale studies and with a specific focus, often condensing information from a large number of specific occurrences to investigate causal hypotheses<\/li>\n
- it is a very controlled approach to research<\/li>\n
- validity and reliability can be measured numerically using statistical tests<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
There are three primary types of quantitative research designs:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Experimental<\/li>\n
- Quasi-experimental<\/li>\n
- Descriptive and correlational<\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n
- \n \n \n <\/i> <\/i>\t\t\t Features of qualitative research<\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n \t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
Qualitative research takes an inductive approach and its methods were developed in the social sciences to enable researchers to study social and cultural phenomena<\/p>\n
There is no universally accepted definition of qualitative research, although it is accepted that data collected during qualitative research activities is usually not numerical. Qualitative approaches to research are based on a \u201cworld view\u201d which is holistic and has the following beliefs:<\/p>\n
- \n
- there is not a single reality<\/li>\n
- reality is based upon perceptions that are different for each person and change over time<\/li>\n
- what we know has meaning only within a given situation or context<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A range of terms is employed to indicate that the approach to research being used is qualitative; these include holistic, naturalistic, ethnographic, constructivist and interpretive. One significant difference between qualitative and quantitative research approaches is that no intervention or control group is used in qualitative research.<\/p>\n
The key features of qualitative research are that:<\/p>\n
- \n
- it is not based upon numerical measurements and does not use numbers and statistical methods as key research indicators and tools<\/li>\n
- it uses words as the unit of analysis and often takes an in-depth, holistic or rounded approach to events\/issues\/case studies<\/li>\n
- it tends to be associated with description<\/li>\n
- it tends to be associated with small-scale studies and a holistic perspective, often studying a single occurrence or small number of occurrences\/case studies in great depth<\/li>\n
- it does not investigate causal hypotheses<\/li>\n
- it develops and tests theories as part of an ongoing process<\/li>\n
- it tends to be associated with researcher involvement and with the researcher acting as a measurement tool<\/li>\n
- it tends to be associated with emergent research design<\/li>\n
- it use a wide range of approaches and analyses in a fashion that is sometimes impossible to replicate yet this does not invalidate the research<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Examples of qualitative research methods are:<\/p>\n
- \n
- action research<\/li>\n
- case study<\/li>\n
- grounded theory<\/li>\n
- historical methods<\/li>\n
- ethnography<\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Choice of research method<\/strong><\/p>\n
Deciding how to research something is an important part of becoming a researcher. You need to make an informed choice about the research methods you will use and be able to justify why you think that they are the most appropriate. You have to take into account what other people have done so it is important to read widely the literature that is related to your proposed area of research. You may have to read up on research methods that you haven’t used before in order to learn whether they are appropriate and how to use them.<\/p>\n
These are questions to keep in mind as you consider which research methods are the most appropriate for your project.<\/p>\n
- \n
- What do you need to find out – how are you going to do this?<\/li>\n
- Is there more than one way of finding out what you need?<\/li>\n
- What methods have other people used in similar situations and why?<\/li>\n
- What are the strengths and limitations of the methods you are considering?<\/li>\n
- How do these limitations influence what you can find out and what you can conclude from your results?<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n
- \n
- \n \n \n <\/i> <\/i>\t\t\t Popular methods<\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n \t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
Action Research<\/strong><\/p>\n
This is generally applied in the social sciences. It seeks transformative change through the simultaneous process of taking action and doing research, which are linked together by critical reflection.<\/p>\n
Case Study<\/strong><\/p>\n
In the social and life sciences, a case study is a research method involving an up-close, in-depth, and detailed examination of a particular case.<\/p>\n
Coding <\/strong><\/p>\n
A procedure by which raw data are transformed into meaningful categories. For example, a process of categorising data from open-ended questions.<\/p>\n
Ethnography<\/strong><\/p>\n
Involves the production of highly detailed accounts of how people in a social setting lead their lives, based on systematic and long-term observation of, and discussion with, those people.<\/p>\n
Evaluation<\/strong><\/p>\n
The systematic determination of the value, validity, or effectiveness of something often in terms of some kind of intervention.<\/p>\n
Interviews <\/strong><\/p>\n
Intensive open-ended individual interviews which deeply explore the respondent’s point of view, feelings and perspectives.<\/p>\n
Mixed Methods<\/strong><\/p>\n
Inquiry that combines two or more methods. This particular term usually refers to mixing that crosses the quantitative-qualitative boundary.<\/p>\n
Narrative Research<\/strong><\/p>\n
Focused on the getting and interpretation of people’s narrative accounts of their experience.<\/p>\n
Observational Research<\/strong><\/p>\n
The researcher observes research participants in some way. The extent to which the presence of the researcher is apparent to those being studied can vary.<\/p>\n
Questionnaires<\/strong><\/p>\n
A set of questions and their corresponding response categories (either printed or in electronic form) used with or without the presence of an interviewer as a means of collecting structured data from respondents.<\/p>\n
Survey<\/strong><\/p>\n
Generally refers to a research method that involves asking a sample of people a set of pre-prepared questions on a single occasion in order to gather data about their opinions and behaviour.<\/p>\t\t\t <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n\n\n
\nBooks on research methods<\/h3>
\nThe library has books on research methods which you might find useful. Use the library catalogue<\/a> to find these books and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n \n
\nBooks on research methods<\/h3> \n\t\t\n \n
- \n\n\t
- \n\t\n\t\t<\/a>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t
- \n\t
\n\t\t<\/a>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t- \n\t
\n\t\t<\/a>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t- \n\t
\n\t\t<\/a>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t- \n\t
\n\t\t<\/a>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t- \n\t
\n\t\t<\/a>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n- \n\n\t
- \n\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t
- \n\t
\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t- \n\t
\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t- \n\t
\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t- \n\t
\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n\t- \n\t
\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
The next section<\/strong><\/a> describes the originality and critical analysis\u00a0of research.<\/p>\n
<\/p> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t <\/div>\n\t \t<\/div>\n\t\t <\/div>\n\t \n\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Types of Research Research is often put into categories: pure and applied quantitative and qualitative Pure and applied research Pure research (also known as \u201cbasic\u201d or \u201cfundamental\u201d research) is exploratory in nature and is conducted without any practical end-use in mind. It is driven by gut instinct, interest, curiosity or intuition, and simply aims to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3722,"featured_media":0,"parent":2689,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4474","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","has-post-title","has-post-date","has-post-category","has-post-tag","has-post-comment","has-post-author",""],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/Patqgi-1aa","builder_content":"
Types of Research<\/h1>\n
Research is often put into categories:<\/p>
- pure and applied<\/li>
- quantitative and qualitative<\/li> <\/ul>
Pure and applied research<\/strong><\/p>
Pure research (also known as \u201cbasic\u201d or \u201cfundamental\u201d research) is exploratory in nature and is conducted without any practical end-use in mind. It is driven by gut instinct, interest, curiosity or intuition, and simply aims to advance knowledge and to identify\/explain relationships between variables. However, as the term \u201cfundamental\u201d suggests, pure research may provide a foundation for further, sometimes applied research.<\/p>
In general, applied research is not carried out for its own sake but in order to solve specific, practical questions or problems. It tends to be descriptive, rather than exploratory and is often based upon pure research. However, the distinction between applied and pure research may sometimes be unclear; for example, is research into the genetic codes of plants being carried out simply to advance knowledge or for possible future commercial exploitation? It could be argued that the only real difference between these two categories of research is the length of time between research and reasonably foreseeable practical applications, either in the public or private sectors.<\/p>
Quantitative and qualitative research <\/strong><\/p>
The terms \u201cquantitative research\u201d and \u201cqualitative research\u201d are commonly used within the research community and implicitly indicate the nature of research being undertaken and the types of assumptions being made. In reality, many research activities do not fall neatly into one or other category,<\/p>
Some quantitative studies involve mathematics so complex that very few researchers are able to understand and reproduce the work. In contrast, some qualitative research studies can be carried out in a systematic and logically ordered fashion that may be replicated relatively easily by other researchers. The reverse is also true.<\/p>
However, most research does not fit clearly into one category or the other. Many studies are best performed using features of both. For example, trends in economic behaviour may be presented as time series graphs, analysed statistically and modelled mathematically, but individual events (i.e. a blip on the graph) may best be explained using a qualitative approach (e.g. an in-depth personal interview).<\/p>
All research (quantitative or qualitative) is based on some underlying assumptions about what constitutes \u201cvalid\u201d research and which research methods are appropriate. In quantitative research, methods of observation are submitted to tests of reliability and validity to establish the credibility of these observations. This can be done using a range of methods, many of which are statistical. Qualitative research checks reliability and validity in the form of prolonged treatment, triangulation, and persistent observation.<\/p>
Both approaches have their own ways of sampling. Random sampling (or stratified random sampling) is often preferred in quantitative research as it allows the researcher to pick a representation of a larger group and the results can be generalised to the larger group. In qualitative research, sampling is generally not random since the researcher is trying to find a subject or group that is especially suited to the topic area.<\/p>
The practitioners of quantitative approach argue that it is\u00a0 \u201cobjective\u201d, which means that it tries to be unbiased toward its subjects and has no interaction with a study\u2019s participants.\u00a0 Quantitative approaches often focus on tightly controlled variables in a structured setting to provide an explanation of theories, with an emphasis on gathering and validating knowledge through systematic, objective observations. Quantitative research counts and measures behaviour with scales, tools, or interventions<\/p>
Qualitative research tries to understand the subject\u2019s viewpoint.\u00a0 Qualitative approaches can have flexible variables and tend to provide an in-depth description of a topic or participant.<\/p>
As a consequence, the approach and methods used by quantitative or qualitative research are different, leading to differences in research design.<\/p>
There is an ongoing, often quite fierce debate between some practitioners of qualitative and quantitative research. Quantitative researchers often argue that reliability and validity are difficult to prove when doing qualitative research and the approach is too subjective. Quantitative research regards itself as objective and \u2018value-free\u2019; many Feminist evaluators have attacked what they call the \u2018myth\u2019 of value-free scientific inquiry. Qualitative researchers also argue that most quantitative data is based on qualitative judgement, i.e. numbers can\u2019t be interpreted without understanding the assumptions which lie beneath them.<\/p>
The key features outlined below for quantitative and qualitative research are generalisations but provide an outline for you.<\/p>\n
Features of quantitative research<\/h4>
Quantitative research methods describe phenomena in a numerical format for example:<\/p>
- the height of a person (in metres)<\/li>
- the weight of a person (in kilograms)<\/li>
- the age of a person (in years and months)<\/li> <\/ul>
The key features of quantitative research are:<\/p>
- it is usually based upon numerical measurements and thus tends to use numbers and statistical methods of analysis<\/li>
- it tends to be associated with large scale studies and with a specific focus, often condensing information from a large number of specific occurrences to investigate causal hypotheses<\/li>
- it is a very controlled approach to research<\/li>
- validity and reliability can be measured numerically using statistical tests<\/li> <\/ul>
There are three primary types of quantitative research designs:<\/p>
- Experimental<\/li>
- Quasi-experimental<\/li>
- Descriptive and correlational<\/li> <\/ul><\/li>
Features of qualitative research<\/h4>
Qualitative research takes an inductive approach and its methods were developed in the social sciences to enable researchers to study social and cultural phenomena<\/p>
There is no universally accepted definition of qualitative research, although it is accepted that data collected during qualitative research activities is usually not numerical. Qualitative approaches to research are based on a \u201cworld view\u201d which is holistic and has the following beliefs:<\/p>
- there is not a single reality<\/li>
- reality is based upon perceptions that are different for each person and change over time<\/li>
- what we know has meaning only within a given situation or context<\/li> <\/ul>
A range of terms is employed to indicate that the approach to research being used is qualitative; these include holistic, naturalistic, ethnographic, constructivist and interpretive. One significant difference between qualitative and quantitative research approaches is that no intervention or control group is used in qualitative research.<\/p>
The key features of qualitative research are that:<\/p>
- it is not based upon numerical measurements and does not use numbers and statistical methods as key research indicators and tools<\/li>
- it uses words as the unit of analysis and often takes an in-depth, holistic or rounded approach to events\/issues\/case studies<\/li>
- it tends to be associated with description<\/li>
- it tends to be associated with small-scale studies and a holistic perspective, often studying a single occurrence or small number of occurrences\/case studies in great depth<\/li>
- it does not investigate causal hypotheses<\/li>
- it develops and tests theories as part of an ongoing process<\/li>
- it tends to be associated with researcher involvement and with the researcher acting as a measurement tool<\/li>
- it tends to be associated with emergent research design<\/li>
- it use a wide range of approaches and analyses in a fashion that is sometimes impossible to replicate yet this does not invalidate the research<\/li> <\/ul>
Examples of qualitative research methods are:<\/p>
- action research<\/li>
- case study<\/li>
- grounded theory<\/li>
- historical methods<\/li>
- ethnography<\/li> <\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n
Choice of research method<\/strong><\/p>
Deciding how to research something is an important part of becoming a researcher. You need to make an informed choice about the research methods you will use and be able to justify why you think that they are the most appropriate. You have to take into account what other people have done so it is important to read widely the literature that is related to your proposed area of research. You may have to read up on research methods that you haven't used before in order to learn whether they are appropriate and how to use them.<\/p>
These are questions to keep in mind as you consider which research methods are the most appropriate for your project.<\/p>
- What do you need to find out - how are you going to do this?<\/li>
- Is there more than one way of finding out what you need?<\/li>
- What methods have other people used in similar situations and why?<\/li>
- What are the strengths and limitations of the methods you are considering?<\/li>
- How do these limitations influence what you can find out and what you can conclude from your results?<\/li> <\/ul>\n
Popular methods<\/h4>
Action Research<\/strong><\/p>
This is generally applied in the social sciences. It seeks transformative change through the simultaneous process of taking action and doing research, which are linked together by critical reflection.<\/p>
Case Study<\/strong><\/p>
In the social and life sciences, a case study is a research method involving an up-close, in-depth, and detailed examination of a particular case.<\/p>
Coding <\/strong><\/p>
A procedure by which raw data are transformed into meaningful categories. For example, a process of categorising data from open-ended questions.<\/p>
Ethnography<\/strong><\/p>
Involves the production of highly detailed accounts of how people in a social setting lead their lives, based on systematic and long-term observation of, and discussion with, those people.<\/p>
Evaluation<\/strong><\/p>
The systematic determination of the value, validity, or effectiveness of something often in terms of some kind of intervention.<\/p>
Interviews <\/strong><\/p>
Intensive open-ended individual interviews which deeply explore the respondent's point of view, feelings and perspectives.<\/p>
Mixed Methods<\/strong><\/p>
Inquiry that combines two or more methods. This particular term usually refers to mixing that crosses the quantitative-qualitative boundary.<\/p>
Narrative Research<\/strong><\/p>
Focused on the getting and interpretation of people's narrative accounts of their experience.<\/p>
Observational Research<\/strong><\/p>
The researcher observes research participants in some way. The extent to which the presence of the researcher is apparent to those being studied can vary.<\/p>
Questionnaires<\/strong><\/p>
A set of questions and their corresponding response categories (either printed or in electronic form) used with or without the presence of an interviewer as a means of collecting structured data from respondents.<\/p>
Survey<\/strong><\/p>
Generally refers to a research method that involves asking a sample of people a set of pre-prepared questions on a single occasion in order to gather data about their opinions and behaviour.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n
Books on research methods<\/h3>
The library has books on research methods which you might find useful. Use the library catalogue<\/a> to find these books and more.\u00a0<\/p>
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Books on research methods<\/h3>[gallery ids=\"6226,6227,6229,6230,6231,6228\"]\n
\u00a0<\/p>
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- \n\t
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