According To Creswell 2009, Quantitative Research Is A Means
According To Creswell 2009 Quantitative Research Is A Means For Te
Consider differences in how you might frame a research question in order to explore it using quantitative or qualitative research methods. Submit a 2-page paper that highlights one of the research questions you shared in your discussion post. Design a quantitative research question related to this problem and a qualitative research question related to the same problem. Please use the resources to support your answer.
Paper For Above instruction
Research design plays a pivotal role in shaping the inquiry process, especially when investigating complex phenomena like pain. According to Creswell (2009), quantitative research is geared towards testing objective theories by examining relationships among measurable variables using statistical procedures. Conversely, qualitative research aims to explore and understand the meaning individuals or groups ascribe to social or human issues. These distinct paradigms influence how researchers formulate their research questions, particularly in sensitive areas such as pain, where ethical constraints limit experimental manipulations.
In formulating a research question within this context, a quantitative approach seeks to establish measurable relationships and often involves hypothesis testing. For example, a quantitative research question might be: "Is there a statistically significant relationship between the dose of analgesic administered and reduction in blood pressure among patients experiencing acute pain?" This question is grounded in the measurable variables of drug dosage, blood pressure, and pain levels, and it aims to examine correlations or causal effects using statistical analysis.
On the other hand, a qualitative research question aims to explore the subjective experience of pain, emphasizing understanding the personal and social meaning attributed to pain. An example qualitative question may be: "How do individuals living with chronic pain describe its impact on their daily lives and emotional well-being?" This question seeks rich, detailed narratives and insights into personal experiences, perceptions, and the social context of pain. It focuses on participants’ perspectives and the interpretation of their lived experiences rather than measurement of external variables.
The distinction between these questions reflects the underlying epistemological paradigms. Quantitative questions are suited for hypothesis testing, measurement, and generalization across populations, which aligns with claims of objectivity and empirical validation (Creswell, 2009). Conversely, qualitative questions are designed to generate deep understanding and contextual complexity, emphasizing subjective meanings and interpretations that cannot be easily quantified (Denzin & Lincoln, 2011).
Furthermore, ethical considerations influence the framing of research questions, particularly in pain studies. Ethical standards prohibit researchers from intentionally inflicting pain; hence, measurement based on physiological and self-reported scales becomes essential in quantitative research. Qualitative investigations, however, rely on participants’ narratives without subjecting them to harm, aligning with ethical principles of respect and beneficence. These methodological differences demonstrate the importance of aligning research questions with appropriate paradigms to respect ethical constraints while addressing the research problem effectively.
In conclusion, the way researchers frame their questions depends heavily on their chosen approach—quantitative or qualitative—and the nature of the phenomenon under investigation. Quantitative questions focus on relationships among measurable variables and statistical analysis, offering the potential for generalization and hypothesis testing. Qualitative questions seek to understand subjective experiences, emphasizing depth, context, and meaning. Both types play a vital role in advancing comprehensive knowledge about complex issues like pain, guided by the principles outlined by Creswell (2009) and supported by broader methodological literature.
References
- Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Los Angeles, CA: Sage.
- Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (2011). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research. Sage.
- Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2018). Research methods in education. Routledge.
- Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research & evaluation methods. Sage.
- Glense, C. J. (2011). Becoming qualitative researchers: An introduction. Pearson.
- Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods. Oxford University Press.
- Corbin, J., & Strauss, A. (2015). Basics of qualitative research: Techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory. Sage.
- Schutt, R. K. (2019). Investigating the social world: The process and practice of research. Sage.
- Flick, U. (2018). An introduction to qualitative research. Sage.
- Onwuegbuzie, A. J., & Leech, N. L. (2007). A call for qualitative power analyses. Quality & Quantity, 41(1), 105-121.