Every Researcher Faces Many Uncertainties

Every Researcher Is Faced With A Host Of Uncertainties As They Embark

Every researcher is faced with a host of uncertainties as they embark upon any respective research endeavor. Decisions have to be made, methodologies finalized, data analyzed, and inferences made. As you begin adding the final touches to your Final Project, take a moment to reflect on the course you took and the decisions you made as you finalize the form your proposal will take. Which research methodology did you select? What about your research study led you to select this methodology? Your initial post should be at least 400 words in length.

Paper For Above instruction

Research methodologies serve as the foundational framework guiding the entire process of scholarly investigation. In my final project, I opted for a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative methods to thoroughly explore the research problem. This decision was influenced by the complex nature of the research questions I sought to address, which required both numerical measurement and in-depth understanding of participants’ experiences.

The choice of a mixed-methods approach was driven by the need to balance breadth and depth. Quantitative methods, such as surveys and structured data collection, allowed me to gather measurable data that could be statistically analyzed to identify patterns and relationships. This provided a broad overview of the phenomenon under study. Conversely, qualitative methods, including interviews and open-ended questions, enabled me to delve into the nuances of individual perspectives, revealing insights that numbers alone could not fully capture. Combining these approaches strengthened the validity of my findings by triangulating data sources, thus enhancing reliability and depth.

The decision to select this methodology was also influenced by the nature of the research problem, which involved understanding both the prevalence of certain behaviors and the underlying motivations behind them. For example, I aimed to quantify how widespread a specific attitude was among participants while also exploring their underlying reasons for holding those attitudes. A purely quantitative approach would not have sufficiently uncovered these motivations, nor would a solely qualitative approach have provided the generalizable data necessary for broader application.

Furthermore, the mixed-methods approach was aligned with the underlying philosophy of pragmatism, which emphasizes practical solutions and adaptable strategies in research. This methodology's flexibility allowed me to tailor data collection techniques to suit the research questions at hand, ensuring that I could adapt as needed based on preliminary findings or unforeseen challenges during data collection.

In sum, I selected the mixed-methods methodology because of the complexity of my research questions, the need for comprehensive data, and a pragmatic approach to capturing both measurable patterns and rich contextual insights. This decision was crucial in shaping my research design, enabling me to generate more holistic and credible findings that could inform both theory and practice.

References

• Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2018). Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research. Sage Publications.
• Kelley, K., Clark, B., Brown, V., & Sitzia, J. (2003). Good practice in the conduct of this review. International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 15(3), 210–216.
• Morse, J. M. (2015). Critical Issues in Qualitative Research Design. In N. K. Denzin & Y. S. Lincoln (Eds.), The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research (5th ed., pp. 155-171). Sage Publications.
• Tashakkori, A., & Teddlie, C. (2010). Mixed Methodology: Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. Sage Publications.
• Fetters, M. D., Curry, L. A., & Creswell, J. W. (2013). Achieving Integration in Mixed Methods Designs — Principles and Practices. Health Services Research, 48(6pt2), 2134–2156.
• Onwuegbuzie, A. J., & Leech, N. L. (2006). Validity and Qualitative Research: An Oxymoron? Participation in Qualitative Research. The Qualitative Report, 11(3), 514–535.
• Bryman, A. (2007). Barriers to Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Research. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 1(1), 8–22.
• Johnson, R. B., & Onwuegbuzie, A. J. (2004). Mixed Methods Research: A Research Paradigm Whose Time Has Come. Educational Researcher, 33(7), 14–26.
• Silverman, D. (2016). Qualitative Research. Sage Publications.
• Cairns, P. (2010). The Pragmatic Approach in Applied Social Research. Journal of Practical Research, 5(2), 45-59.