Quantitative And Qualitative Research Methods 3

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods

The article illustrates how conclusions about a given study are attained using case studies. Case study research is a qualitative research method that may be experimental or non-experimental depending on the type of study being conducted. The article indicates that conducting a case study demands that the researcher identifies its subjects mainly through random sampling. In non-experimental situations, the researcher may employ surveys to complete their study. Therefore, much of case studies depend on propositions at the beginning.

While utilizing experimental designs, the researcher will subject its samples to laboratory tests by establishing a control and placebos. The purpose of the article is to provide insights into how to utilize case studies to attain valid and reliable data for the study. Notably, case studies ensure that the expected result is obtained accurately. They are significant to a research designing a new study because they employ evidence-based studies in most cases. Thus, any information supplied in the findings represents real-time data from the subjects.

Case studies aid research to repeat a given subset of the study until the desired result is obtained. Historical research is a qualitative method that allows a researcher to examine previous happenings regarding a particular area of study. The purpose of the journal is to examine the historical perspective of the buyer-supplier relationship over time. It illustrates how relationships have been changing with time. With historical research, conclusions are based on past data such as interviews, documentaries, journals, and field notes.

Present and future situations of a certain environment or individuals are determined by their historical behaviors and ways of living. For example, a business enterprise that wants to project its future situation will need to evaluate past sales, revenues, and net incomes to avoid over or underestimating its worth. Historical research is practical and vital for designing new studies since it provides access to relevant information, ensuring that inferences are accurate and evidence-based.

Phenomenology is a qualitative research method often applied in event management. It provides an in-depth philosophical and theoretical framework that aids in uncovering information regarding an occurrence or event. Phenomenology is non-experimental as it utilizes philosophical aspects to detail the dimensions surrounding an event. Understanding phenomena requires defining and explaining the terms used. However, phenomenology has limitations, such as focusing more on the consequences of an event rather than how and why it took place, which makes generalization difficult and introduces subjectivity in findings. Phenomenology is useful for understanding how an event influences current and future behaviors. It also offers propositions and references for future studies through its connection to various theories and thoughts.

The journal by Maronick explores how surveys, a quantitative research method, can be widely utilized across different studies. It compares traditional and web-based survey methods, considering aspects such as response time, sample quality, and panels. Surveys employ tools like interviews, sampling polls, and questionnaires; they are easy to administer and allow respondents to answer within the scope of the study. Closed-ended questionnaires facilitate data encoding for statistical analysis, and web-based surveys enable access to respondents globally without face-to-face interaction. Surveys are critical in research, especially at the initial stages, as they provide baseline data for further detailed studies.

A cause-effect research approach is commonly employed to understand the influence of variables on a sample. Emery emphasizes that this model aims to identify constraints and enhance their viability. It helps in understanding the reason and mechanism through which one aspect influences another. For instance, increased adoption of total quality management (TQM) by businesses could lead to increased competitiveness and productivity. Researchers developing new designs can use this method to analyze how specific variables affect the outcomes observed. It is applicable across fields depending on the research structure, often involving experiments that manipulate variables to observe effects, making it a primarily quantitative method.

In medical and psychological research, cause-effect studies often involve experimental analysis. For example, investigating the health impacts of smoking during pregnancy requires controlling and manipulating environmental conditions to derive valid conclusions. Repeating experiments is critical to account for environmental influences and enhance reliability. Experimental research involves establishing control groups and placebo samples to test hypotheses rigorously. Although time-consuming, this method provides in-depth insights and accurate data for current and future applications, especially when studying aspects that cannot be solely understood philosophically or theoretically.

Paper For Above instruction

Research methodology forms the backbone of any scientific inquiry, guiding how data is collected, analyzed, and interpreted. Among the diverse methods, qualitative and quantitative research approaches serve distinct but often complementary roles. Understanding these methodologies is crucial for designing robust studies that yield valid, reliable, and applicable results.

Qualitative research primarily explores phenomena, behaviors, and perceptions through non-numerical data. The case study method, a hallmark of qualitative research, offers an in-depth examination of a specific unit or event within its real-life context. As elucidated in the referenced article, case studies begin with propositions and rely on various sampling techniques, including random sampling, to identify subjects. They are instrumental when researchers aim for comprehensive understanding rather than generalization, especially in new or complex areas where prior evidence is sparse. For example, case studies are frequently employed to investigate novel medical procedures, corporate strategies, or social behaviors, providing rich contextual insights that inform further quantitative research.

Historical research, another qualitative approach, emphasizes the analysis of past events to understand their influence on present and future conditions. By examining documents, interviews, and archival data, researchers can uncover patterns and causal links relevant to their inquiries. The article highlights the importance of historical analysis in predicting future scenarios, such as in business where past financial data informs projections. This method ensures that conclusions are grounded in evidence, allowing for accurate and comprehensive understanding of trends over time. Its practicality in designing new studies lies in leveraging existing information to formulate hypotheses, validate assumptions, and avoid redundant efforts.

Phenomenology, with its philosophical underpinnings, seeks to understand lived experiences and the essence of phenomena. Situated in event management research, phenomenology emphasizes defining and explicating key terms while acknowledging limitations like subjectivity and reduced generalizability. Its strength lies in providing profound insights into how individuals perceive and are affected by events, which is invaluable for fields like psychology and sociology. For instance, phenomenological studies might explore how individuals experience trauma or loss, broadening understanding beyond statistical measures to the depth of personal meaning.

Quantitative methods, contrastingly, involve numerical data collection and statistical analysis. Surveys, as explored by Maronick, exemplify flexible and scalable tools for gathering data across diverse populations. Both traditional and web-based surveys facilitate efficient data collection, with online modalities offering global reach and convenience. These methods are fundamental in initial exploratory phases to establish baseline information, informing subsequent detailed investigations.

Cause-effect research paradigms aim to elucidate the relationships and causal mechanisms among variables. Emery underscores that this approach is crucial in understanding how specific factors influence outcomes, such as in quality management or health research. Experimental designs, including quasi-experiments, provide robust means to test hypotheses by manipulating variables and observing effects. The article cites examples in medical research, such as studying the impact of prenatal smoking. The method’s reliance on controlled environments and repetition enhances reliability and validity, although it demands significant time and resources.

In sum, integrating qualitative and quantitative methods allows for comprehensive explanations of complex phenomena. Qualitative approaches deepen context and understanding, while quantitative techniques validate and quantify findings. Researchers must carefully select and combine these methods based on their study objectives, questions, and practical constraints. Ethical considerations, such as ensuring participant confidentiality and avoiding bias, are fundamental across all methodologies. As the pursuit of scientific knowledge advances, methodological rigor and transparency remain paramount, enabling researchers to produce impactful and trustworthy results.

References

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