Research Philosophy And Practice Coursework One Qualitative

Research Philosophy And Practice C11bucoursework One Qualitative And

Research Proposal: Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches to Investigate Sustainable Urban Transport Initiatives

This research proposal aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of sustainable urban transport initiatives through both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The overarching problem addresses the increasing congestion and environmental concerns in urban areas, emphasizing the necessity to explore effective strategies for promoting sustainable transportation options. Despite numerous studies on urban transportation, there remains a gap in understanding how community perceptions influence the adoption of sustainable practices and the measurable impact of policy interventions. The proposed research intends to contribute insights into the behavioral and infrastructural factors that can facilitate sustainable transportation systems in cities.

Research Aims and Research Questions

The broad aim of this study is to evaluate the socio-behavioral and infrastructural factors influencing the uptake of sustainable urban transport initiatives. To achieve this, two specific research questions are formulated:

1. Quantitative Question: What is the relationship between residents' demographic characteristics and their usage of sustainable transportation options in urban areas?
2. Qualitative Question: How do residents perceive and experience current sustainable transportation initiatives, and what barriers or facilitators do they identify?

Approach to Answering the Questions

Quantitative Approach

To answer the quantitative research question, a structured survey will be employed to gather numerical data on residents' transportation behaviors and demographic variables such as age, gender, income, and education level. The target population will include adult residents of a particular city implementing a new sustainability initiative. Participants will be recruited through online panels and local community centers, ensuring a diverse sample. The survey will be distributed electronically to facilitate widespread access, and stratified sampling will be used to ensure demographic representativeness. Data analysis will involve statistical techniques such as correlation and regression analysis to explore relationships between demographic factors and sustainable transportation usage.

Qualitative Approach

The qualitative research question will be addressed through semi-structured interviews and focus groups with residents and key stakeholders involved in or affected by sustainable transportation initiatives. Participants will be recruited purposively to include a mix of users, non-users, community leaders, and local policymakers. Data collection will occur in community settings and online platforms, depending on participants' preferences. Thematic analysis will be used to interpret the interview transcripts, identifying common perceptions, attitudes, and perceived barriers or facilitators related to sustainable transport. This approach aims to capture in-depth insights into subjective experiences and contextual factors influencing behavior.

Philosophical Positioning, Strengths, and Limitations

The proposed study aligns with a pragmatic philosophical paradigm, which emphasizes the use of multiple methods to address complex research questions. Pragmatism accepts that both subjective experiences and measurable data are valuable and compatible in understanding social phenomena (Morgan, 2014). This stance allows flexibility in methodological choices, combining the objectivity of quantitative data with the depth and richness of qualitative insights (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2017).

The strength of adopting a pragmatic approach lies in its capacity to provide a holistic understanding of sustainable transport behaviors by triangulating numerical data with contextual narratives. It enables researchers to explore not only what factors influence transportation choices but also why these choices are made, offering practical implications for policymakers.

However, there are limitations. The integration of qualitative and quantitative methods can be complex, requiring careful planning to ensure coherence and compatibility (Tashakkori & Teddlie, 2010). Additionally, potential biases may arise from self-reported data in surveys and interviews, and ethical considerations around participant confidentiality must be managed diligently. To mitigate these limitations, employing rigorous sampling strategies, triangulation, and transparent reporting of methods is essential.

Overall, the pragmatic stance provides a balanced framework for understanding the multifaceted issue of sustainable urban transportation, facilitating actionable insights that are both statistically supported and contextually nuanced.

References

• Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2017). Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research. Sage Publications.
• Morgan, D. L. (2014). Pragmatism as a Paradigm for Social Research. In M. S. Lewis-Beck, A. Bryman, & T. FBush (Eds.), The SAGE Encyclopedia of Social Science Research Methods (pp. 1044-1045). SAGE Publications.
• Tashakkori, A., & Teddlie, C. (2010). Mixed Methodology: Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. SAGE Publications.
• Cohen, J., & Van Houtte, M. (2017). Quantitative research methods. In S. B. Rynes & L. P. Colletti (Eds.), The SAGE Handbook of Industrial and Organizational Psychology (pp. 133-155). SAGE Publications.
• Bryman, A. (2016). Social Research Methods (5th ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods. SAGE Publications.
• Flick, U. (2018). An Introduction to Qualitative Research. SAGE Publications.
• 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.
• Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (2018). The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research. SAGE Publications.