Research Paradigm Assumptions, Qualitative and Quantitative Research

Qualitative Research

Defined as an inquiry process of understanding a social or human problem based on building a complex, holistic picture, formed with words, reporting detailed views of informants, and conducted in a natural setting (Creswell, 1994, 2).

Quantitative Research

Defined as an inquiry into a social or human problem based on testing a theory, composed of variables, measured with numbers and analyzed with statistical treatment.

Phenomenology, Ethnography, Inductive Thematic Analysis, Grounded Theory, Case Study, Discourse/Conversation Analysis, Narrative Analysis

Types of Qualitative Research

Qualitative researcher

Primary instrument for data collection and analysis

Qualitative researcher

Data are mediated through this human instrument, rather than through inventories, questionnaires, or machines.

Qualitative research involves fieldwork

The researcher physically goes to the people, setting, site, or institution to observe or record behavior in its natural setting

Ontological

Asks the question: “What is the nature of reality?“

Epistemological

Asks the Question “What is the relationship of the researcher to that researched?”

Axiological

Asks the question “What is the role of values?“

Rhetorical

Asks the question “What is the role of values?”

Methodological

Asks the question “What is the process of research?“

Rhetorical, Ontological, Axiological, Methodological, Epistemological

5 Research paradigm assumptions