Research Paradigms, Objectives & Mixed-Methods Overview

Role of the Researcher & Community Inclusion

  • Researcher’s positionality determines level of immersion in the study community.
    • If already part of the in-group, closer collaboration and insider perspectives are possible.
    • If an outsider, distance is maintained to avoid undue influence.
  • Spectrum of engagement ranges from participant-observer to fully detached analyst.
  • Choice of stance affects recruitment, data collection, ethical considerations, and interpretation.

Quantitative Approaches

  • Data form: numerical; subjected to statistical analyses to detect patterns/trends.
  • Design characteristics
    • Precise, sequential, and objective.
    • Researcher often remains separate from participants (may outsource recruitment).
  • Typical methods: surveys, questionnaires, experiments.
  • Emphasis on validity, reliability, and generalisability.

Qualitative Approaches

  • Data form: words, images, observations—rich contextual detail.
  • Researcher frequently embedded in the field, nurturing rapport.
  • Best aligned with interpretivist paradigms and exploratory/descriptive objectives.
  • Flexible designs (e.g., interviews, focus groups, ethnography).
  • Generates thick description; uncovers meanings, processes, and lived experiences.

Mixed-Methods Designs

  • Combines qualitative (QUAL) and quantitative (QUAN) strands to capitalise on strengths of each.
  • Two primary logics
    • Convergent (Concurrent): QUAL and QUAN collected at the same time.
    • Example: Participant completes a survey then immediately sits for an interview within the same 2-hour session.
    • Sequential: One strand informs the next.
    • Example: Administer survey → analyse data → design interview protocol around emerging findings.
  • Emphasis options (choose-your-own-adventure)
    • QUAN-dominant with QUAL supplement (explanatory design).
    • QUAL-dominant with QUAN supplement (exploratory design).
    • Equal-status designs.
  • Key goal: Synthesis—identify what is unique or complementary across strands.

Linking Paradigms, Objectives & Approaches

  • Positivist paradigm
    • Aligns with descriptive or explanatory objectives.
    • Favour QUAN strategies.
  • Interpretivist paradigm
    • Aligns with exploratory or descriptive objectives.
    • Favour QUAL strategies.
  • Critical paradigm
    • Can span all objectives and methods.
    • Overarching aim: social change—address power inequities, marginalisation, and structural oppression.
  • Visual model (discussed in class)
    • \text{Low Knowledge} \; \longleftrightarrow \; \text{High Knowledge}
    • Research questions positioned along this continuum and matched to objectives/approaches.

Ethical & Social-Justice Considerations

  • Obligation to adopt socially just, anti-racist, anti-oppressive research practices.
  • Researchers must reflect on personal power, privilege, and positionality.
  • Cultural contextualisation extends beyond formal literature—engage with community knowledge.
  • Especially critical when working with vulnerable or marginalised populations.

Relevance for Social Work

  • Social workers bring multicultural, ethical, and ecological perspectives critical for rigorous QUAN designs.
  • Participation in quantitative research tables ensures policies/programs reflect nuanced realities.
  • Skill set
    • Strong analytical & problem-solving abilities.
    • Ability to spot service gaps in QUAN results and formulate follow-up QUAL studies.
  • Continuous feedback loop supports theory building, rich description, and numerical evidence to influence policymakers.

Class Roadmap & Next Steps

  • Upcoming sessions
    • One full class on qualitative methods.
    • Two classes on quantitative methods.
    • One class dedicated to mixed methods.
    • Slides/units 9, 7, 8, 10 cover these areas in depth.
  • In-class activity
    • Revisit and refine your own research question using today’s framework.
    • Breakout rooms available for group discussion.
  • Guiding reminder: No prescriptive formula—select paradigm, objective, and approach that best fit your specific topic.