Research Approaches

Research Approaches

Types of Research Approaches

• Qualitative Research

  • Purpose: Understand and interpret social interactions.

  • Data Sources: Open-ended responses, field notes, interviews, observations.

  • Sample Size: Typically small; results less generalizable.

  • Analysis: Identifying patterns and themes.

  • Subjectivity: More subjective, providing in-depth understanding.

• Quantitative Research

  • Purpose: Test hypotheses, assess cause-and-effect relationships, and make predictions.

  • Data Sources: Numerical data that undergoes statistical analysis.

  • Sample Size: Larger than qualitative; results often more generalizable.

  • Objectivity: More objective, focused on measurement and quantification.

Differences in Research Approaches

• Understanding vs. Testing: Qualitative focuses on understanding while quantitative focuses on testing.

• Sample Sizes: Qualitative usually has small, unrepresentative samples; quantitative typically has large samples.

• Data Analysis Methods: Qualitative involves thematic analysis; quantitative relies on statistical methods.

Internal and External Validity

• Internal Validity: Refers to the extent to which a researcher can conclusively say that the independent variable caused the observed effects in the dependent variable.

• External Validity: Concerns how well the results can be generalized to the broader population.

Qualitative Research and Decolonization

• Importance of decolonizing learning and research in contexts like South Africa.

• Qualitative approaches can challenge Eurocentric methods and incorporate local knowledge.

• Researcher should engage in critical reflexivity on their assumptions and the power dynamics involved in research.

Co-existence of Approaches

• Both qualitative and quantitative methods can provide insightful findings when used together.

Major Research Designs

• Quantitative Designs: Experimental, quasi-experimental, non-experimental, correlational, descriptive, survey

• Qualitative Designs: Observation, case study, phenomenology

Experimental Research Design

• Definition: Involves manipulation of one or more variables while keeping others constant to observe effects.

• Control Groups: Participants assigned to experimental or control groups to enable comparison.

• Random Assignment: Ensures each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any group to avoid bias.

Independent and Dependent Variables

• Independent Variable (IV): The variable that is manipulated.

• Dependent Variable (DV): The outcome variable that is measured.

Threats to Internal Validity

• Selection Bias: Differences between groups at study start can skew results.

• Mortality (Attrition): Loss of participants over time affects results.

• Instrumentation Threat: Changes in measurement tools between pre-tests and post-tests may distort data.

• History Threat: External events may affect results during the study.

• Maturation Threat: Internal changes in participants over time can influence outcomes.

• Testing Threat: The effects of repeated measurements can alter participants' performance.

Threats to External Validity

• Multiple Treatment Effect: Results may vary due to combined treatments rather than a single one.

• Small Sample Size: Conclusions drawn from small samples can lead to skewed results.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Experimental Research

• Advantages: Control over variables allows for identifying cause-and-effect relationships.

• Disadvantages: Limited generalizability to real-world situations; expensive and time-consuming.

Quasi-Experimental Research Design

• Shares similarities with true experimental design but lacks full control and random assignment.

• Example: Study comparing learner annoyance from aircraft noise without random allocation of groups.

Descriptive Research Design

• Provides summaries of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors regarding phenomena.

• Focus on frequency and association of variables.

Survey Research Design

• Involves gathering data from large populations to assess perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors.

• Method: Can be conducted through questionnaires or interviews.

Correlational Research Design

• Describes relationship strengths between variables but cannot infer causation.

• Example: Study showing positive correlation between height and weight.

Qualitative Research Designs

• Observational Design: Directly observes individuals in natural settings without manipulation.

• Case Study Design: In-depth observation of individuals or small groups.

• Phenomenology Design: Focuses on the subjective experiences and social realities of individuals.