Compose a comparative article (two-page minimum) discussing the research methods, comparing the difference between quantitative and qualitative focus, and describing the relevance of the mixed focus.
– Be sure to use APA style, include bibliographic citations (the maximum percentage of quoted material allowed is 30%) and references. Social Research Methods
Introduction:
Social research is a systematic and structured process of investigation, which is designed to answer questions or solve problems related to human behavior, society, and culture. It is essential for researchers to choose an appropriate research method that can produce valid and reliable results. The two main research methods used in social research are quantitative and qualitative. This paper aims to discuss the research methods, compare the difference between quantitative and qualitative focus, and describe the relevance of the mixed focus.
Research Methods:
Research methods are the techniques and tools used by researchers to collect and analyze data. These methods can be broadly classified into two categories: quantitative and qualitative.
Quantitative research involves collecting numerical data that can be analyzed using statistical methods. This type of research is based on the positivist paradigm and aims to produce objective, measurable, and generalizable results. Quantitative research methods include surveys, experiments, and observational studies.
Qualitative research, on the other hand, involves collecting non-numerical data that cannot be analyzed using statistical methods. This type of research is based on the interpretivist paradigm and aims to produce subjective, rich, and detailed descriptions of the phenomena being studied. Qualitative research methods include interviews, focus groups, and ethnography.
Difference between Quantitative and Qualitative Focus:
The main difference between quantitative and qualitative research is the focus of the research. Quantitative research focuses on numerical data, while qualitative research focuses on non-numerical data.
Quantitative research uses a deductive approach, where a hypothesis is formulated based on a theory, and data is collected to test the hypothesis. The data is analyzed using statistical methods, and the results are used to either accept or reject the hypothesis. Quantitative research aims to produce generalizable results that can be applied to the population under study.
Qualitative research, on the other hand, uses an inductive approach, where the data is collected first, and then a theory is developed based on the data. The data is analyzed using interpretive methods, and the results are used to generate new insights and theories. Qualitative research aims to produce rich and detailed descriptions of the phenomena being studied.
Relevance of Mixed Focus:
Mixed methods research is a research design that combines both quantitative and qualitative research methods. This type of research design allows researchers to use the strengths of both methods to produce a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomena being studied.
Mixed methods research can be used to validate quantitative findings with qualitative data or to explore the context and meaning of quantitative data. This research design can also be used to generate new hypotheses and theories based on qualitative data and to test these hypotheses using quantitative data.
Mixed methods research can be challenging to design and implement, as it requires expertise in both quantitative and qualitative research methods. However, the benefits of using mixed methods research outweigh the challenges, as it can produce more robust and comprehensive results.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the choice of research method depends on the research question, the nature of the phenomenon being studied, and the researcher’s philosophical orientation. Quantitative research focuses on numerical data, while qualitative research focuses on non-numerical data. Mixed methods research combines both quantitative and qualitative research methods to produce more comprehensive results. Researchers should choose the appropriate research method based on the research question and the nature of the phenomenon being studied to produce valid and reliable results.
