Quantitative & Qualitative Research.

A researcher must define the population of interest, study and entire population of interest is usually prohibited in terms of time, money, and resources. Method chosen for example affects the representativeness of the population and therefore the generalizability of results. Typical used in qualitative research are:

- Simple random sampling - Stratified random sampling - Cluster sampling - Systematic random sampling

Three types of quantitative research:

-Exploratory research is considered pre-experimental and is conducted to explore a topic about which little is known -Descriptive research which is quasi-experimental and balls collecting data to test hypothesis or answer questions concerning the current status of the subjects of the study. -Explanatory research which is considered experimental where participants are assigned to groups based on some selected criterion often called independent variable. At least one variable is manipulated so as to measure its affect on one or more dependent variables.

Collection relies on structured data collection instruments. There are four levels of measurements that are used to quantify the data:

-Nominal -Ordinal -Interval -Ratio scales

Qualitative data collection • Four primary tasks are executed during data collection process:

1.Choose participants 2.Collect data 3.Preserve research management 4.Resolve issues that jeopardize findings • Researcher must have ability to communicate with participants.

There are typical steps and quantitative research which include:

1.Problem identification 2.Research question formulation 3.Literature review 4.Construction of hypothesis 5.Research design and planning 6.Data collection 7.Sorting and analysis of data 8.Specification of research findings 9.Interpretation of research findings 10.Dissemination of research findings 11.Use of findings by practitioner

Reliability measures the consistency and stability of responses the overtime and standardize measurement instrument. Inter-rater reliability is the degree of agreement or consistency between raiders:

Test retest reliability is a measure that provides consistency and measurement overtime.

Quantitative research:

involves a systematic process, the scientific method Bill knowledge. Quantitative research methods involve collecting numerical data to explain, protect, and/or control phenomena of interest. The data analysis is mainly statistical questions of what conditions specific independent variables predict or explain through the use of numerical data.

Qualitative Data analysis:

• Coding occurs in three phases that are labeled: 1.Descriptive 2.Interpretive 3.Explanatory • Analysis of Focus Groups Data

There are five different types of validity in quantitative research:

• Construct -measuring where the results for us to the results of the method • Content- experts judgment of the measure covers the range of meanings within the concept • Criterion-Related or Concurrent- compares with an external measure of the same variable • Face - appears to measure with the researcher intended • Factorial - how many different measures and whether they are what the researcher intends to measure

Typical non-probability sampling methods are:

• Convenience sampling • Quota sampling • Purposive sampling • Snowball sampling

Qualitative sampling:

• Determining sample size does not follow one rule. • Sample size is a point of discussion and disagreement for researchers. • Multiple approaches are used to select samples: Convenience sampling, Snowball sampling, Purposive sampling, and Theoretical sampling

Case study:

• Examines both irregularities and harmonies of a particular circumstance or phenomenon. • Data are collected through interviews, observations, and reexamination of documentation • Findings are included in other segments of the study

Quantitative research is important to evidence-based practice:

• Findings from qualitative research offer rationalization as to: 1.Why a method is successful 2.Clarify unanticipated outcomes 3.Create assumptions and theory • Offers explanations for why people conduct their lives in a particular manner

Phenomenology:

• Method of discovering and structuring the meaning of human incidents. • Researchers look for individuals who have lived the phenomenon to be studied. • Data collection involves extensive interviews with participants. • Multiple data analysis techniques exist.

Qualitative research designs include:

• Phenomenology • Ethnography • Historical • Grounded Theory • Case Study

Trustworthiness:

• Quality is a necessary component of research. • Framework: Lincoln and Guba - Credibility, Dependability, Confirmability, and Transferability • Multiple strategies are used to increase quality.

Qualitative procedures are:

• Researchers must plan for diverse situations and conditions • Differences may occur in the actual research settings and time frame choices • Researchers have the flexibility of collecting data from various settings

Grounded theory:

• The objective is the development of theory grounded in the facts. • Data collection is fieldwork. • Coding grounded theory: Open coding, Axial coding, Coding paradigm, and Selective coding. • Analysis: Constant comparative method

Ethnographic:

• The study of either a whole cultural or social group or a person or persons within the group. • Choose a civilization, subculture, or racial group to study and the setting • Data gathered in the field - fieldwork • Data are gathered and evaluated concurrently

Historical:

• systematic attempt to study past life experiences. • Data providing the sample could consist of written documents, videotapes, interviews with participants, and pictures. • Primary and Secondary sources • External and Internal criticism used for evaluation.