Discuss the differences between the three major approaches of collecting and analyzing information and data.
Students will also be required to respond to other students posting with significant comments that demonstrate critical thinking by asking additional questions or adding to the body of knowledge started. If you argue, controversial issues use a reference to support your argument that adds credibility to your position. Your response to your peers work should be engaging and informative with good substance. Your responses should contribute in a meaningful way to helping advance our knowledge of the topics the class explores.
All follow-up responses should require 250-300 words.
Queentoya:
When conducting research, different approaches are taken during the collection of data and the analysis depending on the type of information someone wants to determine from the data. The difference between the three major approaches surrounding collection and analysis of data for research discussed in this week’s lesson involve different approaches in collecting data and what can be determined from the data collected once the data is analyzed. The Quantitative method involves the use of numbers and statistics and collects data from experiments and surveys to come up with a determination. The article on “Mixing Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Research,” describes the Quantitative approach as one that can provide authoritative survey data and relate diverse factors along with assess the incidence, epidemiology and boundaries of problems of the situation under scrutiny (Brannen). The Qualitative method involves the use of words and descriptions and collects data from interviews and observations to come up with a determination. The article on “Mixing Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Research,” describes the Qualitative method of research as one that reveals the different perceptions which participants have of the same situation and allow researchers to consider personal histories and developmental factors (Brannen). The Mixed method is a combination of characteristics from more than one method used. The Mixed method involves the combination of collection and analysis characteristics from both the Qualitative and the Quantitative methods. Using a mixture of the two methods may be more beneficial to the person doing research while collecting evidence allowing different evidence from various methods to support the analysis.
A combination of characteristics may include a design of scientific inquiry that includes other methods of collecting and analyzing data to be used to come up with a determination. One example would be case study research which involves the qualitative method where information would be collected using things such as direct observation, interviews, and tests where the focus is descriptive and not on universal truth (Research Methods). There is a list of other design of scientific inquiries that may be mixed with a method. Each involves its unique way of gathering information to come up with a determination about a specific topic of interest.
I think that the Qualitative method along with (maybe) the Ethnographic design would be best to conduct my research on my topic. In order to come up with a determination on what is valued most when it comes to the national security or personal privacy, the use of numbers and statistics from a survey wouldn’t be necessary for this type of research. I think that observations from different people’s perspectives on the question along with understanding how and why people feel the way they do towards both the national security and their personal privacy, will help to determine what is valued more and why. Grounded Theory is another method I may be able to use since it involves coming up with theories as to why something is the way it is based on research.
Reference:
Brannen, Julia. Mixing Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Research. 2017. Taylor & Francis Group. Retrieved on 16 March 2020 from http://web.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy2.apus.edu/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook?sid=3900076d-ba35-4e9e-b7cf-b0b9d26bdea7%40sessionmgr101&vid=0&format=EB
Theoretical Perspective: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods. Research Methods Lesson Three. Retrieved on 18 March 2020 from https://edge.apus.edu/access/content/group/security-and-global-studies-common/Universal/SSGS/300/elf/lesson-3/elf_index.html
Jordan:
Good Afternoon Professor and Classmates,
This week’s forum assignment calls for us to discuss the differences between the three major approaches of collecting and analyzing information and data. quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. As well as, describe the design of scientific inquiry that may go with each method i.e., survey, narrative, phenomenological, ethnographic, grounded theory, or case study and why it would be selected. Then address which method and design you think you would prefer to use to conduct research and why.
Starting with the Quantitative approach to collecting data, that theory is used by researchers using a quantitative deductive approach to provide an explanation or prediction about the relationships between variables. This process starts with a theory, followed up with a hypothesis, then data would be collected to either support said theory or reject that theory. In the end, the quantitative approach researchers hope to further the support of a given theory or to debunk it or disprove it.
Following Quantitative, would be the Qualitative approach, an approach that follows quantitative theories, but without a hypothesis and often with a broader scope. This approach almost does the opposite or reverse order or quantitative approach and starts with the data, that may or may not lead to a hypothesis upon completion of the given research.
And last but not least the Mixed methods approach to data collection. As the title gives, they theory away the Mixed methods approach the researchers to have the ability to deductively, or inductively approach the data collection and research utilizing both, hence the term mixed. Trends in research often lean towards researches picking one or the other rather than this type of data collection, but it’s also often looked at as a “Mixture” of both worlds.
To tackle the last part of this forum requirement experimental, quasi-experimental, and then descriptive strategies are often used with quantitative methods, as the rest are often seen being used with qualitative methods of research.
To sum up, the forum post whoever is researching any given topic, they decide whether to go in the direction of quantitative, qualitative, or a mixture of both. The type of approach to collecting data or information for research would probably be a Qualitative approach. The reason I feel this option would work best is the fact that it’s not necessarily relying on numerical results, can explore information in great detail and depth. Of course, there are cons in everything as well and one of the biggest I find is the fact that it doesn’t solely rely on numerical facts, that also means the use of statistics makes it difficult to apply as well (Qualitative Research Pros & Cons | Synonym, n.d.).
In closing, I think each has its advantages, and disadvantages which also makes me think perhaps the Mixed method may be the way to go.
Research is a constant and ever-changing approach and perhaps your given topic you may start with a quantitative approach and then find you need to steer your research approach to maybe a qualitative approach, and this is alright.
V/r
Jordan Holtschulte
Qualitative Research Pros & Cons | Synonym. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2020, from https://classroom.synonym.com/qualitative-research…
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