Different research approaches
2010: “alzheimer’s disease and dementia as a national priority: contrasting approaches by france and the uk”. Reimbursement of anti-dementia 1 - list of 2 - ing people with dementia in research through ppi (patient and public involvement). Together on possible outcomes which might be good or bad for different people concerned, bearing in mind their lived a stance, act accordingly and, bearing in mind that you did your best, try to come to terms with the t on the resolution of the dilemma and what you have learnt from the experience. Ethics of dementia dementia ethics research ound, definitions and ing people with ed consent to dementia ting the , benefit, burden and iological ch into end-of-life donation of brain and other ation and dissemination of research. Programme and ence and photo ed programme and ence gallery and ed programme, abstracts and ence ence photos and ed programme, abstracts and ence ence photos and ed programme, abstracts and cal ence ed programme, abstracts and ence ence photos and ed programme, abstracts and ence ence photos and ed programme and ence cts and an alzheimer's e - behind the publications and ia in europe mer europe ia in europe tanding dementia four main four main tative researchquantitative research is generally associated with the positivist/postpositivist paradigm. In order to find answers to these questions, the researchers will also have various instruments and materials (e. The analysis enables the researchers to determine to what extent there is a relationship between two or more variables. Statistical analysis permits researchers to discover complex causal relationships and to determine to what extent one variable influences another. For people who are not familiar with scientific research jargon, the discussion sections at the end of articles in peer reviewed journals usually describe the results of the study and explain the implications of the findings in straightforward termsprinciplesobjectivity is very important in quantitative research. Consequently, researchers take great care to avoid their own presence, behaviour or attitude affecting the results (e. Researchers go to great lengths to ensure that they are really measuring what they claim to be measuring. For example, if the study is about whether background music has a positive impact on restlessness in residents in a nursing home, the researchers must be clear about what kind of music to include, the volume of the music, what they mean by restlessness, how to measure restlessness and what is considered a positive impact. Some possible contributing factors cannot always be ruled out but should be acknowledged by the researchers. The main emphasis of quantitative research is on deductive reasoning which tends to move from the general to the specific.
However, most studies also include an element of inductive reasoning at some stage of the research (see section on qualitative research for more details). In most cases, random samples are preferred (so that each potential participant has an equal chance of participating) but sometimes researchers might want to ensure that they include a certain number of people with specific characteristics and this would not be possible using random sampling methods. The closer the result is to 1, the greater the likelihood that the finding is due to chance (random variation) and that there is no difference between the groups/ative researchqualitative research is the approach usually associated with the social constructivist paradigm which emphasises the socially constructed nature of reality. Researchers are interested in gaining a rich and complex understanding of people’s experience and not in obtaining information which can be generalized to other larger processthe approach adopted by qualitative researchers tends to be inductive which means that they develop a theory or look for a pattern of meaning on the basis of the data that they have collected. However, most research projects also involve a certain degree of deductive reasoning (see section on quantitative research for more details). The approach to data collection and analysis is methodical but allows for greater flexibility than in quantitative research. The researchers may even adapt the process mid-way, deciding to address additional issues or dropping questions which are not appropriate on the basis of what they learn during the process. In other cases, the process of data collection and analysis may continue until the researchers find that no new issues are emerging. Principles researchers will tend to use methods which give participants a certain degree of freedom and permit spontaneity rather than forcing them to select from a set of pre-determined responses (of which none might be appropriate or accurately describe the participant’s thoughts, feelings, attitudes or behaviour) and to try to create the right atmosphere to enable people to express themselves. This may mean adopting a less formal and less rigid approach than that used in quantitative research. Therefore, it would make no sense to limit the study to the researcher’s view or understanding of the situation and expect to learn something new about the experience of the participants. The researchers are free to go beyond the initial response that the participant gives and to ask why, how, in what way etc. The smaller number of people typically involved in qualitative research studies and the greater degree of flexibility does not make the study in any way “less scientific” than a typical quantitative study involving more subjects and carried out in a much more rigid manner. The objectives of the two types of research and their underlying philosophical assumptions are simply different.
However, as discussed in the section on “philosophies guiding research”, this does not mean that the two approaches cannot be used in the same study. Pragmatic approach to research (mixed methods)the pragmatic approach to science involves using the method which appears best suited to the research problem and not getting caught up in philosophical debates about which is the best approach. Pragmatic researchers therefore grant themselves the freedom to use any of the methods, techniques and procedures typically associated with quantitative or qualitative research. They recognise that every method has its limitations and that the different approaches can be complementary. They may also use different techniques at the same time or one after the other. For example, a qualitative study involving in-depth interviews or focus group discussions might serve to obtain information which will then be used to contribute towards the development of an experimental measure or attitude scale, the results of which will be analysed cy/participatory approach to research (emancipatory)to some degree, researchers adopting an advocacy/participatory approach feel that the approaches to research described so far do not respond to the needs or situation of people from marginalised or vulnerable groups. As they aim to bring about positive change in the lives of the research subjects, their approach is sometimes described as emancipatory. The researchers are likely to have a political agenda and to try to give the groups they are studying a voice. As they want their research to directly or indirectly result in some kind of reform, it is important that they involve the group being studied in the research, preferably at all stages, so as to avoid further marginalising them. The researchers may adopt a less neutral position than that which is usually required in scientific research. This might involve interacting informally or even living amongst the research participants (who are sometimes referred to as co-researchers in recognition that the study is not simply about them but also by them). The findings of the research might be reported in more personal terms, often using the precise words of the research participants. Whilst this type of research could by criticised for not being objective, it should be noted that for some groups of people or for certain situations, it is necessary as otherwise the thoughts, feelings or behaviour of the various members of the group could not be accessed or fully understood. For this reason, researchers are sometimes members of the group they are studying or have something in common with the members of the updated: friday 21 august ophies guiding four main mer europe office.
Of research a broad, interdisciplinary field such as planning, research may be conducted in a number of ways. They are by no means mutually exclusive: a research project may include two or more of these approaches, or approaches other than those descriptive approach attempts to identify the characteristics of a problem through description. A remedial study may be directed to the solution of pollution of a lake ringed by cottages or to pedestrian and vehicular conflicts in the central business methodological methodological study attempts to devise, test or improve new research methods in planning. The structure may well vary, depending on the topic, the treatment given, and the advice of an advisor as how to most effectively present the material and research icance of tions and of preceding research and of pertinent ology and techniques s of information, y and endations for further ices, if to special courses | program manual y of environment, ev3 - third sity of waterloo. Uwaterloo social ch approach can be divided into three types:Deductive research ive research ive research relevance of hypotheses to the study is the main distinctive point between deductive and inductive approaches. Abductive research, on the other hand, starts with ‘surprising facts’ or ‘puzzles’ and the research process is devoted their explanation. Following table illustrates the major differences between deductive, inductive and abductive research approaches in terms of logic, generalizability, use of data and theory. Existing theory riate, to build new theory or modify existing sion of research approach is a vital part of any scientific study regardless of the research area. Within the methodology chapter of your dissertation to you need to explain the main differences between inductive, deductive and abductive approaches and specify the approach you have adopted for your research by breaking down your arguments into several ’s illustrate the application of each research approach for a following study:Effects of labour migration within the eu on the formation of multicultural teams in uk ive research you have formulated a set of hypotheses for your dissertation that need to be confirmed or rejected during the research process you would be following a deductive approach. In deductive approach, the effects of labour migration within the eu are assessed by developing hypotheses that are tested during the research tations with deductive approach follow the following path:The following hypotheses can be developed in order to assess the effects of labour migration within the eu on the formation of multicultural teams in uk organizations using a deductive approach:Hypothesis: labour migration within the eu contributes to the formation of multicultural teams in ive research atively, inductive approach does not involve formulation of hypotheses. It starts with research questions and aims and objectives that need to be achieved during the research ive studies follow the route below:Referring to the example above, the effects of labour migration within the eu on the formation of multicultural teams in uk organizations can be accessed via finding answers to the following research questions:Research question: how does labour migration within the eu effect the formation of multicultural teams in uk? Research abductive approach, the research process is devoted to explanation of ‘incomplete observations’, ‘surprising facts’ or ‘puzzles’ specified at the beginning of the study. Referring to the research topic of the effects of labour migration on the formation of multicultural teams in the uk discussed above, you may observe that labour migration within the eu was actually decreasing the extent of cross-cultural differences within teams in the , your study can be devoted to the explanation of this phenomenon by using qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and data analysis in an integrated manner…. E-book, the ultimate guide to writing a dissertation in business studies: a step by step assistance contains discussions of theory and application of research approaches.
The e-book also explains all stages of the research process starting from the selection of the research area to writing personal reflection. Important elements of dissertations such as research philosophy, research design, methods of data collection, data analysis and sampling are explained in this e-book in simple words. Approach can be divided into three types:Deductive research ive research ive research relevance of hypotheses to the study is the main distinctive point between deductive and inductive approaches. Questions further sibility in the research ision of the g the ping your academic style of way you approach your question will have a profound effect upon the way you construct your dissertation, so this section discusses the types of research you might undertake for your dissertation. The use of literature and case studies is considered and the merits of primary research are debated and advice is given on the use of existing research data. You may not be fond of statistics, but the potential relevance of a quantitative approach should be considered and similarly, the idea of qualitative analysis and conducting your own research may yield valuable data. Approach' means something more than the type of data you use – it refers to your overall orientation to research and the type of claims you will make for your study. How you choose this may depend on your preferences and abilities, and the suitability of particular approaches to your topic. Qualitative data is particularly useful when you wish to find out why people engage in such about the research methods modules you have taken so far. There is plenty of scope to use the approaches and methods that you are most comfortable with. Skills and abilities with methods of data collection (if needed) and topic or issue you are interested you frame your research i combine qualitative and quantitative methods? You will analyse each type of data and describe this, and then write a discussion that shows how each piece of analysis contributes to the overall picture of what is going supervisor or research methods tutor may be able to give you detailed examples of these or other ways to combine my dissertation be entirely literature-based? How the study is approached and how contrasting approaches are drawn upon needs to be stated very clearly. Remember that theoretical studies, like data-based studies, need to have their research design spelled out from the even if your dissertation is more empirically focused, it could still be entirely literature-based.
You might, for example, explore empirical debates in your chosen field across different countries or time is case study research? A major challenge in case study dissertations is connecting your own primary research or re-analysis with the broader theoretical themes and empirical concerns of the existing 's an empirical study? These questions demand primary or secondary analysis of study 9 think hard before you decide to undertake empirical research: a student's is secondary analysis? It allows the researcher to explore areas of interest without having to go through the process of collecting data themselves in the field. You may choose, therefore, to undertake secondary research, analysing existing do i find existing research data? This might entail content analysis of newspapers, magazines, video or other media over different time periods. Here you would not be collecting your own data but instead would be analysing existing ad case study 6 media you are interested, for example, in doing historical research, you may need to visit archives. Research methods tutors on your course will be able to advise on the availability and accessibility of such data are some advantages of doing secondary analysis, particularly if you are doing a quantitative study. Smaller, more targeted datasets may also be ary analysis has disadvantages also: the data were collected for a purpose different from have to find out something about that purpose, as well as the methods of collection, in order to justify your use of a secondary ting you own data - primary tative data may also result from non-participant observations or other measurements (e. Your research methods tutor can give you further information on these types of data, but here are some common quantitative data collection methods and their definitions:Self-completion questionnaires. Prior to the observation, an observation schedule will be produced which details what exactly the researcher should look for and how those observations should be you are conducting a qualitative analysis you are likely to wish to use at least some original material. The researcher will observe behaviour, listen to conversations, and ask some time looking at general books about research - they will give you an overview of the data collection methods available and help you to make the best choice for your project. Bryman (2004) would be a useful starting any piece of research you conduct, be it empirically based (quantitative or qualitative) or library based, its methods must be justified. You need to show in the final dissertation how you have given consideration to different methods, and why you have chosen and eliminated t voice: findings from our our study, supervisors saw part of their role as someone who draws out students’ reasons for choosing a particular research approach.
This was particularly useful for one of our respondents:It's been a valuable experience for me it's so different from other stuff. Reasons for data collection is literature based as my research question involved sensitive subjects which would have been unsuitable for primary data collection. Will involve primary data, secondary data, quantitative and qualitative research methods, lit reviews, theory and policy studies and an exploration of alternatives. Research must be conducted in a sensible and ethical manner; data must be analysed and presented in a rational manner. It is important that students do not expose themselves or others to dangers or risks when conducting research. Students need the approval of their dissertation supervisor before embarking on any type of fieldwork (see the section on research ethics for more information). Often people link deductive research with quantitative experiments or surveys, and inductive research with qualitative interviews or ethnographic work. These links are not hard and fast – for instance, experimental research, designed to test a particular theory through developing a hypothesis and creating an experimental design, may use quantitative or qualitative data or a combination. If your research starts with a theory and is driven by hypotheses that you are testing (e. At the start of your research you need to set down clearly:Your research focus and research you propose to examine the topic:Methods of data s of data types and sources of information you you will access these sources of information (be they people, existing datasets, biographical accounts, media articles or websites, official records). Proposed outcome of this research (in your case, a dissertation) and the form it will take. Time-frame for all and your supervisor will discuss your design and decide whether the research is 'do-able'. An empirical study could involve close analysis of statistics or some form of qualitative research. However, a theoretical study brings its own challenges, and you may be called upon to compare theories in terms of their you have decided upon your approach, you can write out a research design, i.
How you are going to approach the look a little at the research methods that you have studied. Apart from matching your research to your general sense of objective/subjective reality, it is important to ensure that you match your methodology to the problem you are kind of data do you need to answer your question/test your hypothesis? The ability to manage your time will be directly related to your ability to control the boundaries of the study – especially if it is closely linked to your that you have got so far, try to write up your research proposal as far as you can. You will find it helpful to plot your research questions on the chart on the next page and ensure that your plans for collecting data really answer the question as well as avoiding ethical this stage you must be really ruthless with yourself. A survey which includes interviews or a case study that looks at a situation from numerous factors may limit the scope of your research? London, fying a research topic:A template for structured observation:A site devoted to survey design:A chapter on structured interviewing:A chapter on qualitative interviewing:An introduction to ethnographic research:Materials for focus group interviews:1.
