A500.7.3.RB_LarsonKurt, Quantitative Research Reflection

A500.7.3.RB_LarsonKurt, Quantitative Research Reflection

Quantitative methods may be used in acquiring new perspectives of topics about which much is already known, or, as a means toward gaining a more in-depth informative position, which may be difficult to convey qualitatively?

Quantitative research is aimed at answering primarily why and is complimentary not contradictory, however, both Quantitative and qualitative research can be used in the description of the science of social reality.

Quantitative research like any research can have its issues and inherent conditions to be considered prior to commencing a research project.

Strengths

·         Enables the research and description of social structures and processes that are not directly observable

·        Well-suited for quantitative description, comparisons between groups, areas etc.

·        Description of change

·        Analysis and explanation of (causal) dependencies between social phenomena

Weaknesses

·        Simplifies and ”compresses” the complex reality: abstract and constrained perspective

·        Only applicable for measurable (quantifiable) phenomena

·        Presumes relatively extensive knowledge on the subject matter in order to be able to ask ”correct” questions

·        Difficult to study processes or ”dynamic” phenomena: produces static view of the reality

·        Description of actors’ perspectives, intentions and meanings difficult

Also the objectives or what is to be expected, or gained from a particular research project should be understood.

Understanding the logic of basic quantitative principles research, the idea of inferential statistics as a manner from which type of sample methods, frequency and collection methods used are to be considered. Also how the samples are to be analyzed, the data variables with relation to two or more relationships and how they are to be addresses are considerations the experienced researcher should consider… as well as the researchers own reputation and subjectivity should also be considered. In other words, all the collected data would not be worth a plugged nickel if the researcher and collection methods were in question.

    

Other items considered when research planning might include:

Planning the research and selection of the theme or topic, items of personal interest or social significance. Does the topic have the ability to be effectively researched and to whose interest is the research conducted?

Is there data on previous research available to avoid reinventing the wheel or as a jumping off point to continue on with inconclusive or incomplete research?

Research design is another undertaking to assure the validity of the data collected and processed. Good design is a preventer of manipulative data usage through the use of alternative explanations and variables, by allowing effective comparisons and sound judgments. The latter is a preemptive measure toward avoidance of empirical support for a hypothesis through manipulative data.

Some examples of a research design might include the following:

A logically structured research data via structured data including a general description, comparison, classification and explanation of the elements of research design, along with other methods like:

·       Time dimension

·       The number of measurements

·        Interventions

·        Target population and units of research items

·       Generalizations (as needed)

·       Data collection methods (and methods of securing the data)

·       Comparison of data to support contradictory and hypotheses

And finally, are the data collected in an ethical and logical manner with the following priorities?

      Participants were in no way harmed during the data collection or process

·        Participants gave an informed consent (remembering minors)

·       There was participant anonymity

·       The researchers instilled confidence into the participants

Conclusion:

This article has addressed some of the salient points of data collection. Much like anything else we as a society accomplish, if it is not done in a prescribed manner free of scrutiny and above reproach, it will loose perceived any value and usefulness.

In other words, if we as researches do not accomplish our data collection, analysis and research by removing the appearance of impropriety or questionable tactics, our efforts would be in vane as the data and conclusion are not irrefutable.