What are the main types of qualitative approaches to research? Show
While there are many different investigations that can be done, a study with a qualitative approach generally can be described with the characteristics of one of the following three types: Historical research describes past events, problems, issues and facts. Data are gathered from written or oral descriptions of past events, artifacts, etc. It describes “what was” in an attempt to recreate the past. It is different from a report in that it involves interpretation of events and its influence on the present. It answers the question: “What was the situation?” Examples of Historical Research:
Ethnographic research develops in-depth analytical descriptions of current systems, processes, and phenomena and/or understandings of the shared beliefs and practices of a particular group or culture. This type of design collects extensive narrative data (non-numerical data) based on many variables over an extended period of time in a natural setting within a specific context. The background, development, current conditions, and environmental interaction of one or more individuals, groups, communities, businesses or institutions is observed, recorded, and analyzed for patterns in relation to internal and external influences. It is a complete description of present phenomena. One specific form of ethnographic research is called a case study. It is a detailed examination of a single group, individual, situation, or site. A meta-analysis is another specific form. It is a statistical method which accumulates experimental and correlational results across independent studies. It is an analysis of analyses. Examples of Ethnographic Research:
Narrative research focuses on studying a single person and gathering data through the collection of stories that are used to construct a narrative about the individual’s experience and the meanings he/she attributes to them. Examples of Narrative Research:
What makes research a systematic investigation?A “systematic investigation” is an activity that involves a prospective plan that incorporates data collection, either quantitative or qualitative, and data analysis to answer a question. Examples of systematic investigations include: surveys and questionnaires. interviews and focus groups.
What kind of research is the systematic investigation of the nature of relationship?2) Comparative- a systematic investigation of relationships between two or more variables used to explain the nature of relationships in the world.
What kind of research uses the systematic investigation?Quantitative research refers to the systematic empirical investigation of any phenomena via statistical, mathematical or computational techniques.
Is the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions?The Oxford English Dictionary defines research as “The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions”.
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