Discuss the role of objectivity and subjectivity in qualitative and quantitative scientific inquiries
2. Identify the key types of designs used in quantitative methods of inquiry
3. Identify the phases of the research process and the ways in which they are similar and different in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods of inquiry.
Key Designs in Quantitative Methods
Quantitative research designs are structured to test hypotheses and establish generalizable facts through statistical analysis. They primarily fall into three categories:
Experimental Designs: Used to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
True Experiments: Involve random assignment of participants to at least two groups (treatment and control), manipulation of an independent variable, and control over extraneous variables.
Quasi-Experiments: Lack random assignment but still involve manipulating a variable or observing groups under controlled conditions.
Correlational Designs: Used to determine the nature, strength, and direction of a relationship between two or more variables.
Example: Measuring the correlation between hours studied and exam scores. No variables are manipulated; the researcher simply observes and measures existing data.
Descriptive Designs: Used to accurately and systematically describe a population, situation, or phenomenon. They focus on "what is" rather than "why."
Examples: Surveys to determine the prevalence of a disease, or market research to assess consumer habits.
3. Phases of the Research Process (Comparison)
The overall research process involves defining a problem, collecting data, and drawing conclusions, but the emphasis and techniques within each phase differ significantly based on the methodology: