UNIT II, LESSON 4: QUALITATIVE

RESEARCH IN DIFFERENT AREAS

OF KNOWLEDGE
 THREE BASIC RESEARCH APPROACH
1. Scientific Approach - deals with empirical data instead of personal views, feelings or attitudes. It allows
control of variables or factors affecting the study (Laursen 2010). Makes you express & record your findings
quantitatively. (numerical forms). Presents structured interviews, questionnaires & observational checklists. 3
Basic Research Approach
2. Naturalistic Approach - people-oriented approach which focuses on discovering the real concept or meaning
behind people’s lifestyles and social relations. Lets you present things qualitatively through verbal language.
Using words as unit of analysis. “This approach is the basis for determining universal social values to define
ethical and unethical that society ought to know, not only for the benefit of individual and community but
also for the satisfaction of man’s quest for knowledge.” (Sarantakos 2013; Ransome 2013).
3. Triangulation/ Mixed Method - allows a combination or a mixture of research designs, data collection and
data analysis techniques. This method is used to enhance the validity & reliability of qualitative research
design. Enhances accuracy of interpretation. Gives you opportunity to view every angle of the research from
different perspectives.
 3 MAIN METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION

1. Interactive interviewing- people asked to verbally described their experiences of phenomenon.

2. Written descriptions by participant- people asked to write descriptions of their experiences of
phenomenon
3. Observation- descriptive observations of verbal and non-verbal behavior.
 HUMANISTIC CATEGORIES

1. Literature and Art Criticism - where the researcher, using well-chosen language and appropriate
organizational pattern, depend greatly on their interpretative and reflective thinking in evaluating the
object of their study critically.
2. Philosophical Research - where the focus of inquiry is on knowledge and principles of being and on the
manner human beings conduct themselves on Earth.
3. Historical Research - where the investigation centers on events and ideas that took place in man’s life at
a particular period.
 QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
HARD SCIENCES SOFT SCIENCES

• Sciences Studies natural data driven phenomenon • Studies human behavior in a scientific manner
• Objective • Subjective
• Tests Theory • Develops Theory
• Numbers • Words
• Caused and Effects Relationship • Knowing meaning & discovery
• Statistical Analysis & Generalizations • Researcher's Interpretation
• Examples: • Examples:
• Biology, Chemestry, Physics, Astronomy, Earth • Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, Economics,
Science Anthropology, History
Qualitative and Quantitative Research can go together in a research approach . There is a symbiotic
relationship between these two research methods, in which they reinforce or strengthen each other.
Moreover, any form of knowledge, factual or opinionated and any statistical or verbal expression of this
knowledge are deduced from human experience that is subjective. (Hollway 2013; Letherby 2013)