Introduction to Research Methods
Quantitative Research
Focus: Collects numerical data.
Methods: Employs statistical analysis.
Goals:
o Produce objective, measurable, and quantifiable results.
o Test hypotheses, identify patterns, and make predictions.
Qualitative Research
Focus: Gathers non-numerical data
Methods: Utilizes observation, interviews, and other non-standardized techniques.
Goals:
o Explore subjective experiences and attitudes in depth.
o Generate detailed descriptions and uncover nuanced insights
Qualitative Quantitative
Subjective Objective
Used to develop theories Used to test theories
Answers "why" and "how" questions Answers "what" questions
Explain their underlying
Positivism is a scientific approach that uses empirical observation and measurement to explain
phenomena. It is based on the assumption that reality is objective and can be studied objectively
without bias or interpretation. Interpretivism is a qualitative approach that focuses on
comprehending people's subjective experiences and meanings. It emphasizes the significance of
context in understanding human behavior and respects individual viewpoints.
Provide examples of when each method is most appropriately used in psychological
research.
Case Study
In the realm of psychological research, the case study method aligns with qualitative research
principles. It involves in-depth exploration of individuals, communities, or specific events
through observation and detailed interviews. This approach often integrates multiple research
methods as psychologists delve into the subject's daily life, seeking to understand the origins and
manifestations of their behaviors, particularly those deemed unhealthy.
Example: The renowned case study of Phineas Gage offered crucial insights into the
intricate connection between brain function and personality.
Experimental Method
Rooted in quantitative research theory, the experimental method in psychology focuses on
identifying cause-and-effect relationships. It involves manipulating a single variable and
observing the resulting outcomes. This encompasses a wide array of research approaches, from
controlled laboratory experiments to real-world field studies. While some experiments allow for
greater researcher involvement, others necessitate a more passive observational stance.
Example: The infamous Stanford Prison Experiment conducted by Philip Zimbardo
serves as a prime example of experimental psychology. This study examined the
profound psychological effects of perceived power, highlighting the stark realities of the
struggle between authority and submission.
Observational Study
Observational study is a qualitative research method that provides psychologists with a valuable
window into human behavior. By observing individuals, societies, or social constructs within
their natural environments, researchers gain insights into how external factors influence their
actions and experiences. This approach often incorporates mixed methods due to the inherent
challenges of controlling variables in real-world settings.
Example: Jane Goodall's groundbreaking research on chimpanzees in Gombe Stream
National Park stands as a testament to the power of observational study.
Theoretical Comparison
Exploratory Research Measurement Research
Gaining a deeper understanding of a Quantifying and measuring specific
phenomenon variables
Qualitative methods Quantitative methods
Rich, detailed, and often non-numerical Numerical
Survey Survey Interviews
One organization or person surveying many
One person interviewing one interviewee
survey respondents
Online In person, via video call or over the phone
Written Verbal
Thematic analysis Statistical analysis
Focuses on understanding the underlying themes Deals with quantitative data (like numbers and
and interpretations within qualitative data (like measurements) to identify patterns, make
interviews or texts).Thematic analysis explores the predictions, and draw conclusions.
deeper meanings and patterns found in words and statistical analysis examines numbers and data to
stories find trends and relationships.
strengths Limitation
Surveys However, surveys can be inflexible and lack
depth.
Strengths include cost effectiveness, versatility,
reliability, and generalizability
Interviews can provide rich data, including interviews can be time-consuming to conduct,
nonverbal cues, emotional responses, and off- transcribe, and analyze
the-cuff reactions.
Thematic analysis thematic analysis can be time-consuming, and
bias can easily influence the analysis.
Strengths include flexibility, providing in-
depth information, and easily identifying
unexpected results
Statistical analysis statistics are not well-suited for understanding
issues in depth or evaluating
Strengths include the ability to quickly analyse, opinions. Collecting statistical data can also be
collect information in a standardized way, and
provide "hard facts" to support other data time-consuming
Measurement Reductionism: By focusing on measurable
Objectivity: By focusing on quantifiable variables, measurement research may overlook
data, measurement research aims to minimize complex, nuanced, or subjective aspects of
subjective interpretations and biases. human behavior.
Exploration research Exploratory research is often
Exploratory research can help generate inconclusive because it's open-ended
hypotheses and research questions that and doesn't involve focused testing or
can guide future research. experimentation.
Ethical Considerations
Challenges
Psychological harm
Social harm
Physical harm
Legal harm.
Quantitative (e.g., informed consent in experiments) methods
Voluntary participation
Informed consent.
Confidentiality
Addressed Ethical Consideration in Research
Protecting the rights of research participants: Ensuring their safety, privacy, and well-
being throughout the research process.
Enhancing research validity: By minimizing bias and ensuring that the research methods
and findings are accurate and reliable.
Maintaining scientific or academic integrity: Upholding the highest standards of ethical
conduct in research, which builds trust and credibility within the scientific community
Reflection on Research Applications
Here's the paragraph with slightly altered wording:
"Combining qualitative and quantitative data in a mixed methods approach is crucial for gaining
a deeper understanding in psychological research. This 'best of both worlds' strategy leverages
the strengths of both approaches. Qualitative data provides rich, contextualized insights into
individual experiences, while quantitative data offers generalizable findings with greater external
validity. By integrating these two perspectives, we can address the limitations of each individual
approach. For instance, the limited generalizability of purely qualitative studies can be mitigated
by incorporating quantitative data to validate findings and broaden their applicability.
Furthermore, mixed methods research offers greater flexibility in research design. Researchers
can seamlessly blend aspects of different study types to optimize their findings. This approach
uniquely allows for both theory generation and hypothesis testing within a single study, a
significant advantage over solely qualitative or quantitative investigations."
These changes aim to:
Enhance clarity and flow: Minor adjustments to sentence structure and word choice
improve readability.
Strengthen emphasis: Certain phrases were rephrased to better emphasize key concepts.
Refine terminology: Some terms were slightly modified for greater clarity and precision.
Reference
https://www.simplypsychology.org/qualitative-quantitative.html
https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-philosophical-concepts-of-positivism-and-interpretivism-
in-social-science-research
https://www.staugustine.edu/2022/10/05/main-research-methods-in-psychology/
https://uk.surveymonkey.com/mp/survey-vs-interview/
https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/thematic-analysis/#:~:text=Thematic%20analysis%20is
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%20the%20two%20types%20of,can%20validate%20your%20qualitative%20findings
