SOC 2805 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: Quantitative Research, Postpositivism, Longitudinal Study
Chapter 1:
The Selection of a Research Approach
The identification of a research approach is an important early step in planning a research
project. This chapter begins with definitions of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods
approaches. These three approaches are not rigid, distinct categories. Qualitative and
quantitative approaches represent two ends of a spectrum with mixed methods residing
somewhere in the middle. The chapter then continues with a discussion of how philosophy,
research designs and data collection methods come together to inform the decision about which
approach to research should be used.
In planning a research study, the researcher should be aware of the philosophical
worldview assumptions that they bring to the study, the research design most closely related to
this worldview and the research methods that will be used to best put the approach to practice.
Four major worldviews are explored in the chapter: post-positivism, constructivist, pragmatic
and transformative. Each indicates how the researcher could potentially view the world and how
that worldview influences the choice of research approaches. In deciding which research
approach to use, the researcher must consider the research problem. The problem itself can give
an indication of which approach might be best. For example, quantitative research is best if the
problem involves identification of factors that influence an outcome or understanding the best
predictors of an outcome. Additionally, the personal experiences of the researcher and comfort
level with certain approaches will influence the choice of an approach. Finally, the researcher
must consider the audience when choosing an approach.
The Three Approaches to Research
• Qualitative
o An approach for understanding the meaning individuals and groups ascribe to a
human or social problem
o Emerging questions
o Analysis building from particular data to general themes (inductive)
• Quantitative
o An approach for testing objective theories by examining the relationships among
variables (deductive)
o Numbered data which can be analyzed using statistical procedures
o Structured written report
• Mixed Methods Approach
o Collection of both qualitative and quantitative data
o May involve both philosophical assumptions and theoretical frameworks
o Assumes a more complete understanding of a research problem than using one of
the approaches alone
Three Components Involved in Research Philosophical Worldviews
• Worldview: is defined as a basic set of beliefs that guide action
• The Postpositivist Worldview
o Typically, quantitative
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Document Summary
The identification of a research approach is an important early step in planning a research project. This chapter begins with definitions of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods approaches. These three approaches are not rigid, distinct categories. Qualitative and quantitative approaches represent two ends of a spectrum with mixed methods residing somewhere in the middle. The chapter then continues with a discussion of how philosophy, research designs and data collection methods come together to inform the decision about which approach to research should be used. Four major worldviews are explored in the chapter: post-positivism, constructivist, pragmatic and transformative. Each indicates how the researcher could potentially view the world and how that worldview influences the choice of research approaches. In deciding which research approach to use, the researcher must consider the research problem. The problem itself can give an indication of which approach might be best.
