HLTB10 2011 Exam notes
Chapter 1: General Research orientations
Theory- is an explanation of observed regularities or patterns
Definitions: key terms, operational definitions
Descriptions of the phenomena of interest :
Relational statements: connects two or more variables there are two types
deterministic which means the two variables go together all of the time ; and
probabilisitiv: which means the two variables go together with some degree of
regularity
,finding a case that does not fit the pattern does not lead to a rejection
Deduction- starts by coming up with a theory that seeks to explain a particular
phenomenon, and then deduces specific hypotheses from it that are tested with empirical
data
Inductive research- theory is the outcome of research, gathering and examining data
relevant to the phenomenon being investigated , when this method is used data are gathered
not to test a theory but to come up with the information needed to construct a theory
Positivism- an epistemological position that affirms the importance of following the natural
sciences is positivism and entails: only phenomena and regularities confirmed by the senses
such as sight and hearing, key purpose is to generate hypothesis that can be tested and
thereby allow explanations, objectivity, it is not although synonymous with science
Interpretivism: grew to some extent, out of the critique of positivism,
- maintain that the role of social scientist to grasp the subjective meanings
of peoples actions
- so in essence providing an interpretation of others interpretations
Quantitative research: most basic distinction is that is involves the use of numbers
- employ more formal and mathematical measurement and analysis
techniques than qualitative researchers
- usually entails a deductive approach , in which
Qualitative research: most basic distinction is that it involves the s