Qualitative And Quantitative Research Methods: Application Within Education Research
Number of pages:
12
ABSTRACT:
12 pages in length. Quantitative research should begin with an idea that is usually articulated as a hypothesis by the researcher which then, through measurement, generates data and then by deduction allows a conclusion to be drawn. In contrast to this method, qualitative research begins with intent to review a certain area. The researcher then collects data through observations and interviews and generates his or her ideas and hypotheses from these data. These inferences are largely made through what is known as inductive reasoning. The strength of the quantitative approach is in its reliability or the repeatability of the pattern. The same measurements should yield the same results every time. The strength of qualitative research lies in its validity or closeness to the truth. That means that good qualitative research, by using a diverse number of data collection methods, should actually touch the core of what is going on rather than just skimming the surface of the facts. The validity of qualitative methods is greatly improved upon by using a combination of research methods. This is a process known as triangulation and is used by independent analysis of the data by more than one researcher. The writer discusses how qualitative and quantitative research methods apply to research in education. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
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