Page 63 - PPWP 700_PART 1_FINAL

Theme 2

2.2.1 Quantitative research
Notes
Quantitative research is generally associated with the positivist/post-
positivist paradigm. It usually involves collecting and converting data
into numerical form so that statistical calculations can be made and
conclusions drawn.

Researchers will have one or more hypotheses. These are the
questions that they want to address, which include predictions about
possible relationships between the things they want to investigate
(variables). In order to find answers to these questions, the
researchers will also have various instruments and materials (e.g.
paper or computer tests, observation check lists etc.) and a clearly-
defined plan of action.

Data is collected by various means following a strict procedure and
prepared for statistical analysis. Nowadays, this is carried out with
the aid of sophisticated statistical computer packages. The analysis
enables the researchers to determine to what extent there is a
relationship between two or more variables. This could be a simple
association (e.g. people who exercise on a daily basis have lower
blood pressure) or a causal relationship (e.g. daily exercise leads to
lower blood pressure). Statistical analysis permits researchers to
discover complex causal relationships and to determine to what
extent one variable influences another. The results of statistical
analyses are presented in journals in a standard way, the result
being a P value. For people who are not familiar with scientific
research jargon, the discussion sections at the end of articles in
peer-reviewed journals usually describe the results of the study and
explain the implications of the findings in straightforward terms.

2.2.2 Qualitative research E

Qualitative Research is primarily exploratory research. It is used to D Professional portfolio and workplace project - Part 1

gain an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and © Copyright reserved
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motivations. It provides insights into the problem or helps to develop T

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Basics of research methodology L
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