The next stage, after selecting a research paradigm, is to link it with actual practice (Bryman, 1998). This can be accomplished via selecting the appropriate data collection methods that; accommodate research assumptions, answer research questions, and meet research objectives. Accordingly, having explained the research paradigms and assumptions, the following is a description of the nature of the research design methods, namely: qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods, and then proceeds to discuss the design of enquiry.
Research Design
Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches are the most common methods of social sciences studies for data collection and analysis (Velez, 2008). Mackenzie & Knipe (2006); McMillan & Schumacher (2006:12) argue that ‘quantitative and qualitative can be understood as two distinguished terms, which are:
1. As a research paradigm: they explain the aim of a research and how a researcher can understand the world.
2. As methods adopted to collect and analyse data.
For …show more content…
For Salomon (1991) qualitative inquiry is implemented to deal with complex and dynamic environments. Further Denzin & Lincoln (1998); Gall et al. (2003) point out that it seeks to examine human actions and behaviours in natural settings. Sechrest & Sidani (1995) hold the view that understanding the research context is important in qualitative research to attain a generalizable data.
At the ontological level, qualitative perspective contends that there are multiple truths or realities which exist based on several researchers’ thinking of what is true for a particular social context (Pring, 2000; and Sale et al., 2002). However, in the epistemological level, the researcher is an instrument of data collection and extensively integrated with the researched area (Miles and Huberman,
Research Design
Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches are the most common methods of social sciences studies for data collection and analysis (Velez, 2008). Mackenzie & Knipe (2006); McMillan & Schumacher (2006:12) argue that ‘quantitative and qualitative can be understood as two distinguished terms, which are:
1. As a research paradigm: they explain the aim of a research and how a researcher can understand the world.
2. As methods adopted to collect and analyse data.
For …show more content…
For Salomon (1991) qualitative inquiry is implemented to deal with complex and dynamic environments. Further Denzin & Lincoln (1998); Gall et al. (2003) point out that it seeks to examine human actions and behaviours in natural settings. Sechrest & Sidani (1995) hold the view that understanding the research context is important in qualitative research to attain a generalizable data.
At the ontological level, qualitative perspective contends that there are multiple truths or realities which exist based on several researchers’ thinking of what is true for a particular social context (Pring, 2000; and Sale et al., 2002). However, in the epistemological level, the researcher is an instrument of data collection and extensively integrated with the researched area (Miles and Huberman,