3 Types of Research Applied to Home Science – II

G. P. Jeyanthi

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A systematic investigation employed to increase or revise the existing knowledge by finding out new facts is known as Research. It is about addressing an issue or enquiring and responding to a question or solving a problem or even to identify a new issue or a problem. Two important types of Research are –Basic Research that aims at increasing the scientific knowledge and Applied Research that aims at using the findings of Basic Research for solving the problem or for developing new processes or products,

 

In this module, four different types of research applied to Home Science are discussed-Quantitative Research, Qualitative Research, Conceptual Research and Empirical Research.

 

3.1 Quantitative Research

 

Quantitative research is the systematic investigation of some observable phenomena through statistical, mathematical or computational techniques The main purpose of quantitative research is to develop and use models in mathematics, theories and hypotheses related to the research study. Measurement is an important aspect in this research. This connects the observation made and mathematical expression. Data that is collected will be in numerical form like percentage. The data is subjected to statistical tests.

 

Quantitative research is mainly used in psychology, economics, demography, sociology, community health and human development. Qualitative research gives information about only selected cases studied and other conclusions will remain as hypotheses. But Quantitative research is used to identify the true hypotheses among them.

 

Quantitative research is performed using scientific methods. This includes

    1.  Models, hypotheses and theories generation

2.  Instruments development and measurement methods

3.  Control of experiments and manipulation of variables

4.  Empirical data collection

5.  Modelling and analysis of data.

 

Quantitative research always goes hand in hand with qualitative research. While qualitative research helps in forming hypotheses, Quantitative research is used to test these hypotheses.

 

Quantitative research may proxies as stand ins for quantities that cannot be directly measured .An example is assessment of the quantity of a product to be manufactured even before the launch of the product in the market. This type of research helps in determining the relationship between independent and dependent variables before collection of data

 

Quantitative research may be either descriptive type or experimental type of research. A descriptive research establishes only the association among variables, whereas an experimental research reveals the causative effect.

 

Characteristics of a Quantitative research are:

  1. Data is gathered by use of structured research instruments
  2. Results are based on larger sample size that is true representation of the population
  3. Research is replicated or repeated which is highly reliable
  4. The research objectives clearly address the research qualities
  5. Design of the experiments are well planned
  6. Data are in the form of numbers and statistics well represented in the form of tables, figures and charts
  7. Research is used to generalise the concepts
  8. Future results are predicted
  9. Research is used to find out the causal relationship
  10. Questionnaires   including computer software are used for data collection

When the quantitative research results are reported, it is essential to explain the method of data collection, to repeat the unexpected events, to explain the technique followed, to use appropriate statistical tools and to declare any assumptions made.

 

In case of inferential statistics, descriptive statistics has to be explained along with the confidential intervals, sample size, degrees of freedom and significance level. The report of Quantitative research has the following parts:

 

Introduction

 

Usually this is written in past tense and. from the third person point of view. This section will cover the following details:

 

Problem identification, review of literature, description of the theoretical framework Methodology

 

This gives the details of the study population, sampling technique, data collection and data analysis Results

 

Quantitative research collects data in numerical form. This can be put into categories, or in rank order, or measured in units of measurement. This type of data can be used to construct graphs and tables of raw data.

 

But  experiments give  quantitative  data  which  are  concerned  with  measuring  things.

 

However, other research methods, such as observations and questionnaires can produce both quantitative and qualitative information.

 

For example, a rating scale or closed questions on a questionnaire may generate quantitative data as these produce either numerical data or data that can be put into categories (e.g. “yes”, “no” answers). In open-ended questions , descriptive responses are obtained.

 

Experimental methods limit the possible ways in which a research participant can react to and express appropriate social behaviour. Findings are therefore likely to be context-bound and simply a reflection of the assumptions which the researcher brings to the investigation.

 

Tables and figures exhibit the values obtained by processing the data by doing appropriate statistical analysis.

 

Discussion

 

The results are subjected to comprehensive analysis with logical supportive statements of other researchers findings. This part will be in present tense with description of trends of results, comparison of groups, relationship among variables, discussion on how the results helped fill the gap in the understanding of the research problem and limitations of the study. Conclusio

 

This part of the report gives the summary of the findings, policies and recommendations for future research.

 

Advantages of Quantitative Research

  1. Large  sample size
  2. Accuracy  of results
  3. Reproducibility  of the results
  4. Can  summarise vast information
  5. Comparison of groups is easy
  6. No personal bias

Limitations

  1. Contexual details may be missed
  2. Sometimes results may reflect the views of the researcher  rather than the participant
  3. Results provide less  details on behaviour, attitude and motivation
  4. Sometimes data may be narrow and specific
  5. As the research is done in an unusual and artificial environment, a control is required.

3.2 Qualitative research

 

This is primarily exploratory research. This type of research helps in understanding the basic reasons for the problem under study, opinions and motivations. This research helps in developing hypotheses for quantitative research. Experiments and measurements do not contribute the data.

 

In Qualitative research the objectives are elaborate description whereas in Quantitative research, the objectives are measured data subjected to statistical analysis. As opposed to Quantitative research, in Qualitative research, the researcher is aware of only a rough idea of the data well in advance. However, the data in Qualitative research is rich but time consuming. Also the researcher is completely involved in the problem under study.

 

There are three main methods of data collection

    1 .interactive    interviewing

2.  written statements by the participants

3.  observation

 

There are two approaches to Qualitative research:

 

1. Funnel approach in which the general research questions for data collection get narrower and narrower till conclusions are drawn 2.Induction approach in which the specific narrow question gets broader and broader till conclusions are drawn. Triangulation is a new approach in Qualitative research.

 

In an example of Qualitative research, If a survey is required about the performance of students in a particular subject, data is collected from multiple source- the teachers, students. parents and higher authorities, in multiple ways like interview and observation and by collecting different types of data like assessing the students records, observing the students and interviewing the teachers.

 

Characteristics of Qualitative research are:

1.  The research is concerned with opinions , feelings and experiences

2.  It explains naturally occurring social problems

3.  Theories and concepts can be developed with the collected data.

4.  Data is collected by direct contact and there is no chance for manipulation of data.

 

Three key elements that define Qualitative research  are :

 

1. Research design

 

Naturalistic that involves study of the real worlds, Emergent that involves skipping of rigid designs by the researcher in order to eliminate responding to opportunities to pursue new paths of discovery as they emerge and Purposeful where cases for study are selected as they are information rich

 

2. Data collection

 

This is by data observation, personal experience, empathic neutrality and dynamic system. A good example of a qualitative research method would be use of unstructured and group interviews. This may generate qualitative data through the use of open questions. This allows the respondent to talk in some depth, expressing in their own words. This helps the researcher develop a natural environment with understanding of the situation. However, it can be time consuming to conduct the unstructured interview and analyse the qualitative data.

 

3. Analysis of the data

 

Qualitative research collects information that is not in numerical form. For example, open-ended questionnaires, unstructured interviews and unstructured observations may yield Qualitative data that is typically descriptive in nature and therefore difficult to analyze than quantitative data. The collected data are made known to every one in the language of the informant.

 

Advantages of Qualitative research

 

1.  More realistic view of the situation is got

2.  It is possible to have direct interaction with the participants

3.  Data collection, analysis of data and interpretation of results can be done in a flexible way

4.  Results reveal newer understanding of the problem

5.  Interaction with participants is possible in their own set up and language

Limitations

 

1.  Deviation possible from the original objective

2.  Characteristics of the researcher may lead to arriving at different conclusions

3.  Replication of the study may be difficult

4.  Data collection and analysis are time consuming and expensive

5.  Researcher should have rich experience

6.  Data has lack of consistency and reliability

 

H16RM0 3.3 Conceptual research

 

This is a type of Scientific research , the other being Empirical research. Conceptual research focuses on the theoretical aspects or the concept of the problem under study. In simple terms, it involves pen and paper.. Without attempting any experiment, just with observations research work is aimed at. Conceptual research makes use of brain and not the hands. Study on motion of planets and various causes for diseases are simple examples of Conceptual research. This is also referred as Analytical research. Conceptual research and Empirical research are not mutually exclusive. Conceptual research is mainly used in social sciences and philosophy. Conceptual research is a link between different concepts , theories and groups of ideas.

 

The main aspect of Conceptual research is observation –may be of an individual or that of others from where theories find their origin. For example, many of our ancient concepts about stellar constellations were established from observations of how Copernicus saw the universe. Many years later ,his Conceptual research was simplified by Galileo .The Conceptual observations of Galileo later gave rise to a number of experimental research to prove or reject predictions made during that period. So another way to think of it would be to observe, come up with a concept or theories aligned with previous theories to derive new theories which may be empirically examined to assess the problem under study.

 

The examples of conceptual skills depends upon the medium that they represent. Different events require different understanding. How you convey your understanding to others as well as yourself requires the ability of understanding the dynamics of the task in hand. The more complicated the task, the greater the dynamics. This is where the intelligence quota comes in. The higher the quota the greater the ability for understanding and,conveying that understanding to others. But even there we have problems. This is because one can have great ability towards understanding, but they don’t have the aptitude for the subject. So you can teach a person        about   science , but he may never become a scientist because he lacks theaptitude for the work..

 

3.4 Empirical research

 

The term empirical was earlier referred to certain ancient Greek practitioners of medicine who rejected adherence to the dogmatic doctrines of the day, preferring instead to rely on the observation of phenomena as perceived in experience. Later empiricism referred to a theory of knowledge in philosophy which is attached to the principle that knowledge arises from experience and evidence gathered mainly using the senses. In scientific use, the term empirical refers to the gathering of data using only evidence that is observable by the senses or in some cases using calibrated scientific instruments.

 

In empirical experiments, mainly in education research, the experiments are conducted by either one of the three types of designs-pre-experimental, experimental and quasi experimental..

 

Empirical research makes use of empirical evidence. It is a way of gaining knowledge using direct and indirect observation or experience. Analysis may include qualitative or quantitative. Research design is likely to vary depending on the area of interest. Many researchers may prefer to combine both qualitative and quantitative forms of analysis. They depend on the data obtained by observation to formulate and test theories and to come to conclusions

 

The researcher assesses the interaction between the instrument and the phenomenon or the problem of interest. He or she calibrates the instrument used for measurement with the help of standards and recording the results before applying to the unknown objects..

 

It is very essential in scientific studies to determine the validity of empirical research by analysing the data using standardised statistical methods like t test, ANOVA, regression and Chi Square test. Hypothesis testing is done and the proposed hypothesis is accepted or rejected.

 

The empirical cycle includes-observation, induction or formulation of hypothesis, deduction or formulation of experiments to test the hypothesis, testing ie., data collection and hypothesis testing, evaluation and interpretation of data.

 

Two main types of empirical research are- 1.Experimental research involving treatment or intervention used to bring a change in a series of variables and 2.Non experimental research where the participants are observed without any experimental intervention.

 

Experimental research method involves experimental group and control group and is referred as true experimental research. Another type is non-experimental research where there is no random assignment of the participants into groups.

 

Experimental research findings are published in scholarly journals and not in popular magazines. But if a research article appears in a peer reviewed journal, it does not mean that it is an empirical research work.

 

Some important characteristics of such articles are-they will be lengthy, there will be an abstract, bibliographic reference with inclusion of phrases like ‘ in this study’, ’were administered’,’ assessed’ and ’using the procedure’.

 

Seven criteria for Empirical research

 

  1. Samples should be randomly selected from the  target population and subjected to treatment .There is possibility for achievement of internal validity. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) can be used for high precision of experimental studies.
  2. Any extraneous factors which may be associated with variation in an outcome variable can be controlled by techniques such as selection, stratification and statistical adjustment or can be randomized. For example, if there are known socio-economic status (SES) differences on a dependent variable, the researcher can select cases within a relatively narrow range of SES so that its impact becomes negligible or, at least, lessened
  3. It is preferred that outcomes (and covariates) be assessed with relatively little measurement error. Other things being equal, unreliability increases unexplained variation within groups and reduces the power of the analysis
  4. Validity is an important factor that refers to the degree to which inferences can legitimately be made.
  5. Implementation of Treatment Variable is yet another important aspect.There must be some record or documentation supporting the fact that the intended treatment has taken place.
  6. While there are often alternative analytical approaches that result in equivalent analyses with respect to interpretation of results, it is also the case that inappropriate analysis may limit interpretability.
  7. While the use of inferential statistical methods has been a valuable tool in many applied research fields, their use has also led to some unfortunate opportunities to make incorrect or misleading interpretations of results.
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