Respond to classmate and discuss which methodology you have chosen for your research and why. A method that allows for a survey may be a great place to start. (Minimum 200 words)
Classmate’s Post:
Reply from Anne Morales
#1: Compare and contrast qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method research methodologies.
With its naturalistic approach, qualitative research delves into and provides deeper insights into real-world problems or phenomena. It focuses on gathering participants’ experiences, perceptions, and behavior, answering the how’s and whys instead of how many or how much (Tenny et al., 2022). This type of research studies things in their natural settings, attempting to make sense of a particular phenomenon in terms of the significance people bring to it (LoBiondo-Wood, Haber, 2017). This approach connects us to the real-world problems and phenomena it addresses, making it a powerful tool in research.
In contrast to qualitative research, quantitative research is characterized by its techniques, objectives, and design, which provide precise causal explanations; instead of collecting subjective data by asking exploratory why and how questions, quantitative research focuses on data that can be measured and communicated mathematically. Unlike qualitative research, which often involves researchers visiting participants in their homes or natural settings, quantitative research is usually conducted in a controlled environment.
Mixed methods research is an approach that offers a comprehensive understanding of a research topic by combining the strengths of both quantitative and qualitative data analysis within the same study. This method provides a more complete picture, incorporating numerical data analysis (quantitative) and rich, detailed insight from qualitative data like interviews. It’s a powerful tool that ensures that every aspect of the research topic is explored.
In this section, we will Compare and contrast prospective/cohort/longitudinal studies and randomized control trials (RCTs) in terms of their design, purpose, and application in research.
Prospective/cohort/longitudinal studies, a type of observational study, are designed to follow a group of individuals (referred to as a cohort) over a period of time, while gathering data on their exposure to a specific factor. These studies, which focus on tracking outcomes, are crucial in investigating the relationship between exposure and the outcome. They are instrumental in exploring differences and relationships among variables, a process that can be both engaging and intriguing. Most importantly, they provide clinicians with the ability to assess the incidence of a problem over time, thereby offering valuable insights into potential reasons for changes in the study variables.
On the other hand, experimental designs, like randomized controlled trials (RCT), are clear and straightforward in their approach. They involve manipulating a variable to determine its effects on a control group. This study design randomly assigns participants into an experimental group or a control group. RCTs are considered the “gold standard” of study design because they provide the most direct evidence for causality by using randomization, control, and manipulation (LoBiondo-Wood, Haber, 2017).
References
LoBiondo-Wood, G., & Haber, J. (2017). Nursing research: Methods and Critical Appraisal for Evidence-based Practice. Mosby.
ResearchVana – Experimental vs Non-Experimental Research. (n.d.). https://www.researchvana.org/foundations-of-research/types-of-research/experimental-vs-non-experimental-researchLinks to an external site.
Tenny, S., Brannan, J. M., & Brannan, G. D. (2022, September 18). Qualitative study. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470395/Links to an external site.
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