MSLD500_Activity 7.3_Blog_Quantitative Research Reflection_Wathen_Sandra

MSLD500_Activity 7.3_Blog_Quantitative Research Reflection_Wathen_Sandra

What is being investigated?   How it is being investigated?

But the big question is - Why?  That is what Quantitative Research helps you to answer.

Research Idea*Literature Review*Theoretical Formulation*Empirical Research*Research Design

Data Collection*Data Analysis*Answering the Questions*Theoretical Interpretations*Comparison*Conclusions

Theories*Deductive Reasoning*Hypothesis*Observations*Induction*Empirical Generalizations

Understanding the main elements of quantitative research…

First decide what is being investigated and then how it is being investigated – exam the problem, develop hypothesis, research the questions and concerns and determine how it will be set into a working plan for study.  This will set the foundation for investigation for the What in the Research Design.  It involves decisions and these decisions will provide many aspects for the researcher to consider such as the methods for data collection and focus of sources for researching the problem(s) and determining the problem.  It also assists with narrowing in on finding the highlight or sources of the problem.

When conducting research it is important to understand that there are some important types of research which are Theoretical, Empirical and Scientific (which is a combination of dialogue between both Theoretical and Empirical types).  Theoretical research focuses on data that has been previously researched whereas Empirical research focuses on a problem of reality that requires research to obtain data through a systematic method.  In essence, most research includes both the theoretical and empirical types are involved in most research efforts.  Each method has its own theory of approach to research.

In summary, select the theme and learn as much about the existing data available from previous research.  Also learn as much as you can about what is not known about the subject.  The theme can be any topic of interest such as personal, something of social significance, or maybe even something that may be of theoretical interest.  Always ask yourself when conducting the research as to who this research will serve so that you can maintain focus on the purpose.  Pick the method of approach to use in the study so that you can start specificity into the problem to be researched and start the concept process of the study based on the method type.  Once you start planning the research process you must focus on the research as to ensure that you are using the most suitable methods of researching the problems and the plan for how to obtain the data to ensure that the data can be measured to provide the evidence in answering the initial question.  It is important to select the right data and method to use for answering the research questions since the questions of research is the foundation for the design.

There are many different types of research designs and the selection of the right design is dependent on what type of design and methods of data collection are planned to be used.  Examples are experimental design, cross-sectional design, case study design, etc. with methods of data collection to include questionnaires, observations, document analysis, and so on.    It is also important to understand the data sampling process; such as, Universe, Population, Original Sampling, and Final Sample.  It is also important to be aware of the potentials of risks in sampling errors.  There are many methods of samplings such as; Probability versus Purposive, Simple Random, Systematic Selection, Stratified, Clustered and Quota.  Dependent on when and how used, these methods will allow you to determine a definite level of confidence from the population sampled.

Once you have the basic understanding you are ready to proceed with your Quantitative Research!