Essay Sample on Research Methods: Exploring the Possibilities

Introduction

Research is an organized inquiry that attempts to describe, predict and control the observed event. A research can be carried out in school or college as part of the course. For research to be successful, it requires a research method. A research method is a systematic plan for conducting a study. An individual carrying out research will draw on different types of both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

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Quantitative Research Method

A quantitative research method can be defined as an orderly investigation of phenomena by collecting data that can be quantified and carry out statistical or computational techniques. Quantitative research relies on information from existing individuals selected as a study population. Quantitative research uses sampling methods by sending out surveys, polls, and questionnaires. The results received are then depicted in the form of numerical.

Quantitative research is data oriented and it uses two ways to carry out research. They are Primary Quantitative Research Methods and Secondary Quantitative Research Methods. Primary quantitative research is mostly used to conduct market research. This method focuses on collecting data directly, and it does not depend on data from previous studies. There are various types of primary quantitative research. Survey research is the most used tool for all quantitative studies. It is used to ask questions to a selected respondent in form of polls or questionnaires. There is correlational research to compare the relationship between two closely related entities. Others are Causal-Comparative Research and experimental research.

Secondary quantitative research methods involve using already existing data. Existing data is analyzed and used in a relevant study. The data is collected from the existing data sources such as libraries, research reports and the internet. The secondary quantitative study helps in validating the data that was collected in primary research.

Qualitative Research Method

Qualitative research is a market research method that focuses on getting data through open-ended and conversational communication. The method does not only research what people think but also why they think in a certain way. Qualitative research methods carry out an in-depth study by questioning the respondents based on their answers. A researcher will be interested to know the motivation and feeling behind their response. Understanding how the respondent makes a decision will help the researcher in concluding the study population.

How qualitative research methods are designed can reveal the perception of the target group being referred to a certain topic of study. There are many types of qualitative research methods that include interviews, case study research, focus groups and ethnographic research. Interviews are carried out with an individual respondent at a time, which happens in the form of conversation. A focus group is used to find answers to "why," "what" and "how." Such answers help to explain complex processes. The case study as the name suggests, is used for explaining an entity. It is used within a specific area of a chosen field. Ethnographic research, on the other hand, requires a researcher to adapt to the respondent environment to understand the challenges, cultures and the settings that may occur. Instead of depending on interviews, the researcher experience the situation first hand.

The outcome of qualitative research methods is descriptive, and evidence can be obtained from the data collected. Qualitative research methods make it easier to explain the research since it is more descriptive and communicative. In qualitative data collection, non-numeric data is collected that will help the researcher to understand how decisions are made by providing detailed insight.