Brief Summary
This video discusses research approaches, emphasizing that the choice of approach depends on philosophical stance, the nature of the problem, the audience, theoretical considerations, design decisions, and practicalities. It compares qualitative and quantitative research, detailing multi-method approaches including mixed methods and mixed model research. The video also explores emerging research approaches that move beyond traditional typologies, such as third space methodology, post-qualitative approaches, and decolonial research orientations.
- Research approach is the general orientation or overall strategy of a research project (qualitative, quantitative, multi-method).
- Philosophical stance, nature of the problem, audience, theory, design, and practicalities influence the choice of research approach.
- Qualitative and quantitative research differ in purpose, processes, data, meaning-making, and communication of findings.
- Multi-method research combines multiple methods, including mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) and mixed model approaches (qualitative interpretation of quantitative data or vice versa).
- Emerging research approaches include third space methodology, post-qualitative approaches, and decolonial research orientations.
Introduction to Research Approaches
The video introduces the concept of research approaches, defining it as the general orientation or overall strategy of a research project, such as qualitative, quantitative, or multi-method. It is mentioned that research approaches are one way to classify research projects, influencing the processes and methods used. The speaker notes that sometimes classifying research by design, like a case study, is more effective, as the approach (e.g., multi-method) may be inherent in the design.
Choosing Research Approaches
The selection of research approaches is influenced by several factors, starting with the researcher's philosophical stance, which often aligns with specific approaches (e.g., quantitative with positivism, qualitative with interpretivism). The nature of the research problem and the purpose of the work also play a significant role, as the real-world context and the intended audience (scholars, managers) impact the choice of approach. The speaker also highlights the importance of staying updated with developments in the relevant disciplinary field and considering the role of theory, whether testing existing theories or building new ones. Design decisions can also dictate the approach, especially if a specific design like an experiment is chosen. Practical considerations, such as budget and the researcher's skill set, must also be factored in to ensure the feasibility of the chosen approach.
Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research
Qualitative and quantitative research are presented as the two primary branches in traditional Euro-Western research, with multi-method approaches combining them. Quantitative research, associated with positivism and post-positivism, focuses on testing theory and measuring relationships between variables, often using deductive reasoning. It typically involves numerical data and statistical analysis. Qualitative research, on the other hand, emphasizes exploration and understanding, starting with a specific phenomenon and using non-numerical data (language, images) to interpret and potentially contribute to theory. Quantitative research is about exactness, generalizability, proof, and evidence, while qualitative methods emphasize understanding, depth, detail, and connection.
Multi-Method Approaches
Multi-method studies combine more than one research method, which can be either multi-method qualitative or multi-method quantitative, using multiple methods from the same approach. Mixed methods research involves crossing the qualitative and quantitative divide, where both types of methods are used but analyzed separately, with potential integration during conclusion or interpretation. Methodological triangulation, a type of mixed method, strengthens validity and reliability by focusing on the same research area. Other reasons for mixing methods include facilitation, complementation, generality, and addressing different research questions. Mixed model approaches involve qualitatively interpreting quantitative data or quantifying qualitative data.
Emerging Research Approaches
The video explores emerging research approaches that move beyond traditional qualitative, quantitative, and multi-method classifications. These approaches are often customized for specific contexts or lived realities, sometimes as an act of decolonization. The discussion includes third space methodology, which recognizes the hybridity that occurs when different cultures or people interact, influencing the research approach. Methodological pluralism involves moving between different knowledges and research processes, while post-qualitative research questions the fundamental aspects of research, such as the representation of underlying realities. Decolonial scholars may create their own research orientations or use decolonial language to position their research outside traditional boundaries, emphasizing relational ontologies and epistemologies.
