#qualitative research method

When it comes to collecting valuable data for market research, two of the most commonly used methods are focus groups and online surveys. Each method has its own unique advantages and challenges, and understanding these can help businesses and researchers make informed decisions about which to use. After spending 40 hours diving deep into this topic, I’ve gathered a wealth of information to help you decide which method is right for your needs. In this blog, I’ll share my findings on focus groups versus online surveys, exploring their effectiveness, benefits, and drawbacks.

Understanding Focus Groups

Definition and Purpose

Focus groups are a qualitative research method where a small, diverse group of people is brought together to discuss a specific topic. The goal is to gather insights and opinions through open-ended discussions facilitated by a moderator. This method is particularly useful for exploring complex issues, generating ideas, and understanding the reasons behind people’s attitudes and behaviors.

How Focus Groups Work

A typical focus group consists of 6-10 participants and lasts about 1-2 hours. Participants are selected based on specific criteria relevant to the research topic. The moderator guides the discussion using a predetermined set of questions but also allows for spontaneous dialogue to emerge. This interaction can provide deep insights into participants’ thoughts, feelings, and motivations.

Advantages of Focus Groups

In-Depth Insights: The interactive nature of focus groups allows for a deeper understanding of participants’ perspectives. The discussions can reveal nuances and complexities that might be missed in more structured methods.

Rich Data: Focus groups generate qualitative data that can provide context and depth to research findings. The verbatim quotes and anecdotes gathered can be particularly powerful.

Flexibility: The moderator can adapt the discussion based on the participants’ responses, allowing for a more dynamic and responsive research process.

Challenges of Focus Groups

Cost and Time: Organizing and conducting focus groups can be expensive and time-consuming. Recruiting participants, securing a venue, and hiring a skilled moderator all add to the cost.

Group Dynamics: The presence of others can influence participants’ responses. Dominant personalities may steer the discussion, potentially skewing the results.

Limited Generalizability: Due to the small sample size, the findings from focus groups may not be representative of the larger population.

Exploring Online Surveys

Definition and Purpose

Online surveys are a quantitative research method that involves collecting data through structured questionnaires distributed via the Internet. This method is ideal for gathering data from a large number of respondents quickly and efficiently. Online surveys are often used to measure attitudes, opinions, behaviors, and demographic characteristics.

How Online Surveys Work

Online surveys are typically distributed via email, social media, or survey platforms. Respondents complete the survey at their convenience, providing answers to multiple-choice, rating scale, or open-ended questions. The data is then automatically collected and can be analyzed using statistical software.

Advantages of Online Surveys

Cost-Effective: Online surveys are relatively inexpensive to administer. There are no costs associated with travel, venue rental, or physical materials.

Broad Reach: Surveys can be distributed to a large, geographically dispersed audience, increasing the potential sample size and diversity of respondents.

Convenience: Respondents can complete the survey at their own pace and at a time that suits them, potentially leading to higher response rates.

Challenges of Online Surveys

Survey Design: Crafting an effective survey requires careful consideration of question-wording, order, and response options. Poorly designed surveys can lead to biased or inaccurate data.

Response Rates: Achieving a high response rate can be challenging, especially if the survey is long or if the target audience is not motivated to participate.

Data Quality: Without the ability to probe or clarify responses, researchers must rely on the clarity and honesty of respondents’ answers. Additionally, there is a risk of non-serious or fraudulent responses.

Comparing Focus Groups and Online Surveys

Data Depth vs. Breadth

One of the primary differences between focus groups and online surveys is the depth and breadth of data they provide. Focus groups offer in-depth, qualitative insights that can reveal the motivations and emotions behind participants’ attitudes. In contrast, online surveys provide broad, quantitative data that can be easily analyzed and generalized to a larger population.

Cost and Resource Allocation

Focus groups generally require more resources in terms of time, money, and logistics. They involve recruiting participants, securing a location, and hiring a skilled moderator. Online surveys, on the other hand, are more cost-effective and can be administered quickly with minimal resources.

Flexibility and Control

Focus groups allow for flexibility in the discussion, as the moderator can probe deeper into interesting or unexpected topics. However, this can also lead to variability in the data. Online surveys offer more control over the data collection process, ensuring that all respondents answer the same set of questions in a consistent manner.

Participant Interaction

The interactive nature of focus groups can be both a strength and a weakness. While group discussions can generate rich, dynamic data, they can also be influenced by dominant personalities or groupthink. Online surveys eliminate this issue by collecting individual responses in isolation, but they lack the richness of real-time interaction.

Speed of Data Collection

Online surveys typically allow for faster data collection, especially when targeting a large audience. Focus groups take more time to organize and conduct, and the data analysis process can be more complex due to the qualitative nature of the responses.

Making the Right Choice

When to Use Focus Groups

Exploring New Topics: Focus groups are ideal for exploratory research, where the goal is to generate ideas, understand complex issues, or uncover underlying motivations.

Developing Hypotheses: Use focus groups to gather qualitative insights that can inform the development of hypotheses for further quantitative research.

Understanding Context: When you need to understand the context or reasons behind specific behaviors or attitudes, focus groups can provide the depth and detail required.

When to Use Online Surveys

Measuring Opinions or Behaviors: Online surveys are perfect for measuring the prevalence of specific attitudes, opinions, or behaviors across a large population.

Quantifying Data: When you need quantitative data that can be easily analyzed and generalized, online surveys are the way to go.

Reaching a Broad Audience: If your research requires input from a large, diverse group of people, online surveys offer the reach and scalability needed.

Combining Methods for Comprehensive Insights

In many cases, the best approach may be to combine focus groups and online surveys to leverage the strengths of both methods. This mixed-methods approach can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the research topic.

Sequential Approach

Start with focus groups to explore the topic in depth and generate insights that can inform the design of an online survey. This allows you to develop more targeted and relevant survey questions based on the qualitative data gathered.

Concurrent Approach

Conduct focus groups and online surveys simultaneously to gather both qualitative and quantitative data. This approach can provide a holistic view of the research topic, with the qualitative data adding context and depth to the quantitative findings.

Iterative Approach

Use focus groups and online surveys in an iterative process, where the findings from one method inform the next stage of research. For example, you might conduct focus groups to explore initial insights, then use an online survey to quantify those insights, and finally hold additional focus groups to delve deeper into any unexpected findings from the survey.

Practical Tips for Conducting Focus Groups

Choose the Right Moderator: A skilled moderator is crucial for guiding the discussion and ensuring that all participants have the opportunity to share their views.

Recruit a Diverse Group: Aim for a diverse group of participants to capture a range of perspectives and experiences.

Create a Comfortable Environment: Ensure the setting is comfortable and conducive to open, honest discussion.

Prepare a Discussion Guide: Develop a discussion guide with key questions and topics, but remain flexible to allow the conversation to flow naturally.

Record and Analyze the Data: Use audio or video recording to capture the discussion, and employ qualitative analysis techniques to identify key themes and insights.

Practical Tips for Conducting Online Surveys

Design Clear and Concise Questions: Craft questions that are easy to understand and answer. Avoid leading or biased questions.

Pilot Test the Survey: Conduct a pilot test with a small group of respondents to identify any issues with the survey design or wording.

Use Incentives Wisely: Consider offering incentives to encourage participation, but ensure they are appropriate and ethical.

Monitor Response Rates: Keep track of response rates and follow up with non-respondents if necessary to boost participation.

Analyze the Data Thoroughly: Use statistical software to analyze the data, and consider both the overall trends and any significant variations within the responses.

Conclusion

After spending 40 hours researching focus groups versus online surveys, it’s clear that both methods have their unique strengths and challenges. The choice between the two depends on the specific goals and context of your research. Focus groups offer rich, qualitative insights and are ideal for exploratory research, while online surveys provide broad, quantitative data and are excellent for measuring and generalizing findings.

In many cases, combining both methods can provide the most comprehensive understanding of your research topic. By leveraging the depth of focus groups and the breadth of online surveys, you can gain a well-rounded view that informs better decision-making.

Whether you choose focus groups, online surveys, or a combination of both, the key is to carefully consider your research objectives, resources, and the nature of the information you seek to gather. With thoughtful planning and execution, you can make the right choice and achieve meaningful, actionable insights for your business or research needs.

For more insights and guidance on market research methodologies, visit Philomath Research and stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in the field.

FAQs

1. What are focus groups and how do they work?

Focus groups are qualitative research methods where a small group of people discusses a specific topic under the guidance of a moderator. The discussions aim to uncover in-depth insights, opinions, and motivations. Typically, focus groups consist of 6-10 participants and last 1-2 hours. The moderator uses a discussion guide but allows the conversation to flow naturally to gather detailed qualitative data.

2. What are the main advantages of focus groups?

Focus groups offer several advantages:

In-Depth Insights: They provide a deep understanding of participants’ attitudes and motivations.

Rich Data: The discussions generate qualitative data that adds context and detail.

Flexibility: The moderator can adapt the discussion based on participants’ responses, allowing for dynamic exploration of topics.

3. What are the main challenges of focus groups?

Focus groups face some challenges:

Cost and Time: They can be expensive and time-consuming to organize and conduct.

Group Dynamics: Dominant personalities may influence the discussion, potentially skewing results.

Limited Generalizability: The small sample size may not be representative of the larger population.

4. How do online surveys work?

Online surveys are quantitative research methods where participants answer structured questionnaires distributed via the internet. Surveys can be conducted through email, social media, or survey platforms. Respondents complete the survey at their convenience, and the data is collected and analyzed using statistical software.

5. What are the main advantages of online surveys?

Online surveys offer several benefits:

Cost-Effective: They are relatively inexpensive compared to other methods.

Broad Reach: They can reach a large, geographically dispersed audience.

Convenience: Respondents can complete the survey at their own pace, leading to potentially higher response rates.

6. What are the main challenges of online surveys?

Online surveys also have some drawbacks:

Survey Design: Crafting effective questions is crucial to avoid biased or inaccurate data.

Response Rates: Achieving a high response rate can be challenging.

Data Quality: The quality of responses relies on respondents’ honesty and clarity, and there is a risk of non-serious responses.

7. How do focus groups and online surveys compare in terms of data depth and breadth?

Focus groups provide in-depth, qualitative insights into participants’ attitudes and motivations, offering rich, detailed data. Online surveys, on the other hand, provide broad, quantitative data that can be analyzed and generalized to a larger population.

8. Which method is more cost-effective: focus groups or online surveys?

Online surveys are generally more cost-effective than focus groups. They require fewer resources, such as travel, venue rental, and hiring a moderator, making them a more affordable option for collecting data.

9. When should I use focus groups instead of online surveys?

Focus groups are ideal when you need to explore complex issues, generate new ideas, or understand the context behind specific attitudes or behaviors. They are particularly useful for exploratory research and developing hypotheses.

10. When should I use online surveys instead of focus groups?

Online surveys are best when you need to measure opinions, behaviors, or demographics from a large audience. They are suitable for gathering quantitative data that can be easily analyzed and generalized.

11. Can I combine focus groups and online surveys in my research?

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, research serves as the cornerstone for informed decision-making and sustainable growth. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a budding startup, employing effective business research methods can make all the difference in achieving your objectives. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the best business research methods that can empower you to gather valuable insights, analyze data effectively, and make informed strategic decisions.

Understanding Business Research Methods

Business research methods encompass a diverse array of techniques and approaches aimed at gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data relevant to business objectives. These methods are crucial for identifying market trends, understanding consumer behavior, evaluating competitors, and optimizing business processes. Let’s explore some of the most effective business research methods:

1. Surveys and Questionnaires

Surveys and questionnaires are valuable tools for collecting quantitative and qualitative data from a target audience. Whether administered online, through email, or in person, surveys allow businesses to gather feedback on products, services, and customer experiences. Well-designed surveys can provide valuable insights into customer preferences, satisfaction levels, and purchase intentions.

2. Interviews

Conducting interviews with key stakeholders, industry experts, and potential customers can yield valuable qualitative data. In-depth interviews allow researchers to explore topics in greater detail, uncovering nuanced insights that may not emerge through other methods. Structured interviews follow a predetermined set of questions, while semi-structured and unstructured interviews allow for more flexibility and exploration of unexpected topics.

3. Focus Groups

Focus groups bring together a small, diverse group of individuals to discuss specific topics or products under the guidance of a moderator. This method encourages open dialogue and idea exchange, providing valuable qualitative insights into consumer perceptions, preferences, and attitudes. Focus groups are particularly useful for concept testing, product development, and marketing strategy refinement.

4. Observation

Observational research involves systematically observing and recording behavior, interactions, and phenomena in real-world settings. Whether conducted in retail environments, workplaces, or online platforms, observational studies provide valuable insights into consumer behavior, market dynamics, and operational processes. By immersing researchers in the natural environment, observational research enables the identification of patterns, trends, and opportunities.

5. Case Studies

Case studies involve in-depth examination of specific companies, industries, or phenomena to understand underlying processes, challenges, and success factors. By analyzing real-world scenarios, case studies offer valuable insights into strategic decision-making, organizational dynamics, and market positioning. Case studies often employ a combination of qualitative and quantitative data sources, including interviews, archival records, and financial reports.

6. Secondary Research

Secondary research involves analyzing existing data, literature, and sources to gather insights relevant to specific research questions. This may include reviewing academic journals, industry reports, government publications, and market research studies. Secondary research provides a valuable foundation of knowledge, helping researchers contextualize their findings and identify gaps in existing literature.

7. Data Analysis

Effective data analysis is essential for deriving meaningful insights from quantitative and qualitative data sources. Whether utilizing statistical software, coding languages, or qualitative analysis tools, researchers must employ appropriate techniques to analyze and interpret their data accurately. From descriptive statistics and regression analysis to thematic coding and content analysis, a range of methods can be applied depending on the nature of the data and research objectives.

8. Mixed Methods Research

Mixed methods research integrates quantitative and qualitative approaches to gain a comprehensive understanding of complex phenomena. By combining the strengths of both methods, researchers can triangulate findings, validate results, and generate richer insights. Mixed methods research is particularly valuable for exploring multifaceted research questions, uncovering causal relationships, and informing evidence-based decision-making.

Conclusion

In the dynamic world of business, mastering research methods is essential for driving innovation, mitigating risks, and seizing opportunities. By employing a diverse array of techniques, from surveys and interviews to case studies and data analysis, businesses can gain valuable insights into market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive dynamics. Whether you’re launching a new product, expanding into new markets, or optimizing existing processes, effective research methods can provide the foundation for success. As you embark on your research journey, remember to tailor your approach to your specific objectives, engage stakeholders effectively, and rigorously analyze your findings to inform strategic decision-making.

FAQs

Q1: What are business research methods?

Business research methods are techniques and approaches used to gather, analyze, and interpret data relevant to business objectives. These methods help identify market trends, understand consumer behavior, evaluate competitors, and optimize business processes

Q2: Why are surveys and questionnaires important in business research?

Surveys and questionnaires are crucial for collecting quantitative and qualitative data from a target audience. They provide feedback on products, services, and customer experiences, helping businesses understand customer preferences, satisfaction levels, and purchase intentions.

Q3: How do interviews contribute to business research?

Interviews with key stakeholders, industry experts, and potential customers yield valuable qualitative data. They allow researchers to explore topics in depth, uncovering nuanced insights that other methods might miss. Interviews can be structured, semi-structured, or unstructured, depending on the research needs.

Q4: What are focus groups and how are they used in business research?

Focus groups are small, diverse groups of individuals who discuss specific topics or products under a moderator’s guidance. This method encourages open dialogue and idea exchange, providing qualitative insights into consumer perceptions, preferences, and attitudes. Focus groups are useful for concept testing, product development, and refining marketing strategies.

Q5: What is observational research and its significance?

Observational research involves systematically observing and recording behavior, interactions, and phenomena in real-world settings. It provides insights into consumer behavior, market dynamics, and operational processes by identifying patterns and trends through immersion in the natural environment.

Q6: How do case studies benefit business research?

Case studies involve an in-depth examination of specific companies, industries, or phenomena to understand underlying processes, challenges, and success factors. They offer valuable insights into strategic decision-making, organizational dynamics, and market positioning by analyzing real-world scenarios.

Q7: What is secondary research and why is it important?

Secondary research involves analyzing existing data, literature, and sources such as academic journals, industry reports, and government publications. It provides a foundation of knowledge, helping researchers contextualize their findings and identify gaps in existing literature.

Q8: How is data analysis conducted in business research?

Data analysis involves using statistical software, coding languages, or qualitative analysis tools to derive meaningful insights from data. Techniques like descriptive statistics, regression analysis, thematic coding, and content analysis are applied depending on the data type and research objectives.

Q9: What is mixed methods research?

Mixed methods research integrates quantitative and qualitative approaches to gain a comprehensive understanding of complex phenomena. By combining both methods, researchers can triangulate findings, validate results, and generate richer insights, making it valuable for exploring multifaceted research questions.

Q10: How can mastering business research methods benefit a business?

In the realm of qualitative research, sampling techniques play a pivotal role in shaping the quality and reliability of findings. Unlike quantitative studies that focus on numerical data, qualitative research delves into the richness and depth of human experiences, behaviors, and perceptions. To navigate this intricate landscape effectively, researchers must employ strategic sampling techniques tailored to their study objectives. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the essence of sampling in qualitative research, various sampling techniques, and best practices to enhance research outcomes.

Understanding Sampling in Qualitative Research

Sampling in qualitative research involves selecting a subset of individuals, groups, or phenomena from a larger population to study in-depth. Unlike quantitative research, where the goal is often to generalize findings to a larger population, qualitative research emphasizes depth over breadth. Thus, the emphasis lies on selecting participants and cases that provide rich, detailed insights into the research questions.

Importance of Sampling Techniques

Effective sampling techniques are critical for several reasons:

Representativeness: While qualitative research doesn’t aim for statistical representativeness, it strives for theoretical representativeness. This means selecting cases that are relevant and informative for addressing the research questions.

Depth of Understanding: Through purposeful sampling, researchers can access diverse perspectives and experiences, enriching the depth of understanding of the phenomenon under investigation.

Resource Optimization: Qualitative research can be resource-intensive in terms of time and effort. Strategic sampling helps optimize resources by focusing on the most informative cases or participants.

Common Sampling Techniques

Purposeful Sampling: Also known as purposive or judgmental sampling, this technique involves selecting participants based on specific criteria relevant to the research questions. Examples include maximum variation sampling (selecting diverse cases), typical case sampling (selecting cases that represent the norm), and critical case sampling (selecting extreme or unique cases).

Snowball Sampling: Particularly useful when studying hard-to-reach populations or sensitive topics, snowball sampling involves recruiting initial participants who then refer other potential participants. This technique facilitates access to hidden populations and networks.

Theoretical Sampling: Commonly used in grounded theory and other theory-driven approaches, theoretical sampling involves selecting cases based on emerging theories or concepts. Researchers iteratively collect and analyze data to refine their theoretical understanding.

Convenience Sampling: While less rigorous than other techniques, convenience sampling involves selecting participants based on their availability and accessibility. While it may lack representativeness, it can be useful for exploratory studies or when time and resources are limited.

Quota Sampling: In quota sampling, researchers divide the population into subgroups based on certain characteristics (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity) and then select participants from each subgroup until the predetermined quota is filled. This technique allows for some control over the sample composition.

Best Practices for Effective Sampling

Clearly Define Research Objectives: Before selecting a sampling technique, researchers must articulate clear research objectives and questions. This ensures that the chosen sampling strategy aligns with the study’s goals.

Consider Ethical Implications: Researchers must prioritize ethical considerations when selecting participants, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and respect for participants’ autonomy and privacy.

Triangulation: Combining multiple sampling techniques or data sources enhances the credibility and trustworthiness of qualitative findings. Triangulation helps mitigate bias and increases the robustness of conclusions.

Reflexivity: Researchers should acknowledge and reflect on their own biases, assumptions, and perspectives throughout the sampling process. Reflexivity enhances transparency and promotes rigor in qualitative inquiry.

Iterative Sampling: Qualitative research often involves an iterative process of data collection and analysis. Researchers should remain flexible and open to adjusting sampling strategies based on emerging insights and findings.

Conclusion

Effective sampling techniques lie at the heart of rigorous and insightful qualitative research. By thoughtfully selecting participants and cases, researchers can uncover nuanced understandings of complex phenomena, enriching scholarly knowledge and informing real-world practices. Whether employing purposeful sampling, snowball sampling, or theoretical sampling, researchers must align their sampling strategy with the unique requirements of their study. By adhering to best practices and maintaining reflexivity throughout the research process, qualitative researchers can unlock the full potential of sampling techniques and make meaningful contributions to their respective fields.

In the dynamic landscape of qualitative inquiry, mastering sampling techniques is not merely a prerequisite but a cornerstone for producing impactful research. As researchers continue to navigate the complexities of human experiences and social phenomena, strategic sampling remains an indispensable tool for unlocking profound insights and advancing knowledge.

Philomath Research is dedicated to supporting researchers in their quest for excellence. For further guidance on sampling techniques or any other aspect of qualitative research, feel free to reach out to our expert team. Happy researching!

FAQs

1. What is the purpose of sampling in qualitative research?

Sampling in qualitative research aims to select a subset of individuals, groups, or phenomena from a larger population to study in-depth. It helps researchers gain rich, detailed insights into the research questions by focusing on relevant cases or participants.

2. How do sampling techniques differ in qualitative research compared to quantitative research?

Unlike quantitative research, where sampling often focuses on achieving statistical representativeness, qualitative sampling prioritizes theoretical representativeness. Qualitative sampling techniques aim to select cases or participants that provide in-depth understanding and insights rather than generalizability to a larger population.

3. What are some common sampling techniques used in qualitative research?

Common sampling techniques in qualitative research include purposeful sampling (e.g., maximum variation sampling, critical case sampling), snowball sampling, theoretical sampling, convenience sampling, and quota sampling. Each technique serves specific purposes and aligns with different research objectives.

4. How can researchers ensure the credibility of their sampling strategy?

Researchers can enhance the credibility of their sampling strategy by clearly defining research objectives, considering ethical implications, employing triangulation (using multiple sampling techniques or data sources), practicing reflexivity (acknowledging and reflecting on biases), and embracing iterative sampling (adjusting strategies based on emerging insights).

5. When is snowball sampling particularly useful in qualitative research?

Qualitative research methods are a powerful tool to investigate the complexities of human experience and behavior. Unlike quantitative research methods, which rely on numerical data and statistical analysis, qualitative research methods aim to capture the richness and depth of individual perspectives and experiences. In this blog post, we will explore how to use and assess qualitative research methods.

What is qualitative research?

Qualitative research is a type of research that aims to understand human experience and behavior through observation, interviews, and analysis of text and other types of data. Qualitative research methods can be used in a variety of fields, including social sciences, education, health, and business.

Qualitative research typically involves collecting data through methods such as interviews, focus groups, observation, and document analysis. The data collected are often non-numerical and require careful analysis to identify themes and patterns.

How to use qualitative research methods

1. Identify the research question: The first step in conducting qualitative research is to identify the research question. The research question should be clear, specific, and relevant to the field of study.

2. Choose the research method: There are several methods for collecting qualitative data, including interviews, focus groups, observation, and document analysis. The choice of method will depend on the research question and the type of data that need to be collected.

3. Collect data: Once the research method has been chosen, data can be collected. This can involve conducting interviews, observing behavior, or analyzing documents. Data collection should be conducted in a systematic and rigorous manner to ensure that the data collected are reliable and valid.

4. Analyze data: Once the data have been collected, they need to be analyzed. Qualitative data analysis involves identifying themes and patterns in the data. This can be done through techniques such as content analysis, grounded theory, and thematic analysis.

5. Draw conclusions: The final step in qualitative research is to draw conclusions based on the data collected and analyzed. Conclusions should be based on the data and should be supported by evidence.

How to assess qualitative research methods

Assessing qualitative research methods can be challenging because the data collected are often subjective and difficult to quantify. However, there are several criteria that can be used to assess the quality of qualitative research.

1. Credibility: Credibility refers to the extent to which the research findings are believable and trustworthy. To assess credibility, the researcher should provide a clear description of the research methods used and should demonstrate that the data collected are representative of the phenomenon being studied.

2. Transferability: Transferability refers to the extent to which the research findings can be transferred to other settings or populations. To assess transferability, the researcher should provide a clear description of the context in which the research was conducted and should demonstrate that the findings are relevant to other contexts.

3. Dependability: Dependability refers to the extent to which the research findings are consistent over time and across different researchers. To assess dependability, the researcher should provide a clear description of the research methods used and should demonstrate that the findings are consistent with other studies.

4. Confirmability: Confirmability refers to the extent to which the research findings are objective and unbiased. To assess confirmability, the researcher should provide a clear description of the research methods used and should demonstrate that the findings are not influenced by the researcher’s biases or assumptions.

5. Reflexivity: Reflexivity refers to the extent to which the researcher is aware of their own biases and assumptions and how they might influence the research findings. To assess reflexivity, the researcher should provide a clear description of their own positionality and how it might influence the research findings.

Conclusion

The Complementarity of Epistemology and Methodology

The way of combining

Any research study should be evaluated on the choice of methodology that fits the theme under study. This includes a consideration of the original goal of the research and a rationale for the adopted methodology.

What is the relationship between epistemology and methodology? To what extent does the epistemological position adopted by the researcher prescribe which…

To compare between “Within-subject" and “Between-subject" design

A within-subject design: Experiment that is designed to measure changes within the participant. 

A between-subject design: Experiment that is designed to measure changes between different subjects. 

Nuf said. Much easier to understand 

To define factors and variables

Repeated-Measures Factor. Repeated-Measures Variable. A within-subjects variable is an independent variable that is manipulated by testing each subject at each level of the variable. Compare with a between-subjects variable in which different groups of subjects are used for each level of the variable.Subject

Subject = What or who is being tested on

Variables = The independent variable 

Factor = Don't know yet 

Question

What is “factor” ? 

Factor is independent variable. 

What is “repeated-measures factor" ? 

It is possible to expose the research participants to different levels of the independent variables. 

Are “between-subject" and “within-subject" belong to factorial design? 

No. There are 2 themes: “factorial design” and “repeated measures design”. 

Factorial design refers to the research design that examines the combined or separate effect of two or more independent variables at once.  

Qualitative research methods are usually seen as collecting a great deal of in-depth or maybe "rich" specifics of a little number of conditions. This kind of research in addition entails any subjective approach depending on thinking about the true secret problems in the viewpoint in the individuals involved in the be subject to possibly be studied. For this stop, the actual investigator asks people to explain his or her experiences or maybe inner thoughts in their personal words and phrases and offer their very own facts pertaining to the way they get well-socialized, as opposed to the investigator providing learn more or maybe construction to guide the study.

  The qualitative research method employed in this approach incorporate in-depth interview, focus communities, participant paying attention, considering texts, biographical research, as well ethnography. The actual qualitative research approach features quite a few is worth pertaining to distinct forms of data, for instance a smaller scale analyze with a constrained quantity of topics or maybe the study regarding class design in a very smaller class. One particular positive aspects is usually the research reflects the nature in the pleasurable practical knowledge, since pleasurable entails your own practical knowledge while using meanings that your pastime or maybe time invested must your specific. One more merit is usually this methods of qualitative research entails a more individual procedure for the subject analysed, and the outcomes is usually far better recognized by means of the person whom does not fully grasp statistical approaches, which is widespread for most people involved with handling pastime software programs and hiring analysts in order to carry out scientific studies and suggest these people. The actual qualitative approach in addition is ideal for thinking about developments as time passes and at the has impact on regarding earlier experiences with found behavior. This method is additionally well suited in order to thinking about the actual ethnical issues with relationship, such as the imports in the emblems and gestures employed by individuals regarding diverse backgrounds, mainly because people with diverse countries may translate vocabulary, emblems, and gestures differently, like when 1 culture takes a particular hand motion to become a indication regarding a friendly relationship, even though a different culture takes the actual motion any put down or maybe be mean to.

  Qualitative research also has a plus throughout used in order to develop any theory around the marriage among particular thought patterns, values, and behaviors, whilst quantitative research may be helpful to afterwards test out these kind of hypotheses. Qualitative research is additionally best for doing start or maybe exploratory study to ascertain what are key problems, thought patterns, values, perceptions, and views for being analyzed even more in a very quantitative study. Qualitative research could also be an aid to indicate the actual applicable types or maybe topics within a larger study, plus the issues in order to ask. It could moreover guide any investigator determine the correct text make use of throughout wanting to know issues in a very distinct class or maybe culture so as to use words and phrases in a very list of questions that are in common apply by means of class members and present that one realizes that culture.