APA Format, Scholar sources only 1-2 paragraphs Answer the questions below Discuss the characteristics or attributes that should be appraised when evaluating qualitative and quantitative designs in relation to rigor or quality of its type? How do the characteristics or attributes of greatest importance in qualitative or quantitative type differ? Give an example.
When evaluating the rigor or quality of qualitative and quantitative research designs, there are certain characteristics or attributes that should be appraised. For both types of designs, factors such as research question or objective, study sample and size, data collection methods, data analysis techniques, and validity and reliability of measures should be considered.
In qualitative research, key attributes that contribute to its rigor and quality include the use of a well-defined research question that is aligned with the research objective or purpose, the selection of an appropriate sample that allows for in-depth exploration of the phenomenon of interest, the use of rigorous data collection methods such as interviews, observations, or document analysis, the utilization of appropriate data analysis techniques (e.g., thematic analysis, grounded theory), and the establishment of trustworthiness through techniques such as member checking and triangulation of data sources.
On the other hand, quantitative research emphasizes attributes such as the formulation of clear, specific, and testable hypotheses or research questions, the utilization of representative and adequately sized samples to ensure generalizability, the use of rigorous data collection methods such as surveys or experiments, the application of appropriate statistical techniques for data analysis, and the establishment of validity and reliability in measurement instruments.
The characteristics or attributes of greatest importance in qualitative and quantitative research designs differ to a certain extent. In qualitative research, the focus is on understanding the subjective experiences, meanings, and perspectives of individuals or groups. Therefore, attributes such as reflexivity and/or researcher subjectivity, the ability to capture rich and detailed data, and the generation of findings that are contextually sensitive and meaningful are of greatest importance.
For example, let’s consider a qualitative study that aims to explore the experiences of individuals who have overcome a serious illness. In this study, one of the key attributes of importance would be the ability of the researcher to establish rapport and trust with the participants, in order to encourage them to share their experiences openly and honestly. Additionally, the researcher would need to apply appropriate data collection methods, such as in-depth interviews or diary entries, to capture the detailed and nuanced accounts of the participants. The researcher would also need to employ rigorous data analysis techniques, such as thematic analysis, to identify common themes and patterns in the data and generate meaningful findings that reflect the lived experiences of the participants.
In quantitative research, the focus is on establishing relationships, making predictions, or testing hypotheses using numerical data. Therefore, attributes such as objectivity, generalizability, and statistical validity are considered to be of greatest importance.
For instance, consider a quantitative study that aims to investigate the relationship between sleep duration and academic performance among college students. In this study, one of the key attributes of importance would be the use of objective and reliable measures of sleep duration and academic performance, such as self-reported sleep hours or GPA scores. The sample size and selection would also be crucial, as it should be representative of the target population (e.g., college students) to enable generalization of the findings. The researcher would need to apply appropriate statistical techniques, such as regression analysis, to analyze the data and establish the strength and significance of the relationship between sleep duration and academic performance.
In conclusion, when evaluating the rigor or quality of qualitative and quantitative research designs, different characteristics or attributes should be appraised. While qualitative research emphasizes attributes such as reflexivity, contextual sensitivity, and the generation of meaningful findings, quantitative research focuses on attributes such as objectivity, generalizability, and statistical validity. Understanding the unique attributes of each research design can help researchers and scholars assess the quality and rigor of studies within their respective domains.