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Data Collection Tools Used in Qualitative Research
Qualitative researches are useful towards revealing the perceptions and behaviours of different populations (Garbarino & Holland, 2009, p. 7). Such studies are critical because they make it easier for researchers to construct their hypotheses. This research approach produces descriptive results. Researchers can use various data collection methods to get their findings. Interviews are useful in qualitative researches. Such interviews can take different shapes (Bryman, 2006).
Interviewers can use open-ended questions or conversations to get the required information. They should also identify the best questions before conducting their interviews. Interviewers should have the required competencies, experiences, and skills. They must also talk freely and understand the issues affecting their respondents. Observation is another tool whenever conducting a qualitative study. Researchers must take notes after making their observations. Such individuals can also use cameras and videos to capture the required information.
Data Collection Tools Used in Quantitative Research
Quantitative researches are based on scientific and traditional methods (Garbarino & Holland, 2009, p. 12). Such research methods produce numerical data and information. Quantitative researches are critical towards establishing casual associations between two variables. Scholars use statistical methods to test the significance, meaning, and strength of the relationships (Bryman, 2006, p. 108). Researchers can use various tools in order to gather the targeted data. The first method entails the use of interviews. The targeted interview questions should have many details. Face-to-face interviews are common because they present clear responses.
This method makes it easier for researchers to gather quality data and information. Researchers can also use questionnaires. Every researcher can target a bigger population using questionnaires. Many respondents will provide their opinions about every controversial issue (Bryman, 2006, p. 110).
Strengths and Weaknesses of Qualitative and Quantitative Researches
Quantitative and qualitative researches have unique weaknesses. These techniques also have their strengths. Scholars can use qualitative researches to examine different issues. The method is relevant towards obtaining reputable information. Analysts can revise their frameworks using this method. Researchers can replicate or transfer their findings to different settings. Qualitative researches also have their unique limitations. Personal idiosyncrasies can significantly affect this method. The researcher cannot maintain the required rigor (Garbarino & Holland, 2009, p. 16). The method is arduous and time-consuming.
The targeted reader many not analyze and interpret the findings. The approach is characterized by confidentiality (Bryman, 2006, p. 99). This practice can also produce numerous problems. Quantitative studies are critical towards validating, analyzing, and testing existing theories. Scholars use these methods to gather useful data. This approach produces accurate predictions. Data analysis is less demanding. The method makes it possible for researchers to use different statistical software. The approach is useful whenever studying large populations. The collected data is usually precise and numerical.
This research method has some limitations. The identified theories might not reflect the understanding or knowledge of the targeted respondents (Garbarino & Holland, 2009). According to Bryman (2006, p. 105), confirmation bias might occur whenever the researcher is testing his or her hypothesis . The method can also produce general or abstract knowledge.
The Role of Mixed Methods
Mixed research methods are useful towards addressing the weaknesses associated with the above techniques. Every researcher can use narratives to add relevance to his or her findings. The method presents the strengths associated with both qualitative and quantitative studies. The approach uses corroboration and convergence to present meaningful evidence (Bryman, 2006, p. 103). The method produces new concepts that can inform both practice and theory. Mixed methods are essential towards increasing the generalizability of the targeted results (Bryman, 2006). This discussion explains why researchers can use mixed methods to overcome the above weaknesses.
Challenges Encountered When Completing Research
Researchers will always encounter numerous obstacles and challenges whenever completing their studies. Most of these challenges are ethical, political, legal, or procedural. Successful researchers will work tirelessly in order to deal with such challenges. According to Smith (2003), researchers should be ready to embrace such challenges in order to have professional studies. This discussion identifies five challenges encountered by different scholars and researchers.
Informed Consent
This is a critical concern for many researchers. Researchers must educate and inform their targeted populations about the nature of their studies. They should also inform the individuals about the potential benefits and risks of every study (Fouka & Mantzorou, 2011). Sometimes it is impossible for researchers to obtain the required consent from different groups. The researcher should also monitor the competency and comprehension of his or her respondents.
The Principle of Beneficence
Scholars and researchers should be ready to promote the welfare and lives of their subjects. The beneficence principle explains why researchers must not harm their respondents. They should also reduce every kind of discomfort because it can make the study unethical. According to Fouka and Mantzorou (2011, p. 5), researchers are expected to analyze the consequences associated with their proposed studies .
Respect for Respondents Privacy
Every citizen has his or her rights. Privacy is one of these freedoms. An invasion of an individuals rights is unethical and illegal. Researchers should respect the privacy of their respective respondents. Human beings from different backgrounds tend to have unique opinions about their religions, taboos, and cultural practices (Fouka & Mantzorou, 2011). Researchers must respect these issues and ideas whenever undertaking their works. Scholars and authors should always consider the views and opinions of their interviewees. This practice will ensure every study is successful.
Vulnerable Groups
Scholars will always face numerous challenges whenever working with vulnerable populations. Most of these studies are relevant towards improving the living conditions of such groups. Some of these groups include the disabled and orphaned members of the society (Smith, 2003, p. 56). The researcher should begin by obtaining the required consent from every vulnerable group. This practice is relevant because it determines the success of the research study. It is unethical to interview such groups without getting the required permission. Researchers should address this challenge by following the specified guidelines (Smith, 2003, p. 56).
Procedural Issues
Every researcher should follow a systematic procedure whenever undertaking his or her study. This practice can be laborious and challenging. This requirement explains why many people are unable to complete their studies successfully. The process requires continuous and extensive analysis of the identified topic (Fouka & Mantzorou, 2011). The researcher should also revise his or her proposal properly.
The individual must also identify the most appropriate research method. The individual should also get the relevant consent from every targeted respondent. It is necessary for the researcher to get the relevant approval from his or her department (Smith, 2003). The individual must also use different statistical software to interpret the collected data. Such procedural issues can pose challenges to every researcher. Researchers should consider and analyze these challenges in order to complete their studies successfully.
Reference List
Bryman, A. (2006). Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Research: How Is It Done? Qualitative Research, 6(1), 97-113.
Fouka, G., & Mantzorou, M. (2011). What are the Major Ethical Issues in Conducting Research? Is there a Conflict between the Research Ethics and the Nature of Nursing? Health Science Journal, 5(1), 3-14.
Garbarino, S., & Holland, J. (2009). Quantitative and Qualitative Methods in Impact Evaluation and Measuring Results. Web.
Smith, D. (2003). Five Principles of Research Ethics. Monitor, 34(1), 56-59.
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