Qualitative & Quantitative Research Design

Full Answer Section

Quantitative Research

• Aim: To test hypotheses and establish causal relationships between variables.
• Data: Numerical, often collected through surveys or experiments.
• Methods: Experiments, surveys, questionnaires.
• Analysis: Statistical analysis (e.g., correlation, regression).

Critical Appraisal: Key Considerations

While the specific criteria for appraisal vary depending on the research question and field of study, some general principles apply to both qualitative and quantitative research:

Qualitative Research Appraisal

• Trustworthiness:
  • Credibility: Does the research accurately reflect the participants' experiences?
  • Transferability: Can the findings be applied to other contexts?
  • Dependability: Are the research processes clearly described and replicable?
  • Confirmability: Are the findings grounded in the data?
• Reflexivity: Has the researcher acknowledged their own biases and how they might have influenced the research?
• Ethical Considerations: Were ethical principles adhered to, such as informed consent and participant confidentiality?

Quantitative Research Appraisal

• Validity: Does the study measure what it intends to measure?
• Reliability: Are the research instruments consistent and reliable?
• Generalizability: Can the findings be applied to a larger population?
• Internal Validity: Is there a clear causal relationship between the independent and dependent variables?
• External Validity: Can the findings be generalized to other settings and populations?

Additional Considerations

• Research Question: Does the chosen research design align with the research question?
• Sampling: Is the sample representative of the target population?
• Data Collection Methods: Are the data collection methods appropriate and rigorous?
• Data Analysis: Are the data analysis techniques appropriate and justified?
• Ethical Considerations: Were ethical principles adhered to throughout the research process?

By carefully considering these aspects, researchers can assess the quality and credibility of both qualitative and quantitative studies.

Sample Answer

Before delving into the critical appraisal, it's essential to understand the fundamental differences between qualitative and quantitative research.

Qualitative Research

• Aim: To explore and understand the meaning individuals or groups ascribe to a social or human problem.
• Data: Primarily textual or visual, rich in detail.
• Methods: Interviews, focus groups, observations, document analysis.
• Analysis: Thematic analysis, narrative analysis, grounded theory.