SELECTION OF SAMPLE IN QUALITATIVE QUANTITATIVE AND
MIXED RESEARCH
RESHMA.K
Notes
Prepared for the ICT Workshop as a Part of First Semester Med Curriculum
PG DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
NSS TRAINING COLLEGE
OTTAPPALAM
2023
CONTENT PAGE
SL.NO TITLE PAGE
NO
1 Definition
of Research 3
2 Quantitative
research 3
3 Qualitative
research 4
4 Comparison
between qualitative and quantitative research 6
5 Mixed
research
7
6 Data
collection methods
8
SELECTION OF SAMPLES IN QUALITATIVE QUANTITATIVE AND
MIXED RESEARCH
The sample sizes from the
subpopulations will depend on whether we using proportional stratified sampling
or disproportional sampling. First divide your sampling frame into subpopulations
based on one or more stratification variable. Sampling is a critical, often overlooked
aspect of the research processes. The importance of sampling extends to the ability
to draw accurate inferences, and it is
an integral part of qualitative guidelines across research methods. Sampling
considerations are important in quantitative and qualitative research when
considering a target populations and when drawing a sample that will either allow
us to generalise (quantitative) or go into sufficient depth. While quantitative
research is generally concerned with probability based approaches, qualitative
research typically uses nonprobability purposeful sampling approaches. Scholars
generally focus on two major sampling topics: sampling strategies and sample
sizes. Or simply, researchers should think about who to include and how many;
both of these concerns are key. Mixed methods studies have both qualitative and
quantitative sampling considerations. However, mixed methods studies also have
unique considerations based on the relationship of quantitative and qualitative
research within the study.
Sampling in qualitative
research may be divided into two major areas: overall sampling strategies and
issues around sample size. Sampling strategies refers to the process of
sampling and how to design a sampling. Qualitative sampling typically follows a
nonprobability-based approach, such as purposive or purposeful sampling where
participants or other units of analysis are selected intentionally for their
ability to provide information to address research questions. Sample size
refers to how many participants or other units are needed to address research
questions. The methodological literature about sampling tends to fall into
these two broad categories, though some articles, chapters, and books cover
both concepts. Others have connected sampling to the type of qualitative design
that is employed.
Additionally, researchers
might consider discipline specific sampling issues as much research does tend
to operate within disciplinary views and constraints. Scholars in many
disciplines have examined sampling around specific topics, research problems,
or disciplines and provide guidance to making sampling decisions, such as
appropriate strategies and sample size.
Quantitative research
Quantitative research is
expressed in numbers and graphs. It is used to test or confirm theories and
assumptions. This type of research can be used to establish generalizable facts
about a topic. Common quantitative methods include experiments, observations
recorded as numbers, and surveys with closed-ended questions. Quantitative
research is at risk for research biases including information bias, omitted
variable bias, sampling bias, or selection bias.
Qualitative research
Qualitative research is
expressed in words. It is used to understand concepts, thoughts or experiences.
This type of research enables you to gather in-depth insights on topics that
are not well understood. Common qualitative methods include interviews with
open-ended questions, observations described in words, and literature reviews
that explore concepts and theories. Qualitative research is also at risk for
certain research biases including the Hawthorne effect, observer bias, recall
bias, and social desirability bias.
Quantitative data
collection methods
Surveys: List of closed
or multiple choice questions that is distributed to a sample (online, in person,
or over the phone).
Experiments: Situation in
which different types of variables are controlled and manipulated to establish
cause-and-effect relationships.
Observations: Observing
subjects in a natural environment where variables can’t be controlled.
Qualitative data
collection methods
Interviews: Asking
open-ended questions verbally to respondents.
Focus groups: Discussion
among a group of people about a topic to gather opinions that can be used for
further research.
Ethnography:
Participating in a community or organization for an extended period of time to closely
observe culture and behaviour.
Literature review: Survey
of published works by other authors.
|
QUANTITATIVE
RESEARCH Used
to generate numerical data and hard fact by employing statistical,logical and
mathematical techniques. Collection
and analysis of data. It
is hypothetical -deductive research It
lays on generalization to the population characteristics. TYPES
OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH Descriptive research Experimental research Applied research Laboratory research Longitudinal research Deductive research |
QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH It
concerned with established answer to the “why” and “how”phenomena questions. Follow
scientific method It
is empirico inductive research Built
understanding based on particulars . TYPES
OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH Fundamental research Narrative research Phenomenological research Historical research Case studies Inductive research |
MIXED RESEARCH
Mixed methods research
combines elements of quantitative research and qualitative research in order to
answer your research question. Mixed methods can help you gain a more complete
picture than a standalone quantitative or qualitative study, as it integrates
benefits of both methods.
Mixed research refers to
a research approach that combines both qualitative and quantitative methods in
a single study. This method allows researchers to gain a more comprehensive
understanding of a research question by utilizing the strengths of both qualitative
(exploratory, in-depth insights) and quantitative (statistical, generalizable
patterns) research methods. It often involves collecting and analyzing both
numerical data and non-numerical data to provide a more nuanced perspective on
the research topic.
In mixed research
methods, researchers integrate both qualitative and quantitative research
approaches within a single study. This hybrid approach enables a more holistic
understanding of a research problem by combining the strengths of both
methodologies. Researchers might collect and analyze both numerical data
(quantitative) and non-numerical data such as interviews or observations
(qualitative). This allows for a more comprehensive exploration of complex
phenomena, offering depth and breadth to the study. The combination of methods
can enhance the validity and reliability of the overall research findings.
Mixed research involves
combining qualitative and quantitative data collection methods to address
research questions comprehensively. Common data collection methods include:
1.
*Surveys/Questionnaires (Quantitative):* Administering structured surveys to
gather numerical data from a large sample, providing statistical insights.
2. *Interviews
(Qualitative):* Conducting in-depth interviews to obtain detailed, subjective
information and insights from participants.
3. *Observations
(Qualitative):* Systematically observing and recording behaviors, events, or
phenomena to gather qualitative data on patterns and nuances.
4. *Focus Groups
(Qualitative):* Bringing together a small group of participants for a guided
discussion to explore perceptions, attitudes, and experiences.
5. *Experiments
(Quantitative):* Implementing controlled experiments to manipulate variables
and assess their impact on predefined outcomes, generating quantitative data.
6. *Document Analysis
(Qualitative):* Examining existing documents, texts, or records to extract
qualitative insights and contextual information.
7. *Case Studies
(Qualitative):* In-depth exploration of a particular case or situation to gain
detailed insights into complex phenomena.
8. *Mixed-Methods
Surveys:* Combining closed-ended questions for quantitative analysis with
open-ended questions for qualitative insights in a single survey instrument.
Choosing the appropriate
mix depends on the research question, goals, and the depth of understanding
needed. The integration of these methods enhances the overall rigor and
validity of the research.
