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.