lunes, 6 de octubre de 2014

Theme 4: Quantitaive research (After Semeniar)


After last week's topic, I am more clear what is quantitative and qualitative research, as well as the benefits and limitations of each.  I had previously used this type of research, however, now I possess more knowledge and understand the great importance of this approach, to use it when performing an investigation. While it is true that depending on the research you want to perform, it is desirable to use more one method that another, often using both methods will complement research using the advantages of each to complement the limitations of the other. It is the objectivity of these results, this type of research, in a way, complements the qualitative research.

Usually quantitative investigations are made from large quantities of data collected from a certain population and conclusions are drawn based on statistical analysis of such data. These findings generally are generated to validate or disprove certain assumptions made at the beginning of the investigation. One of the most efficient and used method to collect this data is through the use of questionnaires. It is the objectivity of these results.


Qualitative research in turn, allow you to study at a deeper and more subjective field, generally involve the analysis of the behavior or reactions of the subject studied. Often with this type of research is more difficult attaining an overall conclusion, because of the different subjective factors that exists in each case study, like social and cultural factors.

Conduct research with both approaches in some cases lead to more truthful conclusions. For example to analyze cause-effect phenomena should use qualitative research, however, may include a quantitative approach to statistically analyze the data collected and make more objective conclusions.

The mechanisms used to collect the necessary data for each study are very important for the success of the study being conducted. Questionnaires are the most used mechanisms and often more efficient, however, you have to take into account that they are not always the best option, in addition, to use the questionnaire as a means of collecting data, you have to use the most appropriate according to the study; There are various types of questionnaires each with its advantages and disadvantages, such information may be collected via a questionnaire online or on paper, with both benefits and limitations. When a questionnaire is performed via online, you can create a glitch making the information not be collected properly; however this type of questionnaire is more convenient for participants and researchers than paper questionnaires.

There are many details that have to be present at the time of research to achieve the best results and the most appropriate. Having all this knowledge and ideas in mind when performing 

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