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Melvin DavisCTU Online Graduate Research Methods

Assignment due: 11/25/2012Phase 1Task 2 DB Introduction 40 points 750 -1,000 words

Course number: MGMT 605-1204B-05

In this paper we are going to further our knowledge on research methodologies and how to

analyzing some of their key distinctions. We will examine some of the research methods such

as: quantitative, qualitative, mixed, and action research methodologies so everyone will have a

better understanding of how research is done. To be concise in the analysis of each of the

methods we will need to fully understand the model and/or strategies of each approach. We will

then select two of the methods and give a comprehensive explanation of each. Finally we will

explain how to choose the correct research method for a pacific research project so the effort is

both ethical and has significance to the outcome of the experiment.

The Qualitative method brings the importance into the root word of quality or meaning behind

the subject. It has the capability of looking at the whole picture and increases it into other

possibilities through open ended questions with unlimited possibilities. In example, when a

theory is presented it can take the option to bring other theories into play and turn it into a

hypothesis. This seeks the broader view to explain the five questions of who, what, where, why

and how the subject came to be and the appeal thereof. The topics typically researched under this

method are social or human problems. It is heavily biased due to the data collection is rarely

gathered outside of their own setting. This method will study the values to find a deeper meaning

by bringing in personal bias and experiences in order to validate the preferred view of the author

or presenter. This allows for freedom of expression and multiple conclusions to the same topic,

as each presenter can control the direction the research takes through their own interpretation of

the data.

Quantitative method is more concerned with numbers and measurements generating estimates in

particular averages and differences of groups, for example why diabetics of the same type treated

with two types of medication and their differences and averages of certain types of events within

the research quantitative. Qualitative is usually social science based and data gather information

that is concerned with why people act or behave the way they do. Qualitative research method

looks at peoples knowledge, beliefs and fears. For example using 2 groups of Christians and

asking their opinion on the death penalty and using variables like white, black and particular

crimes to incite a response. Qualitative usually takes place in natural uncontrolled environments

with data gathering through observation. Mixed research is when both or numerous approaches

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to research are involved such as quantitative and qualitative information is both being used

within a research, a good example would be to use a number of people and their reaction and

response to stress with medication and in a natural environment and without medication in

variable environments.

In conclusion now we fully understand the different research methods and their theories or strategies

we can now move forward on how to choose a particular method. The choice of a research method

relies heavily on how our information is going to be presented and what the intended recipients

interests are in the information. Knowing your audience will help you design or tailor the research

information you want to study. There are a complete range of collection methods for data, such as;

open end questioning vs. closed end questioning, or by focusing on numerical vs. non-numericaldata. The more information you use to setup the design of the research project in the beginning will

help you come out with a more accurate solution to present to your audience. When doing a research

project and using any of the methods listed above, it is the responsibility of the researcher to present

the most ethical and accurate information to his or her audience.