SOCW6301 Week 8 Discussion - Quantitative versus qualitative

6301 Discussion 8

QUALITATIVE VERSUS QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

At this point, you have likely made a preliminary decision about whether a quantitative or qualitative approach would be best for your proposed study. The research question you developed likely points one way or the other. However, this Discussion is your opportunity to revisit the methodology and research question and explicitly articulate which would be most appropriate.

Also, as researchers begin to make final decisions about methodological approach and research question, they must then consider if any cultural issues might emerge related to these choices. For example, suppose a social worker planned to use a computer-based survey in a low socioeconomic area where many people are without Internet service, or a social worker chose a quantitative approach to investigate a very small marginalized population. What implications do these choices have for the population and for the study? In this Discussion, in addition to reviewing your research question and approach, you consider the cultural sensitivity of these elements.

RESOURCES

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity. Click the weekly resources link to access the resources. 

WEEKLY RESOURCES

TO PREPARE

· Review the Learning Resources on qualitative research, considering how it compares to quantitative research methodology.

BY DAY 3

Identify three ways in which qualitative and quantitative research differ. After reviewing these approaches, which is a good fit for your study and why? Be sure to include your research question in your response. Based on the methodological approach for your study, how will you ensure that your approach is culturally sensitive?