Part 1 Introducing Qualitative Research Dr Janice Whatley

Part 1 – Introducing Qualitative Research Dr Janice Whatley September 2014 Dr J Whatley, September 2014

Agenda � Philosophical stance � Positivism � Interpretivism � Approaches � Deductive � Inductive Dr J Whatley, September 2014

Philosophical stance � A paradigm is a set of concepts, assumptions, values, and actions that form a way of viewing reality for the discipline that shares them. Positivist Interpretivist � Post-Positivist is a catch all term for anything other than Positivist, such as Critical, Pragmatic, Realism Dr J Whatley, September 2014

Some Philosophers’ views � Popper on falsification � human interaction in the real world can not be explained through laws as laid down in the physical sciences � reality is not set in stone, but is a creation of the researcher, depending on the context. So there can be many versions of reality, influenced by culture, gender and beliefs, and their intricate relationships, rather than determinism of outcomes. � more useful to be able to disprove theories than to verify them. � Aristotle on knowledge � Knowledge of the form of things, which are in the world around us. � Empirical investigation is important Dr J Whatley, September 2014

Positivism � Ontology - researcher’s view of nature of reality: this is external, objective and independent of social actions. � Epistemology - view of knowledge: only observable phenomena can provide credible data and facts. Causality and law-like generalisations reduce phenomena to simplest elements. � Axiology – researcher’s view of role of values: research is undertaken in a value-free manner, researcher is independent of data and remains objective. � Data collection techniques: highly structured, large sample sizes, measurement, quantitative. Dr J Whatley, September 2014

Interpretivsm � Ontology - researcher’s view of nature of reality: socially constructed, subjective, changing. � Epistemology - view of knowledge: subjective meanings and social phenomena, focus on details of situation and reality behind these details, meaning motivate actions. � Axiology – researcher’s view of role of values: research is bound by values, researcher is part of what is being studied, so is subjective. � Data collection techniques: small sample sizes, indepth investigation, qualitative. Dr J Whatley, September 2014

Research Onion (Saunders, 2003) Dr J Whatley, September 2014

Approaches � Deductive: Development of theory that is then tested � Search for causal relationship � Facts need to be able to be measured � Samples must be selected carefully for results to be generalised � Tends to use quantitative methods � � Inductive: Formulation of a theory, perhaps as a conceptual framework � Develop understanding of cause-effect relationship � Concerned with context within which the phenomena takes place � Tends to use qualitative methods � � Abduction combines both of these (from the Greek word apagoge, meaning leading away from) Dr J Whatley, September 2014

Abduction – or qualitative induction � An indirect argument which proves a thing by showing the impossibility or absurdity of the contrary. � In order to explain an obscure or ungrounded proposition one can lead the argument away from the subject to one more readily acceptable. � Linked to social research, but also educators, theologists and criminologists. � It was Peirce (1839 -1914) who first took it up and used it to denote the only truly knowledgeextending means of inferencing, that would be distinct from the normal types of logical conclusion. � May not be valid, but point to probable meaning. Dr J Whatley, September 2014

Activity � Identify research stance Dr J Whatley, September 2014

Hypothesis or Research Question? � In deductive research, a HYPOTHESIS is necessary. It is focused statement which predicts an answer to your research question. � The ultimate objective of deductive research is to decide whether to accept or reject the hypothesis as stated. � Here is a sample HYPOTHESIS: � The "Bowen technique" will significantly improve intermediate-level, college-age ESL students' accuracy when pronouncing voiced and voiceless consonants and tense and lax vowels. Dr J Whatley, September 2014

Research question � For Inductive research, a hypothesis is not necessary. This type of research employs a "discovery approach. " � In spite of the fact that this type of research does not use a formal hypothesis, focus and structure is still critical � Therefore, after reviewing the relevant literature, the researcher may arrive at a FOCUSED RESEARCH QUESTION � Here is a sample FOCUSED RESEARCH QUESTION: � Is a contrastive presentation (showing both native Dr J Whatley, September 2014 and target cultures) more effective than a non-

Summary � The 2 main research stances of Positivism and Interpretivism, have distinctly different characters � Quantitative and Qualitative methods are associated with these respectively � Hypotheses are associated with Positivism, and Research Questions with Interpretivism � But there is growing support for combining the 2 opposing views Dr J Whatley, September 2014