Res wk 8 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Res wk 8 - Essay Example Qualitative and quantitative researches both have their strengths and weaknesses as well as their contributions to analyze various issues have a unique and conclusive approach. That being said, it is quantitative research that I am more drawn towards. The exploratory and in depth analyses that it entails seems to offer much more in terms of formulating an understanding of a certain concept. Compared to the open and the personal elements that qualitative research comprises of qualitative research is more prone towards numbers, formulas and models that determine a basic link between variables. I feel that qualitative research merely scratches the surface whereas qualitative research dives deep into the problem and looks at the personal experiences of participants through the use of surveys and interviews all of which aim at analyzing thoughts and emotions attached to the issue under investigation. Having always been drawn to words, images and descriptions basing a perspective on number s has never appealed to me. Furthermore I feel as a researcher the contribution that you can put into qualitative research has a more unique and challenging touch to it as you get to know your subjects for what they truly are; compared to that quantitative research seems dry as you analyze and compare numbers and formulas to come to a conclusion. Assignment 4 The argument presented by the writer is much like that of my own opinion when it comes to the debate of qualitative vs. quantitative research. In fact it brings to my mind this interesting article that I had read online called ‘The Qualitative-Quantitative Debate’, during my research. It talks about how the debate between the differences between and relative advantages of qualitative and quantitative methods has been one on which considerable energy has been expended. So much that it is referred to as a ‘hot-button’ issue in social research. It then goes on to delivering a interesting perspective to th e issue (one that I found very fascinating) about there being little differences between qualitative and quantitative data. The pillars for the writer’s argument are firstly that ‘All qualitative data can be coded quantitatively’, that is, anything that is qualitative can be assigned meaningful numerical values. Second, All quantitative data is based on qualitative judgment that is numbers in and of themselves can't be interpreted without understanding the assumptions which underlie them. References Trochim. W. (2006). The Qualitative-Quantitative Debate. Knowledge base. Retrieved from: http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/qualdeb.php Response to professor assignment 1. I understand the common error I made during the formulation of my research question merely because I associated qualitative research questions firmly on their nature to investigate why something is the way it is. However as far as Creswell (2009) suggestion that we avoid using the word ‘w hy’ I will reformulate by question from: ‘Why do juveniles commit crimes?’ to ‘What are the reasons that contribute to juveniles ability to commit crimes?’ I went through the aspect of interpretive inquiry again and I see how I

Critical Thinking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Critical Thinking - Essay Example Only a few databases can offer these services (ERIC, 2012). ERIC, however, has its own disadvantages. At times, research through ERIC can be time consuming. This is due to the large library of information that ERIC has to offer (ERIC, 2012). Hence, locating information can be tiresome. Another disadvantage of using ERIC is that there is a cost incurred in accessing the database. Even though, one pays for using ERIC, it still has a broad variety of data that cannot be accessed anywhere else. Locating and reading original articles rather than just using the abstract source is vital due to a number of reasons. The reasons are that: the original article has the original and full information. The original article is of higher standards than the abstract, and is up-to-date and complete. The original article represents the original information of what the article is about (ERIC, 2012). Unlike the information found on abstracts, which might just describe the original study, the original arti cle has full information of the topic matter without biasness. Also, in most cases, people find that original articles are of higher standards than the abstract. This is because the original article is examined for quality before it is published, unlike abstracts. Finally, original articles are always up-to-date. They comprise of the most recent information, unlike abstracts (ERIC, 2012). It is advantageous to start with secondary sources of information since these secondary sources are produced by individuals who have examined the primary source and enhanced its information. Secondary sources give assurance that the primary source is viable (ERIC, 2012). They also summarize the primary source so that on could know what is contained in the primary source. Some of the valuable traits of secondary sources are: secondary sources are gathered from diverse databases. They also provide a summary of primary sources (ERIC, 2012). Gathering information for secondary sources takes less time t han a primary source, and secondary sources provide a greater database of information. Secondary sources have quite a number of limitations as compared to primary sources. Some of these limitations are that the quality of the information is low, and information may be incomplete. Library holdings that are considered as primary sources are articles that offer first-hand testimonies, as well as direct evidence regarding a topic that is being investigated. These holdings are created by recorders or witnesses who experienced the event itself (ERIC, 2012). Library holdings that are primary sources refer to the sources that were created at the period of the event. They can, however, comprise of memoirs, autobiographies, or oral histories that were recorded later. Library holdings that are primary sources are distinguished by content, irrespective of whether they are available in original format, in digital format, in microfilm or published format. They can also be found in many libraries across the United States (ERIC, 2012). Articles differ in format, but in general have a reasonably similar scheme. They begin with a segment that looks at the background of the research, and a clarification of why the authors chose to do the research. It is followed by enlightenment of how the researchers did the experiment, and their results, plus conclusions. However, in order to assess a report and determine whether it is viable for the research, there are three ways of assessing an article to