Types Of Social Research Methods - 1120 Words

Assessment Item 1 Both quantitative and qualitative research are identified as 2 of the 5 ideal ‘types’ of social research methods. Quantitative research can be identified as closed questioned and predetermined whereas qualitative research is characterised as being open and inclusive of subject influence. Quantitative research is the oldest form of social research, developing from the intellectual tradition known as ‘positivist or realist’ studies. The research type is based on the theory that there is an objective reality that can be accurately measured and that works through â€Å"natural laws† that can be discovered though extensive research. Research is done from an objective standpoint conducted from the ‘outside’, with the theory†¦show more content†¦(Chonody, n.d.) Qualitative research contradicts quantitative research as it identified as inductive, as the research can be characterised as developing from detailed viewpoints or interactions to more general ideologies. Qualitative researchers begin their research with no preconceived ideas of the patterns of the research, they allow the patterns to develop naturally as the research progresses. Qualitative research is based on the concept of immersing yourself as a researcher in the world of your subjects, with the attempt to understand how they experience life. This is achieved through the use of careful observations, in depth interviews and a variety of other open question based methods. The theories that qualitative researches make are built from the patterns they observe in their data after they have done their questioning, as opposed to quantitative researchers that will conduct a hypothesis before interviewing their subjects. Another key difference in quantitative and qualitative research is the researcher’s standpoint on objective research. Quantitative researchers proclaim the importance of objectivity and a value free approach to their research; whereas qualitative researchers dismiss the concept of objective research and argue that social research can never be value free. (Alston, Bowles, 2012, p.13). A form of quantitative research