Introduction
Research is an important part of exploring a project. There are many research methods that can be used by researchers to determine the outcome of a particular project. However, throughout this paper, the ones discussed here will be qualitative, quantitative, mixed, and action research. The characteristics and differences in these methods will be discussed, as well as a more detailed look into the mixed and action methods. Also to be discussed will be how to go about selecting the best method to research a project.
Qualitative research is a standard term for investigating methodologies that helps the researcher understand and explain the meaning of social phenomena. This research investigation is performed in a natural setting so that the researcher can learn as much about the human behavior as possible. In this sense, it seeks to understand behavior with the purpose of assigning meaning to the actions of the particular subject. Qualitative researchers are concerned with understanding the motivational factors behind the particular experience in question, and therefore, with this type of research more personal information and deeper responses are needed from the participants. Also, qualitative research is subjective and the researcher will collect data by means of words, pictures, or categories through careful observation and in depth personal interviews (Quantitative and Qualitative Research, 2011).
Quantitative research is used by researchers to determine quantified relationships between variables. The aim in this is for the researchers to determine the relationship in one thing over another with things such as weight, performance, or time. This type of research is either descriptive, which establishes associations between two variables, or experimental which establishes causality. Also, quantitative research is objective and the researcher gathers information from the subjects by means of surveys and questionnaires, and once the data is collected it is analyzed using statistical methods, such as correlations, relative frequencies, or differences between means (Quantitative and Qualitative Research, 2011).
Mixed Research
Mixed research combines qualitative and quantitative research into one single study. In this sense both qualitative and quantitative research methods, techniques, and characteristics are combined into one overall study. The mixed research method involves using figures and wording, and statistics and wording for analyzing information that is collected. Also, researchers that employ this type of method will be presented with multiple types of reports so that a more sensible conclusion can be made regarding the project at hand (Commonwealth of Learning, n.d.).
Action Research
Action research is a research model that follows accomplishment and studying at the same time. It is typically utilized in conditions where an accomplishment is likely to be the outcome of a change management process. The intention of the researcher in using this research method is to have both action outcomes and research outcomes in which to improve a process. In other words, identifying and testing certain actions and certain outcomes regarding a particular process in order to make improvements is the intention of the researcher who utilizes this method (O’Brien, 1998).
Detailed Action Research
The general approach to action research is for the researcher to first identify the problem and collect data on the related problem so that a more detailed diagnosis can be identified. Next, the researcher would collect several hypothetical solutions as to what would actually solve the problem presented for research, and from this a single plan would materialize and be implemented. Once this is done results from the previously collected data is further analyzed so that the researcher can get a better view of how successful the action plan has been in solving the problem. Finally, the problem is re-assessed and another cycle begins until the problem is resolved (O’Brien, 1998).
Detailed Mixed Research
The general approach to mixed research is for the researcher to use the qualitative research model for one phase of the research project and the quantitative research model for another phase of the research project. The approach to this method would be to concurrently collect information using the mixed method, or if the aim is to use one method to inform the other information would be collected sequentially. In this sense, even though the actual methods of mixing the research study may be the same, the way in which they are sequenced and combined can make a difference when it comes to the actual process of conducting the study and interpreting the results. However, coming to a conclusion on how to best sequence and combine the methods of mixed researching will depend greatly on the nature of research at hand and the outcome desired (Commonwealth of Learning, n.d.).
Determining the Best Method
When looking to determine which research method to use for researching a project it would really depend on what the researcher is looking to achieve from the results of the research. For instance, if Akron Research were looking to determine which clients like a particular product then qualitative research would need to be used, on the other hand, if Akron Research were exploring to look deeper into a specific topic, such as the target market in which our experts should mark in selling our products, then qualitative research should be used. The mixed method of research should be used when both qualitative and quantitative measurements need to be employed in the research study. In addition, action research would be utilized when processes within a particular study need to be continually improved (Rohrer, 2008).
Conclusion
Qualitative research aims to gather a more inclusive understanding as to a particular behavior and the reasons as to why such behavior exists. Quantitative research aims to determine the relationship between one thing and another. Mixed research comes into play when the aim is to use a mixture of research methods to come to a comprehensive conclusion on the subject at hand. And last, action research is used when a problem exists with a process and improvements need continually be made to advance the process. The researcher will need to investigate the topic at hand in order to come to a conclusion on which of these research methods to use.
References
Commonwealth of Learning. (n.d). Mixed research methods. Retrieved from http://www.col.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/A5.pdf
Quantitative and Qualitative Research. (2011). Types of research designs. Retrieved from http://www.experiment-resources.com/research-designs.html
O’Brien, R. (1998). An overview of the methodological approach of action research. Retrieved from http://www.web.net/~robrien/papers/arfinal.html
Rohrer, C. (2008). When to use which user experience research methods. Retrieved from http://www.useit.com/alertbox/user-research-methods.html
