Chapter 3 Overview of the Research Process in Qualitative and Quantitative Studies

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Chapter 3Overview of the Research Process in
Qualitative and Quantitative Studies
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Major Classes of Quantitative Research

• Experimental research
• Researchers actively introduce an intervention
  or treatment
• Nonexperimental research
• Researchers collect data without intervening or
  introducing treatments

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Major Research Traditions in Qualitative Research

• Grounded theory research
• Phenomenological research
• Ethnographic research

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Phases in a Quantitative Study

• Phase 1 Conceptual Phase
• Phase 2 Design and Planning Phase
• Phase 3 Empirical Phase
• Phase 4 Analytic Phase
• Phase 5 Dissemination Phase

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Major Steps in a Quantitative Study

• Phase 1 Conceptual Phase
• Formulating the problem
• Reviewing related literature
• Undertaking clinical fieldwork
• Defining the framework and developing conceptual
  definitions
• Formulating hypotheses

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Major Steps in a Quantitative Study (contd)

• Phase 2 Design and Planning Phase
• Selecting a research design
• Developing intervention protocols
• Identifying the population
• Designing the sample plan

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Major Steps in a Quantitative Study (contd)

• Phase 2 Design and Planning Phase (contd)
• Specifying methods to measure research variables
  and collect data
• Developing methods to protect human/animal rights
• Finalizing and reviewing the research plan

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Major Steps in a Quantitative Study (contd)

• Phase 3 Empirical Phase
• Collecting data
• Preparing data for analysis

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Major Steps in a Quantitative Study (contd)

• Phase 4 Analytic Phase
• Analyzing the data
• Interpreting results

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Major Steps in a Quantitative Study (contd)

• Phase 5 Dissemination Phase
• Communicating the findings
• Utilizing findings in practice

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Activities in a Qualitative Study

• Conceptualizing and Planning the Study
• Conducting the Study
• Disseminating the Findings

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Activities in a Qualitative Study (contd)

• Conceptualizing and Planning the Study
• Identifying the research problem
• Doing a literature review
• Selecting and gaining entrée into research sites
• Planning to go into the field
• Addressing ethical issues

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Activities in a Qualitative Study (contd)

• Conducting the Study Iterative Activities
• Making sampling decisions
• Collecting data and evaluating trustworthiness
• Analyzing data
• Interpreting data