My learning in the field of qualitative research
1. In terms of qualitative methodology and the problems of scientism/positivism, what does it mean to recognize the limits of exactitude and certainty, but still to have respect for empirical work? Where do you presently locate yourself paradigmatically and methodologically in terms of your own investments in producing knowledge?

As a research strategy, positivism can be an approach that is based on the ontological principle and the concept that reality and truth are usually free and independent of the individual and observer. A large number of critics and philosophers who are concerned with the idea and concept of investigation and research agree with this statement. The definition of truth as an independent, objective and autonomous existence of positivism can be seen in various works. A positivist researcher believes that the world adjusts to the unchanging and perpetual rules and laws of circumstances and causation; there exists a complex and intricate situation that can be prevented by reductionism; and with the belief of assertion of importance and insistence on measurement, repeatability, impartiality, and objectivity (Richardson & St. Pierre, 2005; Pillow, 2003). These philosophers have a view of the entire universe as being independent, realistic and with an objective analysis.

Positivist researchers frequently use methodologies such as qualitative analysis, nomothetic experiments, laboratory experiments, deduction and confirmatory analysis (Creswell & Poth, 2018). A researcher of sometimes an interpretivist inquirer argues that there is no such thing as a universal or global truth. This kind of researcher perceives, understands and explains from his or her research references. The researcher believes that the impartiality that is indifferent and unattached is unrealistic and that the realism of the structure of the circumstances is key. These researchers equally have a biased and subjective perception of the universe. The interpretivist scholars have applied methodologies for research that include qualitative analysis, field experiments, idiographic experiments, and exploratory analysis.

Certain versions of interpretivism change social reality to concepts, interpretations, and beliefs, therefore, denying any ideas if the independence of different reality aspects from personal and collective perceptions. Therefore, this type of interpretivism takes into account a limited ontological approach. The reality is conceptualized as an agential action that is operated by interpretations and meanings that are subjective and also inter-subjective (Creswell & Poth, 2018). The argument takes into consideration the epistemological thesis which states that the knowledge we have of the reality cannot go further than the collective and personal interpretations and explanations.

The paradigm of positivists stresses that the factual and real occurrences can be observed and studied scientifically and also empirically by applying a lucid way of rational analysis and investigations. The determining factor for the assessment and appraisal of systematic scientific facts and logical theory should answer whether the researcher’s viewpoint of facts (i.e., theory-based on guesses and hunches) should be consistent or reliable depending on the methods used in acquiring the knowledge using their insights (Bhattacharya, 2017). The methodology and approach of positivist research (methodological uniqueness) looks into experimentation and micro-level analysis in a laboratory set up that lacks the complexity of the outside world. (e.g., financial connections such as joblessness, an offense like suicide, psychosomatic and societal). Based on the completion of the scientific and logical method, strategies can be arrived at (e.g., antidepressants for those in despair, training for the jobless, career training, jail time for criminals). Recently, psychologists have come to an understanding that resulting outcomes entail internal efficacy (i.e. the processes analyzed and observed during the experiment are genuine and entailed in the circumstances).

2. In relation to Q1, how would you ensure that your study (mini project) is well designed? Within the concept of situated methodology, identify and discuss at least 6 key elements of a successful design for your qualitative study.

The designing process of a quantitative methodology starts by identifying the research objectives. The objectives of the study require proper conceptualization, documentation, and determination of everything involved including sampling approaches, data collection methods, dissemination strategy and format, analysis and instrument development. Though the most challenging section of a research initiative is establishing objectives, the process must be put into consideration so as to guide data collection. The following is a base format from which you can start to strategically build your research (Creswell & Poth, 2018).

Decision section

Given Options (options may not be mutually exclusive)

Certain Considerations

Primary Purpose of the Study

Understand a Real-World Problem.

Research should mainly be based on the need to help or provide a solution to problems in the real world which can be transferred to researchers by clients, sponsors, and stakeholders.

Findings are supposed to promote recommendations that are doable and based on evidence

Build Knowledge/Theory.

Research is mainly based on the already available theories and works of literature.

Findings are supposed to add information to the already existing literature and theories.

Develop an Intervention/Program.

Research is aimed at developing a given program, intervention or product.

Findings are supposed to directly add information and/or evidence of the concept of a given program or intervention.

Evaluate something.

Research is aimed at evaluating a product, intervention or program.

Research is focused on specific aspects....…to acquire using quantitative-based data collection methods (Creswell & Poth, 2018). Practitioners and researchers in different fields like psychology, education, sociology, nursing, marketing, and anthropology frequently apply qualitative methods to find solutions to questions regarding people’s way of interacting globally.

Another advantage lies in the process of collecting qualitative data considering face validity. The researcher does not have to artificially fit the responses while placing them onto the pre-categorized buckets. The survey process is usually a permanent scripted method where collectors of data are especially guided to repeat queries verbatim in case the participant cannot comprehend the question for the reliability of interviewers.

Qualitative questioning is more flexible therefore allowing the interviewer to ask questions in a different manner to ensure the participant has a full understanding (Bhattacharya, 2017). A less structured comprehensive interview of key questions may fail to be formulated. The lack of structure can reduce reliability though it enhances the entire face validity.

In relation to the matter of validity, the data generated is affected. The questioning process is open-ended in the qualitative inquiry so the participants can provide answers in vernacular. This is useful if the aim of the study is to establish a communication structure or messaging plan. You can achieve this in a salient manner that resonates well with the study population. Considering the above, it is clear how qualitative research is best suited for certain objectives than others.

While studying qualitative research, I enjoyed understanding the use of the collection method. The complex designs of data collection analysis have been structured by the intellectual presumptions of qualitative inquiry. In order to comprehend the intricate phenomenon, you should consider the several “realities” witnessed by participants, also known as “insider” opinion.

Discovering how participants develop their definitions of situations is favored by natural environments. The quest for an objective reality which is favored by researchers abandons the belief that people create their own individual realities (Creswell & Poth, 2018).

Data analysis methods were, however, challenging in qualitative data. The goal of the analysis was to come up with patterns, meanings, concepts, and themes. It was difficult for me to grasp the relevant method to apply given a specific qualitative study.

I therefore now understand that it is possible to experience various rules and steps if you set aside time to research on the analysis of qualitative data. It is likely that you are interested in knowing which steps are appropriate to use. This might be as a result of the fact that qualitative analysis is a flexible process (Creswell & Poth, 2018; Pillow, 2003). The major…