ELR301_Chapter 1_Three Approaches

What is the primary focus of qualitative research?

• Testing theories through measurable variables.

• Exploring meanings and understanding human experiences.

• Combining numerical and contextual data.

• • Generalizing findings through statistical analysis.

How do qualitative and quantitative approaches relate to the concept of a continuum?

• They are rigidly distinct categories with no overlap.

• Mixed methods research is entirely separate from the continuum.

• They represent opposite ends of a continuum, with mixed methods in the middle.

• • Quantitative research always dominates the continuum.

Which of the following is a characteristic of qualitative research?

• Structured data collection through surveys and experiments.

• Deductive reasoning and bias control.

• Data collection in natural settings with flexible reporting.

• Emphasis on numerical generalizations.

What is a key feature of quantitative research?

• Testing objective theories through measurable variables.

• Using inductive reasoning to build themes.

• Focusing on individual meaning and complexity.

• Employing open-ended questions and responses.

What is the core assumption of mixed methods research?

• Qualitative data alone provides the most comprehensive insights.

• Quantitative data alone is sufficient for understanding complex problems.

• Mixed methods research avoids using either qualitative or quantitative data.

• Integrating qualitative and quantitative data yields additional insights beyond either approach alone.

How has the historical evolution of research influenced the development of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches?

• Qualitative research dominated the 19th century due to its scientific rigor.

• Quantitative research dominated early social sciences, while interest in qualitative and mixed methods grew later.

• Mixed methods research emerged before qualitative or quantitative methods.

• Research methods have always been equally popular.

Which philosophical assumption underpins qualitative research?

• Constructivism, focusing on individual experiences and contexts.

• Positivism, emphasizing objectivity and measurable data.

• A mix of constructivism and positivism with no clear stance.

• Pragmatism, focusing solely on numerical data.

When should researchers choose mixed methods approaches?

• When the research question requires testing hypotheses only.

• When only numerical data is available.

• When the problem is straightforward and can be solved with a single method.

• When the research problem requires both breadth and depth through multiple data types.