Compose a 1250 words assignment on how identity impacts the way social scientists frame research questions and conduct research
Quantitative research is widely used in both the natural sciences and social sciences, from chemistry and physics to sociology and psychology. It is also used as a method to research different parameters of education. The quantitative approach is more often used in social sciences as against qualitative research because statistical measurements of variables present a degree of accuracy in correlations.
Qualitative research is a field of inquiry that crosscuts disciplines and subject matters. Qualitative researchers attempt to get an insight into human behaviour and the reasons that govern human behaviour. Qualitative research depends on the reasons behind various aspects of behaviour (Creswell, 2007, p.78). To put it in brief , it investigates the why and the how of decision making. . Hence, the need is for smaller but focused samples rather than large random samples. Qualitative research categorizes data into patterns as a priority for organizing and reporting results. Qualitative researchers typically rely on four methods for gathering information: (1) self-involvement in the process (2) direct observation, (3) in-depth interviews and (4) analysis of documents and materials. Qualitative research is more often used in the social sciences as against quantitative research because it provides dynamism to the researcher in approaching an otherwise fluid scenario.
Scientific approach refers to the body of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. It is based on gathering observable, empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning. A scientific method consists of the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses (Montello and Sutton, 2006, p.168).
Although procedures vary from one field of inquiry to another, identifiable features distinguish scientific inquiry from other methodologies of knowledge. . .
