Research Process

Quantitative research

The major phases:

1. Conceptual phase

2. Design and planning phase

3. Empirical phase

4. The analytical phase

5. Dissemination phase

Cont…Quantitative

Phase 1: Conceptual phase

1. Formulating and delimiting the problem

2. Reviewing the literature

3. Defining the theoretical framework

4. Formulating the hypothesis

Cont…Quantitative

Design and planning phase

1. Selecting a research design

2. Identifying the population to be studies

3. Specifying methods to measure the research variables

4. Designing the sampling plan

5. Finalizing & reviewing research plan

Cont…Quantitative

Empirical phase

1. Collecting data

2. Preparing the data for analysis

Cont…Quantitative

The analytical phase Analyzing data Interpreting the results

Cont…Quantitative

Dissemination phase

1. Communicating the findings

2. Utilizing the data

Qualitative research

Contrast to quantitative the research process goes in a circle rather than a linear straight line

The researcher continually examines and interprets data and proceeds based on what he discovers.

The researchers do not have a full knowledge on how possibly the study will flow

Qualitative research

For example, the researcher may not review the literature until conducting a preliminary analysis of the collected data

OR, may decide to select the design in the middle of the study

WHY, BECAUSE QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IS FLEXIBLE