Qualitative Research vs Focus Group in Dissertation - Essay Example

?Qualitative Research/ focus group Introduction Research can be defined as a systematic process aimed at increasing knowledge. This knowledge can be that of humanity, culture, society or science and can be used to check for the ‘truth’ of facts, check the findings of work done earlier, find answers to new or prevailing problems, strengthen scientific principles, or form new scientific principles (Abramson, 3:1990; Moser & Kalton, 21:1979). Research process may also be initiated to expand onto previous work in the discipline, assess the validity of instruments, processes, or experiments. To this end, the chief drives of research are reaffirmation, discovery, explanation and improvement of approaches used in various forms of research all for the purpose of the progression of our understanding of various occurrences (Pretty et al, 4:1995). Research Methods When carrying out research, it is vital that a person opts for a methodology depending on the subject of study. In essence, there are two approaches to carrying out a research: qualitative approach and quantitative approach (Babbie, 82:2010). These two research methods vary by their application of measurements and statistics in deductive reasoning (Dey, 67:2003). A quantitative methodology employs measurements and numbers during the analytic process to make deductions that apply to the whole population of interest. On the other hand, a qualitative methodology is a non-numeric method of analysis and often uses quality, opinion, or feelings during the analytic procedure (Strauss, 12:2009, Denzin & Lincoln, 122:2005). Qualitative researchers mainly rely on participation in the process/observing directly, undertaking interviews (direct interviews, in-depth interviews or focus group discussions), and studying documents and materials (Debus & Porter, 12:1986). These primary research methods form the core of inquiry and are sometimes supplemented by secondary research (Babbie, 19:2010). Both of these research methodologies methods have distinct advantages and disadvantages. A research approach depends on epistemologies, which vary significantly both within and between disciplines in the vast fields of humanities and sciences. Ontology and Epistemology in research Ontology and epistemology are two core elements of qualitative research. According to Lewis and Ritchie (23: 2007), ontology focuses on the nature of the social world and we can learn about it. It is concerned with identifying, in the most general terms, the kinds of things that actually exist. Generally, ontology answers questions such as "what makes up the universe?" or “what does the universe contain?” or "What happens when man dies?" or "What rules govern the properties of matter?" Epistemology, on the other hand, is concerned with the nature of knowledge and how it is acquired, its possibility, scope, and general basis (Lewis & Ritchie, 23: 2007). It explores the process we undergo in knowing new things. In general, epistemology answers questions such as "How does the process of determining what is true and false proceed?" or "How can we be so sure when we have come upon 'truth'?" In summary, both ontology and epistemology try to explain the existence of an entity in the universe (Moser & Kalton, 33:1979). Consequently, a qualitative researcher has to explore both of these stances in the process of establishing the ‘truth’. Qualitative Research Qualitative research methodologies have a long history in the social sciences field among other fields of research (Denzin & Lincoln, 4:2005). Disciplines particularly in the social sciences and humanities, as well as many others in the health sciences, have employed qualitative research for thousands of years. The use of qualitative approaches is increasing, whether in health research or in social sciences and humanities disciplines. Within these fields, guidelines have been established to ensure ethics is upheld at every stage and this concerns the use of, for example, certain technologies, methods and environments. Qualitative research aims to create a detailed understanding of human conduct and the factors that govern such conduct. To this end, this research approach looks into the why and how of decisions made, and not just what, where, when. Consequently, smaller but representative samples are normally preferred as compared to large samples in qualitative research. In a broad view, qualitative methods give information only on the subjects selected for the research, and any general conclusions are based only on propositions (Pretty et al, 102:1995). A researcher can then opt to use quantitative methods to validate hypotheses generated through qualitative methods. Qualitative research employs a number of methods in data collection. These methods range from narrations, interviews, focus-group discussions, observation, questionnaires, or use of secondary information, among others (Dey, 7:2003). The data can then be optionally coded to enable easier analysis. Focus Group Discussions (FGD) Focus groups combine elements of both interviewing and participant observation. This method allows a group of 6 - 12 informants to freely discuss a certain subject with the guidance of a researcher (Debus & Porter, 12: 1986). Under the method, a group of persons deemed knowledgeable on a subject come together and, with moderation from the researcher, each member is given a chance to make contributions regarding their perceptions, opinions, beliefs and attitudes towards the subject of interest. As put forward by Ritchie and Lewis (171: 2003), data in an FGD is generated “by interaction between group participants.” This qualitative technique allows the researcher to study the knowledge, attitudes and practices of a people in a more natural background than normally occurs in face-to-face interviews. One major advantage of focus group discussions is that it far less costly as compared to surveys since very little logistic arrangements and data collection tools are required. The researcher gets the research results almost immediately as opposed to methods like questionnaires or web surveys (Abramson, 99:1990). In addition, the sample size can be increased with less additional costs as compared to methods like use of questionnaires. This method can be used to complement data collected using other methods. Limitation FGDs require a lot of time in group discussions and deliberations and hence it may not be feasible in a large-scale study. FGDs may also be ineffective when sensitive information is required due to the lack of anonymity among members of the focus group (Helitzer-Alland et al, 8, 1994). Indeed, members of the group may hold back their opinions and only give responses they feel the moderator wants to hear. The responses may also be shaped by the moderator and this leads to questions of validity. References Abramson, JH. (1990). Survey Methods in Community Medicine. London: Churchill-Livingstone. Babbie, E. R. (2010). The Practice of Social Research. Wasworth: Cengage. Debus M, Porter, N. (1986). Handbook for Excellence in Focus Group Researc. Washington: Academy for Educational Development, Healthcom. Denzin, N. K. & Lincoln, Y. S. (2005). The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Dey, I. (2003). Qualitative Data Analysis: A User Friendly Guide for Social Scientists. London: Routledge Helitzer-Alland, J., Makhambera M., and Wangel AM. (1994). Obtaining sensitive information: The need for more than Focus Groups. Reproductive Health Matters 3:75-82 Moser, CA, and Kalton, G. (1979). Survey Methods in Social Investigation. Hants, UK: Gower Publishing Company. Pretty, JN., Guyt, I., Thompson, J., and Scones, I. (1995). Participatory Learning & Action. A Trainer’s Guide. London: International Institute for environment and Development. Ritchie, J., and Lewis, J. (2003). Qualitative research practice- a guide for social science students and researches. London: Sage Publications Strauss, A. L. (2009). Qualitative analysis for social scientists. NY: University of Cambridge. Read More