Another suggestion is that case study should be defined as a research strategy, an empirical inquiry that investigates a phenomenon within its real-life context. Case study research can mean single and multiple case studies, can include quantitative evidence, relies on multiple sources of evidence, and benefits from the prior development of theoretical propositions. Case studies should not be confused with qualitative research and they can be based on any mix of quantitative and qualitative evidence. Case study research excels at bringing us to an understanding of a complex issue or object and can extend experience or add strength to what is already known through previous research. Case studies emphasize detailed contextual analysis of a limited number of events or conditions and their relationships.
Quantitative research is usually used after qualitative data has been gathered and uses that information to construct its own research gathering techniques. The goal of quantitative data is to classify data or to create statistical models for explaining observations (Experiment Resources, 2012). Generally qualitative studies will use researchers as the main tool for gathering data. Researchers in qualitative studies will use interviews and other verbal communication tools to gather data; quantitative research differs from this in that it collects data from questionnaires and surveys to compile information. The distinction is made that in an interview the people involved can clarify and describe answers while, in a survey or questionnaire the participant is constrained to the descriptions provided which will be the same for each person.
This is why it is mandatory to check over collected data. * Interpretation: The researcher depend on the layout and presentation of the data because it important to have textual evidence rather than numerical data * Case study method: This method consists of one or several small cases which includes a lot of research. This study involves a lot of quantitative data but entails both qualitative and quantitative data most times. * Grounded theory: Qualitative data is collected to test hypotheses and the theory is built from grounded data. Seeing that qualitative research involves the observation of human performance or behavior, and because the human emotions shift from time to time, it becomes difficult to make proper generalization which then
Qualitative research generates rich, detailed and valid data that contribute to in depth understanding of the context, quantitative researches generate reliable population based and generalised data. A particular strength of quantitative research is that it can be generalised to some extent, a sample that closely relates to a population is chosen. Qualitative researches do not choose samples that are closely related to a population. Quantitative researches allow the researcher to test hypotheses. Qualitative researches are more for exploratory purposes, the researches allow the data to take them on different directions.
Other qualitative data collection method under Qualitative Design includes Participant Observation and focus group. The following are challenges faced with participant observation and the strategy to be deployed to overcome this. • Time consumption is a big challenge and this is mitigated by involving researchers who already possess a solid base of cultural awareness of the region or ethnography under study to be among the data collection team. • Challenge of data documentation and this is mitigated by strict discipline and diligence to expand researcher recorded thought or observation. • The objectivity in documenting researcher observation because this process is inherently subjective.
Quantitative studies involves logical reasoning or making specific predictions from sources and testing theories. As an example, participants in an experiment might randomly assign one of several students a specific treatment for ADHD. On the other hand, another group might not receive any treatment. Quantitative research will show measureable differences that wasn’t present before treatment between the two groups. The research will determine that the experiment influence caused the difference to occur.
It is exploratory in nature, assisting to define the study or develop and approach a problem. The researcher only has a concept of the information they are seeking. Quantitative research attempts to quantify a problem and understand the prevalence. This methodology projects results to a larger population. The approach, for this research technique, uses closed-end surveys, experiments with a control group, and second hand data.
Technology and human life cannot be separated; society has a cyclical co-dependence on technology. Weuse technology; depend on technology in our daily life and our needs and demands for technology keep on rising. Humans use technology to travel, to communicate, to learn, to do business and to live in comfort. However technology has also caused us concerns. Its poor application has resulted into the pollution of the environment and it has also cause serious threat to our lives and society.
The data include interview transcripts, fieldnotes, photographs, videotapes, personal documents, memos, and official records. Qualitative researchers are also concerned with process rather than simply with outcomes /product. Hence, data analysis in qualitative research tends to be ongoing, and inductive in nature. New/follow-up data may be collected at any point until the researcher decides that he has sufficient data to make interpretations about the phenomena being studied. Meaning is also essential to qualitative researchers who are interested in how different people make sense of their lives.
Qualitative research explores attitudes, behavior and experiences through such methods as interviews or focus groups. It attempts to get an in-depth opinion from participants. As it is attitudes, behavior and experiences which are important, fewer people take part in the research, but the contact with these people tends to last a lot longer. Under the umbrella of qualitative research there are many different methodologies Quantitative Research Quantitative research