This week in Leadership Foundations in Research we dove into the realm on qualitative research. One definition that I found interesting stated, "Qualitative research is all about exploring issues, understanding phenomena, and answering questions" (QSR, 2013). According to QSR "This method of research analyzes unstructured data, including: open-ended survey questions, literature reviews, audio recordings, pictures and web pages" (2013).
Tying critical thinking into qualitative research is a seamless way to interpret data retrieved from literary sources, interviews, and web sites. Collecting information on a topic in an unstructured manner lends the researcher an ability to think about the results, find similarities and connections, and develop meaningful conclusions. Unlike quantitative research where testing hypothesis, cause and effect, and specific variables are the defining principals, quantitative research identifies patterns and themes viewed through a wide lens. This is a far more creative approach to understanding human nature, points of views, and ideas which can vary due to individual perceptions and assumptions.
In the past few weeks I have created a literature review, built my first survey, and dissected the validity of a web page. I found myself flowing easily through the data collection phases, making mental and literal notes on important points and topics, and really thinking about my conclusions. Even in the midst of new lessons and assignments I felt a creative bug creep in to my research process. In the past I have conducted many quantitative research projects where I followed the scientific method to prove or disprove a hypothesis. The research is methodical and structured. There isn't much about the human nature, or the world we live in for that matter, that follows such ridged structure. Practicing some good 'ol quantitative research allowed me to collect data from random sources and draw conclusions from thinking rather than measuring.
As a leader it is important to be proficient at both quantitative and qualitative research principals. It is important to be able to reason through situations methodically and subjectively. It is important to understand there are several good ways to find answers to any problem. Utilizing these abilities will make good leaders great and great leaders memorable.
Please take a minute and complete my first survey.
http://kwiksurveys.com/s.asp?sid=8w2xe8kywaz7vev220931
Make it a Great Week!
JP
See more on Qualitative Research at http://www.qsrinternational.com/what-is-qualitative-research.aspx
Tying critical thinking into qualitative research is a seamless way to interpret data retrieved from literary sources, interviews, and web sites. Collecting information on a topic in an unstructured manner lends the researcher an ability to think about the results, find similarities and connections, and develop meaningful conclusions. Unlike quantitative research where testing hypothesis, cause and effect, and specific variables are the defining principals, quantitative research identifies patterns and themes viewed through a wide lens. This is a far more creative approach to understanding human nature, points of views, and ideas which can vary due to individual perceptions and assumptions.
In the past few weeks I have created a literature review, built my first survey, and dissected the validity of a web page. I found myself flowing easily through the data collection phases, making mental and literal notes on important points and topics, and really thinking about my conclusions. Even in the midst of new lessons and assignments I felt a creative bug creep in to my research process. In the past I have conducted many quantitative research projects where I followed the scientific method to prove or disprove a hypothesis. The research is methodical and structured. There isn't much about the human nature, or the world we live in for that matter, that follows such ridged structure. Practicing some good 'ol quantitative research allowed me to collect data from random sources and draw conclusions from thinking rather than measuring.
As a leader it is important to be proficient at both quantitative and qualitative research principals. It is important to be able to reason through situations methodically and subjectively. It is important to understand there are several good ways to find answers to any problem. Utilizing these abilities will make good leaders great and great leaders memorable.
Please take a minute and complete my first survey.
http://kwiksurveys.com/s.asp?sid=8w2xe8kywaz7vev220931
Make it a Great Week!
JP
See more on Qualitative Research at http://www.qsrinternational.com/what-is-qualitative-research.aspx
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