Essay on Research Methods Comparison

Introduction

The information that is available globally cannot fully be trusted, considering some information may be biased and be spread around with a motive that could either be positive or have a negative influence. It is primarily the reason research is important to ensure that the information that is available has been researched and the findings have proved the results hence the reason why the information can be termed to be reliable. Additionally, there are also different ways to gather the information where the methods also have different approaches that can either be trusted or even suggest that there is room for further research. It then proves that information crucial and with the different forms of gathering information end up creating room for further questions that require research. It is vital that the paper explores three important case studies that have been covered on management of risk in various organizations. The first study of interest is an article titled “Cruising through a pandemic”, which was authored by several researchers (Holland et al., 2021). The second study is a corporate report released by the Kingsfleet Wealth as one of those companies that have established across the world. The third case study of interest is “Mapplebeck” that captures different aspects on the duties of the NHS. An examination on the three case studies presented can help gain a deeper understanding on matters of research and how a particular design chosen can impact the outcome of a process. Among the research, approaches include quantitative research, qualitative research, and a mixed approach that includes both of these research methods. The following paper compares and analyzes the comparison between three case studies based on their methods of data collection.

Quantitative Research Method

Quantitative research approaches primarily focus on using the analysis of numeric factors other than other approaches that do not seek to use the conventional data analysis approach of using numeric data. In other words, using a quantitative approach of data analysis requires the use of measurable data that includes the use of statistical processes, which can be applicable for both experimental and non-experimental design methods. Jervis and Drake (2014) highlight that the method focuses on using clear and specific procedures and methods that are used to apply quantitative methods. Quantitative methods are commonly used for research that requires specific and measurable data.

The use of a quantitative approach when it comes to the research of the three case studies is only applicable in one of the case studies. Among the three articles presented, the “Investment Report” has utilized quantitative approaches towards gathering and presenting of information. The case study suggests the application of the quantitative research method, which is evident through the constant use of figurative tables, graphs, and other visual forms of numeric data classification. The case study focuses on detailing on an investment process document and how it would help benefit people who would require services from Kingsfeet Wealth (Investment Process Document, 2014). It highlights how the level of service will match with interests of consumers, their attitude to risk, along with their financial position (Investment Process Document, 2014).

When compared to the other case studies, the case study detailing the investment process document only focuses on a statistical explanation of the nature of investments that consumers can have in the company and how these investments will end up being managed by the company. Clark (2010) highlights that the use of qualitative analysis and research method focuses on either an experimental approach or a non-experimental approach and details that experimental takes place in the laboratory whereas non-experimental is any other form of quantitative research method. Such numerical data is essential for making investment decisions within any given industry. In essence, information provided in a quantified manner makes it easier for firms to make predictions and future recommendations for efficiency (Investment Process Document, 2014). Based on the nature of the other case studies, they are not based on a quantitative research method since they take a different approach that does not include a numeric approach.

As opposed to the case study on investment process documents, the major focus is on a qualitative approach and a mixed model of research where they include both quantitative and qualitative research methods to conclude their findings.The other case study that details on how Covid-19 has impacted the intention of people to go on cruises takes a mixed model as opposed to a qualitative or quantitative model of research which makes it different(Holland et al., 2021). Quantitative approach has been used significantly in one of the articles while the other article has relied much on qualitative approach to gather information. A quantitative approach helps gather crucial numerical information that impacts operations and decision making within a firm.

Qualitative Research Method

The use of qualitative research is common and applicable when the researchers seek to achieve an analysis of non-numeric data. The evidence that the researcher seeks to achieve includes the data that is intangible and primarily focuses on the understanding of aspects such as behavior and action. As highlighted by Jameel, Shaheen, and Majid (2018), qualitative research primarily focuses on examiningexperiences, perspectives, and perceptions of individuals and communities(Lemon, Degenhardt, Slade, and Mills, 2010). It then means that qualitative research, unlike quantitative research, gives more focus on the perception and understandings of people and does not give primary focus on a numeric approach.

Two of the case studies presented have utilized a qualitative approach towards gathering of information and making of crucial conclusions. The case study on “Suffolk Mental Health Alliance” has significantly applied a qualitative approach to address its research practices (Mappleback, 2020). As stated by its authors, the major focus of the research is on “drawing on participant’s views, opinions, and behaviors” (Mappleback, 2020). It then proves that the approach taken by the authors for the research is a qualitative approach that seeks to fulfill the objectives of the research question. As such, it proves that the approach is different from the source that touches on the issue surrounding investment, considering it focuses on a quantitative approach of analysis and the Suffolk Mental Health Alliance takes a qualitative approach(Mappleback, 2020). It is also evident considering the lack of visual representation of statistical or numeral data.

Equally, the case study on “Cruising through a pandemic” has used the approach to gather important information. Qualitative research methods do not apply when it comes to factors that are visible or even tangible. They are meant for a better understanding of human and cognitive development basedon aspects such as individuals and their environments (Chenail, 2016). Additionally, the use of qualitative research does not require or even impose the requirement for applying rigid rules and procures as they are required for quantitative research (Gillett-Swan, 2017). Furthermore, another research highlights that the use of a qualitative research method accommodates the use of different concepts that include narratives, phenomenologies, ethnographies, grounded theories, and case studies (Iphofen, 2011). The approach taken by the source focuses on a case study since it details and draws its concepts on a number of organizations that make up the Suffolk Mental Health Alliance. To prove that the qualitative research is purely based on the case study concept,Gillett-Swan (2017)explains that the case study concept in qualitative research focuses on the investigation of a contemporary phenomenon within a real-life context. However, the same approach of a case study can also be applicable for other forms of research, such as qualitative research or even a mixed research model.

It then means that there is some similarity factor when it comes to the qualitative and quantitative factors considering that case studies apply to both research models. The same applies to the three models, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed model of research. The three case studies have utilized quantitative and qualitative methods to gather crucial information for a detailed conclusion.

Mixed Methods of Research

Mixed approaches utilize both content in text and numerical form in a bid to gather the right information for a detailed conclusion. Other researchers believe it is a different approach towards research although it is a combination of the two available research methods that are either numeric or theoretical. As detailed by Guest (2012) and Bishop (2014), qualitative and quantitative research methods provide a better understanding of research problems as opposed to using them alone without the other. It then means that researchers are in a better position of finding accurate findings when using the mixed method of research. For instance, investors require empirical information to assess how their businesses might do in the market. Utilization of both approaches to gathering of nformation would have a different impact for each paper.

Among the three articles, one has utilized both approaches to gather information that can help reduce the gap of knowledge. The “Investment Report” case study utilizes both numerical data and text as a way of presenting and explaining its intentions to the intended audience. McKim (2016)highlights that the use of the mixed research approach includes the use of philosophical assumptions which direct the collection and analysis of data which applies in the different context of applying both the qualitative and quantitative research methods. The research by Holland et al. (2021)focuses on outlining the impact of the pandemic for people who desire to cruise through the world when it is facing a pandemic. As such, it is then a case study that could apply both the use of statistical figures and even a theoretical approach towards determining findings that would help understand some of the expected impacts of cruising during the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, the application of these models also requires a unique approach that does not apply without any coordination. To bring out the most from the research and drive the research towards accurate findings would require familiarizing the research concepts. White and Vicars (2012)highlight that the use of the mixed model requires the researchers to begin with the qualitative approach, which will familiarize them with the major concepts of research subject. Once they proceed to the in-depth research strategy, quantitative approach, they willdraw from the discussed concepts from the qualitative research(White and Vicars, 2012). The same approach has been undertaken by Holland et al. (2021),who apply a qualitative and proceed to introduce quantitative data to get the most accurate findings from the research.

Upon application of the mixed model, the researchers are then able to break down information in a manner that makes it accommodative for them to break down information to an extend where they can draw reliable findings. It is evident from the research where the quantitative research is seen after the research has done most of the qualitative research. There is also significantly lower input towards understanding the quantitative research results that have been found in the research as compared to the effort that has been seen on the quantitative concept. It then proves that although the mixed model may seem to be better, it still limits either one or both models.

Conclusion

To summarize, the different research methods that apply when it comes to the validation of information scholarly includes qualitative, quantitative and a mixed model that applies when it comes to both qualitative and quantitative models. All these models have their similarities and differences where the major similarity applies when it comes to case studies that can be analyzed by all of the mentioned research models. The major difference is with the nature of approaches that they take since the quantitative model focuses on the analyzation of statistic and numeric data that is different from qualitative data analysis. Qualitative research model focuses on the use of other approaches that do not use statistical or numeric analysis such as human behavior or their relationship with other aspects of their life.The case studies are also taking these approaches where among the three, one is a qualitative research, the other is a quantitative research and the final one is a mixture of both qualitative and quantitative research. These case studies showcase how the differences and similarities in the research models apply through the use of either theoretical models or even using visual representations of numerical statistics.

References

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