Identify the qualitative research characteristics from the following: (A)…
2020
Identify the qualitative research characteristics from the following:
(A) Exploring a problem and developing a detailed understanding of a central phenomenon.
(B) Having the literature review play a minor role but justifying the problem.
(C) Describing a research problem through a description of trends.
(D) Collecting numeric data from a large number of people using instruments with preset questions.
(E) Collecting data based on words from a small number of individuals.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer: B. (A), (B) and (E) only — Correct answer: (A), (B) and (E) only. The question tests the distinction between the defining characteristics of qualitative and quantitative research…
- A.
(A), (B) and (C) only
- B.
(A), (B) and (E) only
- C.
(B), (C) and (D) only
- D.
(C), (D) and (E) only
Attempted by 3 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct answer: (A), (B) and (E) only.
The question tests the distinction between the defining characteristics of qualitative and quantitative research (Creswell's framework).
Qualitative research characteristics:
(A) Exploring a problem and developing a detailed understanding of a central phenomenon — qualitative research is exploratory and seeks an in-depth, holistic understanding.
(B) Having the literature review play a minor role but justifying the problem — in qualitative studies the literature review is used mainly to justify the problem, not to frame specific hypotheses.
(E) Collecting data based on words from a small number of individuals — qualitative data are textual/verbal and drawn from a small, purposeful sample.
Quantitative research characteristics (therefore NOT qualitative):
(C) Describing a research problem through a description of trends — describing trends and relationships among variables is a quantitative purpose.
(D) Collecting numeric data from a large number of people using instruments with preset questions — numeric data, large samples and standardized (closed-ended) instruments are hallmarks of quantitative research.
Hence the qualitative characteristics are (A), (B) and (E), making 'option (A), (B) and (E) only' the correct choice.