Describe the main features of qualitative research and compare the advantages and disadvantages with experimental research.
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Words: 1554
Pages: 6
(approximately 235 words/page)
Pages: 6
(approximately 235 words/page)
Essay Database > Social Sciences > Psychology
Introduction
This essay describes the main aspects of relativist qualitative research in social psychology. Generalised comparisons will be considered between the methodology of relativist qualitative and experimental research, reflecting their different epistemology's (what can be known about human behaviour), via issues of validity, reliability and generalisability.
In accordance with a logical positivist epistemology, experimental researchers argue that social behaviour is an objective, independent reality, relying on theories which describe that reality (Megee, 2001). Theories depend on
showed first 75 words of 1554 total
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showed first 75 words of 1554 total
showed last 75 words of 1554 total
often elude quantitative methods. Limitations are evident with problems of poor reliability, difficulties of replicability and subjectivity with inbuilt researcher bias. The comprehensive approach to data gathering proves expensive, time consuming and limits scope. Although founded upon different epistemological bases, we are most likely to improve our understanding of social behaviour by combining the best elements of the research methods of qualitative and quantitative research by appropriating different methods according to purpose and circumstance.(Hammersley, 1996).
often elude quantitative methods. Limitations are evident with problems of poor reliability, difficulties of replicability and subjectivity with inbuilt researcher bias. The comprehensive approach to data gathering proves expensive, time consuming and limits scope. Although founded upon different epistemological bases, we are most likely to improve our understanding of social behaviour by combining the best elements of the research methods of qualitative and quantitative research by appropriating different methods according to purpose and circumstance.(Hammersley, 1996).