Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods - Essay Example

Research Methods Assignment of Introduction Research is the systematic investigation of a particular topic using reliable, scholarly resources. We conduct research to establish facts, analyze information and reach new conclusions (Research Process 2012). The research questions being answered determine the research method that is to be implemented in collecting data that will deliver results which will be analysed to arrive in a sound conclusion for the advancement of knowledge on the topic. There are two research methods commonly employed, the qualitative and quantitative research method. Analysis of Selected Qualitative Paper Versleijen, N & Hoorweg, J 2008, From Farming to Fishing: Marine Resource Conservation and a New Generation of Fishermen, Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science, 7(1):1-14p. Qualitative research method aims to develop an understanding of human systems therefore it typically involve ethnographies, case studies and descriptive studies (Savenye and Robinson 2003). It is often conducted using interviews and observations, and historical and document analyses. The area of study is usually a natural setting, without intentional manipulation of the environment (Savenye & Robinson 2003). Highly detailed descriptions of human behaviours and opinions usually answer the research questions of the study. These are necessary as qualitative research derive its information from a perspective that humans construct their own reality and to understand what they do can be based on their beliefs. Thus the source of information to be analysed comes from the interviewee or the participants of the study (Valenzuela & Shrivastava 2002). Qualitative research method is also distinctively characterised by the direct contact of the researcher with the people, situation and phenomenon being studied, in this manner the researcher’s personal experiences and insights mark the research and understanding of the phenomenon studied (Patton 2002). All these are true and have been applied accordingly in the selected qualitative paper by Versleijen & Hoorweg (2008). The purpose of the research was to characterize the new generation of fishermen and their identity as they perceive it themselves so that it could be related to employment generation. The information collected will be used as policy measures for marine resource conservation. This research was aimed to understand the nature of the new generation fishermen who were previously land farmers that were forced to change their livelihood into fishing because of declining economic pressure and increasing pressure on land. The researcher gathered information on how these new generation fishermen who basically have no previous background on fishing would be different from the old generation fishermen who have experiences or basic knowledge on fishing by comparing it with aspects of four subject areas (access and the number of fishermen; the fishermen’s identity; the choice of fishing gear and the fishing groups selected). This method was necessary as artisanal fishermen significantly contribute to the destruction of marine resources in Kenya because of intensive fishing that result to loss of fish stocks. The researchers gathered information through semi-structured, structured and informal interviews, life and career histories, participant observation, time allocation studies and discussion groups that were applied to fishermen and their households. The researchers stated the results of their findings that based on the fishermen’s point of views and the four subject areas earlier identified, it is the fishermen’s increasing number that causes the decline of the already limited marine resources available in the study sites. Interviews revealed that fishermen were forced to fish although they observe the destructive results of their activities because of reasons such as, it is the only option they have and it was easy for them to start fishing. The fishermen actually organized a committee to monitor and control the fishermen activities and their use of gears. However, the system is obviously ineffective as marine resources continue to decline. In conclusion, researchers stated that fishing indeed accounted for large proportions of household income and is more likely to be the option of the local people as source of income rather than other employment opportunities should these be available. It is because fishing is easier for them to do and there are less restrictions. To solve the problem of increasing fishing pressure in declining fish stocks of Kenyan marine resources, the researchers suggested that the other source of employment that would be proposed to the fishermen must be full time and financially rewarding like what they get from artisanal fishing. The research was conducted well and the desired information was gathered to achieve the research purpose which is to identify the nature of the new fishermen who contributed significantly in the reduction of marine resources in Kenya, so that the researchers could propose a solution on how to deal with this problem relating to the need of policy measures for marine conservation. Analysis of Selected Quantitative Paper Boyle, MC, Jillett, JB & Mladenov, PV 2001, Intertidal Communities in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand, changes over time, New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 35:663-673p. Quantitative research methods were originally developed in the natural sciences to study natural phenomena (Hohmann 2006). However it is also now well accepted in the social sciences. Quantitative research methods deal with the collection and analysis of data in numeric form and, tend to emphasize relatively large-scale and representative sets of data perceived by the researcher as the gathering of facts (Hughes 2006). Quantitative methods usually answer the question why or the cause of an event or observation and therefore incorporates the use of control, operational definition, replication and hypothesis testing as elements of the research to have a classification that can be expressed as numeric variables which then can be analysed using statistical methods (Hughes 2006). This method is effective in quantitative descriptions, identification of occurrence of change on the basis of quantitative analysis and explanation of relational dependencies between factors and variables of phenomena studied (Mamia 2006). The selected paper cited above by Boyle et al. (2001) fulfilled all the quantitative research method attributes. The purpose of the research was to establish the extent of changes in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand since it was first surveyed 30 years earlier before the famous Manapouri Power source system was completed in 1969. Characterization of the intertidal invertebrate community in a particular habitat is an important information in conservation and management of marine resources as these provide information on the diversity that is present at that particular time and location. This data is vital in the decision making process relating to activities that may affect the marine environment. In this case, the researchers wanted to study the impact of Manapouri Power scheme on the invertebrate community in the Doubtful Sound and compare it with the last survey conducted to identify biodiversity changes that can be accounted for the disturbance brought by the Manapouri Power or any other potential environmental change drivers. The research initially described details of the immediate modification in the hydrographic environment in Doubtful Sound after the construction of the Manapouri Power scheme in 1969. They also reported that the intertidal communities became different in comparison to what were present before. The researchers’ intentions were to investigate and quantify the changes that have occurred through time, and compare their results with the initial research conducted 30 year before when the Manapouri Power scheme haven’t existed yet. These specific objectives were achieved through methods of conducting a quantitative biological survey in Doubtful that focused on invertebrate species occurrence and abundance within identified study sites. A reconnaissance survey was initially conducted identifying all factors that may contribute to the occurrence and abundance variables of the species. These included aspect of intertidal communities to sun, characteristics of the Doubtful Sound shores which are generally sheltered from winds and waves exposures that these factors can elevate the vertical range of the intertidal communities in open coasts, water salinity and factors that contribute to its shifting levels. Biological survey was conducted through sampling methods done within two hours where one hour is in low water, shore sites were marked by tagging a piece of vegetation above high water and strip transects were sample from rock that do not have the black lichen zone down to the water’s edge through application of successive 0.25square metre quadrats. The percentage cover was estimated for each species found within quadrats. Invertebrates that were not immediately identified were collected and preserved for later identification. Results revealed that surface salinity values increased from the fiord’s head going to the open sea. Salinity was also observed to increase with depth. The researchers compiled a list of 47 species indicating their maximum abundance in terms of percentage cover. It was found out that there was a low diversity where lichen and algae dominate, while greater diversity was found near the sound entrance where euryhaline filter-feeders barnacles and mussels have significant biomass or abundance. The abundance data was presented in a table with organism names and corresponding sites where they were found and the count of the organism observed within the site. All these data were compared with the increasing shore height. The characteristics of each invertebrate species as to its known diet, distribution and ecological information were also accounted. Collected distribution data were compared with model predictions. Comparison of the species inventory, according to the presence or absence was compared with the research results that were conducted 30 years ago. The substantial difference of the intertidal community differences was observed through the varied distribution patterns and abundance of invertebrate species in Doubtful Sound. These changes were accounted to the commissioning of the Manapouri power stations that allowed an influx of freshwater thereby making the freshwater species dominate and saline species to decrease in population. In conclusion, the extent of changes brought about by the Manapouri power scheme was identified through the observed changes in the invertebrate community composition within study sites and their patterns of abundance and distribution. Conclusion Both presented qualitative and quantitative studies have achieved their research objectives by implementing the appropriate research methods in answering the research questions established as basis of their research. The qualitative research methods applied on the study of Kenyan fishermen that seriously contributed on the declining fish stocks allowed the establishment of facts that the fishing pressure brought about by the increasing population of fishermen continuously increase without the existence of policy measures and effective livelihood programs. Considering that the marine resources are already limited and its destruction continuously occur, there is a serious demand that the government must implement sustainable solutions that can be adopted by the fishing community and reinforce policies for marine resource protection and conservation. The quantitative research methods applied on the biological survey conducted on Doubtful Sound, New Zealand revealed the structural changes in invertebrate community within the study sites and, also the abundance and distribution changes on intertidal shores. This was observed after the construction of the Manapouri Power stations. The overall impact is that the endemic species have reduced in number being replaced by the more dominating introduced and probably invasive species. With this knowledge, we are more informed that urban infrastructures indeed affect the quality and status of our marine environment, therefore appropriate marine resource standards must be followed, and developed should we lack one. References Boyle, MC, Jillett, JB & Mladenov, PV 2001, Intertidal Communities in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand, changes over time, New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 35:663-673p. Hohmann,U 2006, Quantitative Methods in Educational Research, University of Plymouth, viewed 22 April 2012, http://www.edu.plymouth.ac.uk/resined/Quantitative/quanthme.htm Hughes, C 2006, Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches, Warwick, viewed 22 April 2012, http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/sociology/staff/academicstaff/chughes/hughesc_index/teachingresearchprocess/quantitativequalitative/quantitativequalitative/ “The Research Process” 2012, Edison State College Libraries, viewed 22 April 2012, http://www.edison.edu/library/researchskills/Unit1/1whatIsResearch.php Savenye, WC & Robinson, RS 2003, Qualitative Research Issues and Methods: An Introduction for Educational Technologists, Qualitative Research Issues and Methods, 1045-1071. Mamia, T 2006, Quantitative Research Methods, viewed 22 April 2012, http://www.uta.fi/~tm47874/opetus/luennot/lecture1.pdf Marshall, MN 1996, Sampling for Qualitative Research, Family Practice, 13:522-525. Murtonen, M 2005. Learning of Quantitative Research Methods, Sarja Ser. B Osa Tom 287. Valenzuela, D & Shrivastava, P 2002, Interview as a Method for Qualitative Research, viewed 22 April 2012, http://www.public.asu.edu/~kroel/www500/Interview%20Fri.pdf Versleijen, N & Hoorweg, J 2008, From Farming to Fishing: Marine Resource Conservation and a New Generation of Fishermen, Western Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science, 7(1):1-14. Read More