Difference between Positivism and Interpretivism
Positivisms refers to the philosophical means of gauging the validity of information right from its observed evidence. Under this system, the aspects of knowledge got from non-scientific means, for instance the metaphysic evidence would be regarded as invalid. Thus, positivism aims at understanding a social establishment through observing known facts. On the other hand, interpretivism focuses on understanding through experience. Thus, this includes understanding the meaning of an action or actions in a social context through things like paying attention on a unique point of view. In this respect, interpretivists disagree with positivists that human behaviors can be explained via quantification (Haslam and McGarty, 2014).
Features of research Design in Positivism
Scientific- Positivism highly rely on scientific evidence
Objective- The main objective is to understand a social establishment through observations of known facts.
Causality- Positivism is mainly involved with identification of causes.
Tests of hypothesis- Natural science methods are used to when testing hypothesis.
Features of research Design in Interpretivism
Objective of research- This involves understanding both the student and teachers’ perspectives on the various issues that might affect what is being researched on.
Ontology- here, there can be a number of realities as a result of different experiences and perceptions.
Epistemology- This is the understanding that comes out of interactions with social contexts where both the researcher and what is being researched interact through reading, writing, or even talking (Inquirer and the inquired).
Methodology- This is the process of collecting data. It can be done through, interviews, text messages among other means.
Sample Questionnaire Questions
How was the activity?
Was the instructor audible? Did you get all the instructions correctly?
What was the major challenge in the activity?
Who won in the AB activity?
Which activity did you participate in?
Which amendments can help to improve the activity?
Advantages of Using Un-Obstructive Methods in Research Such as Observation
While using these methods, the researcher seeks to know what people actually do than asking them what they do. The following are some of the advantages;
The research is not affected by the Hawthorn effect.
As opposed to other methods, the research here is done mainly on the available data. The researcher has no any chance of influencing the data, a common error faced when doing things like oral interviews.
The method is cheaper when compared to other methods
The method involves just the use of the available data. The researcher thus doesn’t have to walk for long distances looking for information. He or she can access the information through the use of the internet or use publications in the libraries.
Easier to correct mistakes
During data analysis, it is easier to make corrections as the researcher has a backup of the materials he or she used in the research.
The method is best fit for the events that occurred in the past.
Definition of terms
Population
This refers to any group of people, animals, businesses or even objects with a common characteristic.
Sample
A sample represents a portion of the population. Since the population is large and one cannot take data from the whole population, a sample is used in a research to represent the population.
Sampling frame
This is the list of commodities, objects or people that form the population where the sample is got from.
Representative sample
This is a small portion of something that when studied will reflect the whole entity.
Random sampling
This is a sampling method where all respondents have equal chances of being selected. There is no specific protocol used in selection.
Systematic sampling
This sampling method involves probabilities where selection has a defined starting point and fixed time interval.
Quota sampling
This sampling does not involve any probability as the assembled sample has equal proportions of respondents similar to that of the whole population.
Purposive sampling
It’s a judgmental non-probability sampling where the selections depend on the researcher.
Sample size
Z-score=1.96 for a confidence level of 95% (Using the Z-Table)
Population=500
Margin of Error (At 5%) = 5/100=0.05
Population proportion = (assumed to be 50%) thus = 0.5
The using
Sample Size = Z2*P*(1-P)/M2
Sample size = 1.962*0.5(1-0.5)/0.052= 384
Thus, approximately 384 respondents
Freely-Given Informed Consent
The consent involves offering sufficient information regarding a research to those participating choice of taking part in the research or not. Additionally, informed consent makes sure that there is no any internal or external pressure so that the participants take informed decisions. The consent thus presents the most ethical way of getting the participants of a research as there is no force driving them. This again, adds to the quality and accuracy of the research.
Processes of Thematic Analysis in Qualitative Research
Thematic analysis involves interpreting the themes within data. The process involved is as follows;
Data Collection-This involves gathering data from both the primary and secondary sources. This can be through observation, audio recording, field studies and historical data (Boyatzis, 1998).
Data Coding- This involves using software programs to look for keywords. This is where the researcher alters the data through modifying the analysis used as he or she combines it with his or her ideas.
Identification of themes- Themes are identified out of the coded information
Information consolidation- This involves descriptions of each theme for easier interpretation and communication.
References
Boyatzis, R.E. (1998) Thematic analysis: Coding as a process for transforming qualitative
information. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Haslam, A.S. and McGarty, C. (2014) Research methods and statistics in psychology. 02nd edn.
London, United Kingdom: Sage Publications.
