He research approach is the way in which the researcher approaches the object of study. It is the perspective from which you approach the subject, which will vary depending on the type of results you expect to find.
In either case, the scientific method is present. The problem is presented, the theoretical support of the subject is sought, the research is investigated or the conclusions are reported.
When talking about research approaches we talk about paradigms of scientific research that employ systematic processes to generate knowledge.
The 3 main approaches to research
1- Qualitative
A qualitative approach to research allows for a systematic analysis of more subjective information.
Starting from ideas and opinions on a certain subject, the non-statistical analysis of the data is opened, which are then interpreted in a subjective but logical and grounded way.
Unlike the quantitative, in this case the knowledge that is produced is more generalized and is oriented from the particular to the general.
The way data are collected and interpreted is usually more dynamic since it does not follow a standard in those processes. This approach favors comparison of results and interpretation.
Characteristics:
- Their approaches are more general.
- Research questions are discovered and refined in the course of study.
- Inductive reasoning follows.
- The goal is not usually to test a hypothesis.
- The collection of data does not follow standardized procedures and its analysis is not statistical. There is greater interest in the subjective.
- Emotions, feelings, anecdotes and experiences are in the researcher's focus.
- The ways to collect data are usually observation, interviews, group discussions and documentary research.
- It is also called the holistic, because it considers the"everything"before the parts.
- It does not interfere in reality, but is appreciated and evaluated as it happens. Interpretation plays a central role.
- Their results can be discussed in the scientific communities by the subjective component involved, and are not usually replicable or comparable.
2- Quantitative
In the quantitative approach the analysis of information is based on quantities and / or dimensions. That is, the numerical element has a leading role.
When a quantitative approach is used in an investigation, the investigator's hypotheses are subjected to numerical measurements and their results are analyzed statistically. This is an objective and rigorous research in which the numbers are significant.
This approach allows a very specific and verifiable knowledge of the object of study. Although there are numbers and statistics involved, it is not necessary to be a mathematician to do a quantitative analysis. There are multiple tools that automate and facilitate this task.
It is a sequential and deductive work in which the testing of the hypotheses is usually faster.
Characteristics:
- It deals with a specific problem, delimited and specific.
- Hypotheses arise prior to data collection and analysis.
- The measurement of quantities and / or dimensions governs the process of data collection.
- Uses standardized procedures validated by previous research or other researchers.
- The results are interpreted in the light of the initial hypotheses and are fragmented to facilitate their interpretation.
- Uncertainty and error should be minimal.
- It inquires into the causal relationships between the elements present in the study.
- Look for regularities because it seeks to check theories.
- Deductive reasoning is followed; that is, its starting point is the application of evidence, which is analyzed and from which new theories are likely to arise.
3- Mixed
It is a relatively recent paradigm that combines quantitative and qualitative approaches in the same study. Although not very popular among scientists, it has found acceptance in some studies related to the social sciences.
Data collection and analysis combine standardized and interpretive methods. Results from one or the other approach intersect.
These results can be generalized and give rise to new hypotheses or the development of new theories. This approach is usually used to solve complex research problems.
Results-based research approaches
Another way to classify research approaches has to do with the perspective from which the results are presented:
Descriptive
It is an approach in which the characteristics of a problem are the main concern of the researcher.
In this case, the facts to be described must be selected according to well-defined criteria to demonstrate relationships of interest.
Explanatory
This approach is used to inquire into the relationships between the origin, cause and effect of a particular situation.
Remediation
In this case, the objective is to correct or improve some condition of the object of study, so that possible causes and effects are analyzed.
Historical
As its name implies, the approach to knowledge is that which contemplates the historical evolution of the subject. The researcher concentrates on explaining the origin and trajectory of the object of study.
Whichever research approach is selected, a combination of approaches is usually done to achieve a more complete understanding of the subject matter.
References
- Dzul, Marisela (s / f). Approaches to scientific research. Recovered from: uaeh.edu.mx
- Martinez, Maira (2013). Approaches to research. Recovered from: mscomairametodologiadelainvestigacion.blogspot.com
- APA standards (s / f). Qualitative and quantitative approach. Retrieved from:
- Research methodology (s / f). Research approach. Retrieved from: research-methodology.net
- University of Waterloo (s / f). Types of research approaches. Faculty of Development, School of Planning. Recovered from: uwaterloo.ca
- wikipedia.org