Evaluating Research Methods

Having studied research and the variety of methods that can be used to conduct it I have concluded that the researcher could choose from a couple of different methods to conduct the same research in some cases. It is quite important however when deciding on what methods to use, the researcher takes the time to really make the best choices possible for what it is they are trying to discover. I think that the road in which the researcher decides to go down, greatly affects the outcome of the research and data.

The first scenario would be most conducive to a qualitative approach and this would be due to the fact that the students chosen for the research are participants of the mediation program already and so sampling is in a way already determined for the researcher. The point of the study is to determine through interviews with the participants if there are currently any concerns about the program. The subjects will be observed and interviewed so that the researcher can determine the true :feelings, beliefs, ideas, thoughts and actions" (McMillan and Schumacher, 2008, p.136)

The second scenario is a study that uses random sampling. This is most usually conducive to quantitative research methods. The fact that 2 classrooms are involved created less concern for individual influence in the data collection however it is a small enough size that the research can be ea sly managed.

The third scenario is a study where more than one method of research could be used simultaneously. By conducting interviews the researcher is creating a qualitative environment for research however, when the researcher deciphers between the group who had less referrals and their attitudes about the mediation group this would be more explanatory in design.

The fourth study requires a triangulation method of research. Both qualitative and quantitative methods would be used concurrently (Mc Millan and Schumacher, 2008). The quantitative data is effective to provide support for the research and the qualitative interviews are effective for providing the study with purposeful sampling and personal interaction.

references:
McMillan, J.H. & Schumacher, S. (2008). Research in education: Evidence-based inquiry (laureate custom education). Boston: Pearson.