Writing for Research

Most Demanding Research Type

Recently , there has been growing interest in research designs that combine qualitative and quantitative methods , or mixed-method research although there are studies that point out how highly demanding this type of research can be for a writer . Mixed method , drawing upon both quantitative and qualitative methodological approaches to answer a particular research question , demands more of the writer than the individual types . Although a number of advantages like gaining fuller richer and more complete understanding of a research question are present , this type of research is not

advisable for a writer who has very limited resources , namely time and financial resources , because of the often lengthy data collection and analysis phases (especially in sequential designs ) required of this type of research leading to heavy demands on both time and funding resources , as compared to a research using only one type of data . The writer must spend time developing quantitative measures and also in the d collecting qualitative data The combination of phases can likewise extend the timeframe for research design and data collection

A further demand made from the writer by the mixed method type of research is the one placed on the writer to be expert in the use of both quantitative and qualitative approaches , because data analysis entails both the use of statistical calculations and analysis of themes and patterns . This adds demands on the writer and opens up the possibility of missing the mark for experts in either camp . Moreover , technical challenges arise when using two methods that more than double the complexity of a study : not only must each method itself be used effectively , but the two methods must also be combined effectively . A clear dividing line between quantitative and qualitative approaches is hard to sustain at either practical or philosophical level . Although this is the case , Jupp (2006 ) asserts that a number of researchers across a range of disciplines in the social and behavioral sciences are utilizing and further refining mixed-method approaches

WORK CITED

Jupp , V (2006 . The Sage Dictionary of Social Research Methods . London Sage Publications , Ltd

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