"To study a methodology is not simply to understand the exercise of method. Rather, it is to study a way of knowing; in other words methodology and epistemology are linked" - Paul Hart.

"In quantitative studies, investigators use research questions and hypotheses to shape and specifically focus the purpose of the study. In qualitative studies, inquirers state research questions, not objectives. . . or hypotheses. . .These research questions assume two forms: a central question and associated subquestions." - Creswell.

Week Seven PW7 - Finetune research questions, connect to theoretical framework where reasonable

Rationale - You will want to work closely with your chair as you finetune your research questions and make decisions about what kinds of data you will need to answer your research questions - You will also want to review how your research questions are related to your theoretical framework(s). And you might find yourself seeing some real value in using both qualitative and quantitaive methods!

**Required Readings and Activities

A. Reading:

**Creswell, Chap 6; Fitzpatrick, Chap 2

B. Web and Other Links:

General research resources - UBC site
Quantitative Resources - UBC site
Qualitative Resources - Qual Page - Freed homepage - UBC site

C. Experiences/Activities:

** Use the checklist in Fitzpatrick, page 30 to think about your methods.

 

D. Discussion Starters/Reflective Journal Topics: (Choose one topic and start or continue a discussion thread.)

1) How might your study benefit from both qualitative and quantitative methods? In what ways are they complementary?

2) What are some of the benefits of specifically listing all possible null hypothesis at this stage in your work?