During the research design, the researcher has to decide how to approach the study. This may be done qualitatively, quantitatively or combining both approaches known as the mixed methods (Creswell, 2014). Qualitative research is adopted where the research question can only be answered by exploring the perspectives or perceptions of the participants . Usually this method is preferred when the sample size is small and the researcher is able to gather enough data to answer the research questions . The researcher may have to consider a smaller sample if saturation is reached quickly or a larger one if it takes more time to reach saturation (Kadam & Bhalerao, 2010). When the researcher is convinced that adequate data is gathered (realizes that nothing entirely new is gathered or no fresh insights obtained from participants) saturation is reached and the data analysis may commence
However, researchers that need to compare relationships between data or variables may prefer the quantitative method which is suitable for gathering data on a larger scale. While the qualitative approach utilizes data collection instruments such as interviews, observation or focus groups, the quantitative approach uses tools like questionnaires or surveys to gather large scale data. In the next post we shall take a closer look at data collection instruments under both approaches.
The research design that uses the qualitative approach may utilize any of five methods which include narrative research, phenomenology, ethnography, grounded theory or case studies (Creswell, 2014). A research design that follows the quantitative approach will determine whether the research question is best answered by using an experimental, quasi-experimental (less rigorous experiment) or non-experimental (correlational studies)
Reference
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA Sage.
Kadam, P. & Bhalerao, S.(2014). Sample Size Calculation. International Journal of Ayurveda Research vol 1(1), 55-57. Https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7788.59946
