WHAT IS THE RESEARCH FOCUS? MAIN TYPES - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2024

The research focus is the way in which the researcher approaches the object of study. It is the perspective from which you approach the issue, which will vary depending on the type of results you hope to find.

In either case, the scientific method is present. The problem statement is made, the theoretical support of the matter is sought, it is experimented or investigated and the conclusions are reported.

When speaking of research approaches, one speaks of scientific research paradigms that use systematic processes to generate knowledge.

The 3 main research focuses

1- Qualitative

A qualitative approach to research allows for a systematic analysis of more subjective information.

Based on ideas and opinions on a certain issue, the non-statistical analysis of the data is opened, which are then interpreted in a subjective but logical and well-founded 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 form of data collection and interpretation is usually more dynamic since it does not obey a standard in these processes. This approach favors comparison of results and interpretation.

Characteristics:

- His approaches are more general.

- Research questions are discovered and refined in the course of study.

- Follow inductive reasoning.

- The objective is not usually to test a hypothesis.

- Data collection does not follow standardized procedures and its analysis is not statistical. There is more interest in the subjective.

- Emotions, sensations, anecdotes and experiences are in the focus of the researcher.

- The ways to collect data are usually observation, interviews, group discussions and documentary research.

- It is also called holistic, because it considers the "whole" before the parts.

- It is not intervened in reality, but is appreciated and evaluated as it happens. Interpretation plays a central role.

- Its results can be discussed in scientific communities due to the subjective component that it implies, and they are not usually replicable or comparable.

2- Quantitative

In the quantitative approach, the information analysis is based on quantities and / or dimensions. That is, the numerical element has prominence.

When a quantitative approach is used in an investigation, the investigator's hypotheses are subjected to numerical measurements and their results are analyzed statistically. It is an objective and rigorous investigation in which the numbers are significant.

This approach allows to achieve a very particular and verifiable knowledge of the object of study. Although there are numbers and statistics involved, you don't have 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 hypothesis testing is usually faster.

Characteristics:

- It deals with a concrete, delimited and specific problem.

- Hypotheses arise prior to data collection and analysis.

- The measurement of quantities and / or dimensions governs the data collection process.

- Uses standardized procedures validated by previous research or by other researchers.

- The results are interpreted in the light of the initial hypotheses and are fragmented to facilitate their interpretation.

- Uncertainty and error must be minimal.

- It investigates the causal relationships between the elements present in the study.

- Look for regularities because it seeks to verify theories.

- Deductive reasoning is followed; that is to say, its starting point is the application of tests, which are analyzed and from which probable new theories emerge.

3- Mixed

It is a relatively recent paradigm that combines quantitative and qualitative approaches in the same study. Although not very popular with scientists, it has found acceptance in some studies related to the social sciences.

Data collection and analysis combine standardized and interpretive methods. Results of one or the other approach are crossed.

These results can be generalized and lead to new hypotheses or the development of new theories. This approach is generally used to solve complex research problems.

Research approaches based on results

Another way of classifying 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 that allow demonstrating 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, for which the possible causes and effects are analyzed.

Historical

As its name indicates, the mode of approach to knowledge is that which contemplates the historical evolution of the matter. The researcher concentrates on explaining the origin and trajectory of the object of study.

Whichever research approach is selected, it is usual to do a combination of approaches to achieve a more complete understanding of the object of study.

References

1. Dzul, Marisela (s / f). The approaches to scientific research. Recovered from: uaeh.edu.mx
2. Martinez, Maira (2013). Research approaches. Recovered from: mscomairametodologiadelainvestigacion.blogspot.com
3. APA standards (s / f). Qualitative and quantitative approach. Recovered from: normasapa.net
4. Research methodology (s / f). Research approach. Recovered from: research-methodology.net
5. University of Waterloo (s / f). Types of research approaches. Faculty of Development, School of Planning. Recovered from: uwaterloo.ca
6. wikipedia.org