Introduction to the research process Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Introduction to the research process - Essay Example These purposes give a clear notion about the hypotheses the study is built on, although no formulation can be found in the text. Firstly, the authors believe that both groups (diabetic patients and health practitioners) tend to demonstrate certain level of coincidence in perception of the issues that affect efficiency of the management of type 2 diabetes. Secondly, Pooley et al assume that the nature of the respondents' views coupled with the level of coincidence between the views of professionals may elucidate the major characteristics of a highly effective patient empowerment approach. The authors provide a good synthesis of relevant information on the previous studies thus linking potential findings of their study to a wider framework of theoretical knowledge on the management of chronic conditions similar to diabetes. They also identify gaps in the existing body of knowledge thus fully justifying the need for their own research being performed. Methodological framework employed by the authors for their study deserves particular attention. Specific nature of the formulated research purposes raised a set of strict requirements to be addressed within a certain methodological framework. It might be misleading to discuss appropriateness of the methodology used in the study without mapping the basic characteristics of qualitative and quantitative techniques utilised by the researchers. Discussion Quantitative methodology employs methods historically applied in the natural (physical) sciences. The primary task of quantitative research is to ensure validity and reliability of results (Dingwall et al, 1998). The concept of reliability as applied in quantitative research can be defined as: "The extent to which results are consistent over time and an accurate representation of the total population under study is referred to as reliability and if the results of a study can be reproduced under a similar methodology, then the research instrument is considered to be reliable" (Golafshani, 2003: 598). Quantitative research implies standardized questionnaires and methods of data analysis, specific position of the researcher whom is considered external to the research he carries out, replicability of the results regardless of the context, etc (Wainer & Braun, 1998). While reliability and validity are the most often cited strengths of the quantitative methodology, poor applicability of this methodology to studying a phenomenon difficult or impossible to quantify is considered a serious weakness. The main drawback that limits applicability of quantitative paradigm in health research is the so-called 'decontextualization': models built using data obtained through quantitative methods do not take into account certain variables that act in the real world context (Patton, 1987). Qualitative methodology represents a distinct research paradigm that ensures the researcher' immersion in the context of his study, makes him an active participant of the study. Qualitative framework utilizes a naturalistic approach seeking to understand phenomena in a specific context, such as "real world setting [where] the researcher does not attempt to manipulate