RESEARCH METHODS

MIDTERM EXAM

12/17/2020
AQSA REHMAN
ROLL NUMBER 03
9TH SEMESTER
 RESEARCH METHODS

“Research is creating new knowledge” ~ NEIL ARMSTRONG

QUESTION
PART 01

Compare and contrast Qualitative and quantitative types of research. Which type
of the given researches uses ‘case study’ research method and why?

COMPARISON
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
It is represented in the numbers and graphs.
It is used to analyze the theories and
assumptions.
It enables the researcher to generalize facts
about a topic under research.
Quantitative methods can be found in
experiments, observations recorded in numbers
and surveys.
It include the close ended question i.e.
questions not open for the discussion.
It is examined through statistical analysis.
It deals with behavior.
It invokes hypothesis from the data.
Quantitative research is used in the
generalization.
e.g. Researcher A survey 200 students in the
university name X and ask them questions like
“How satisfied are they with their lecturers on
a scale from 1-5?”
Researchers A examined statistical analysis on
the data and reach the conclusion that on
average students rated their lecturers 4.2”.
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
It is represented in the words.
It is used to clear the concepts or experiences.
It enables the researchers to in to the depth of
the topics which are not precise and clear.
Qualitative methods are used in interviews,
observations represented in words or
paragraphs and reviews that examines the
concepts and theories.
It includes open ended questions which can be
discussed and are descriptive.
It is examined by interpreting, summarizing the
research.
It deals with the meaning.
It commence with hypothesis.
Qualitative research is used in the case study.
e.g. A journalist conducted an interview
based on open ended questions with 15
students like How satisfied are they with their
studies? What can be done to improve the way
of taking examination?
Based on the answers by students he can ask
follow up questions to clear the things. He
summarizes all the interviews in the writing to
reach the certain conclusion.

PART 02

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 RESEARCH METHODS

CASE STUDY RESEARCH METHOD:

INTRODUCTION:

“ A case study is both the process of learning about the case and the product of our
learning”~ Stake

Case study is an exploratory investigation of an individual unit such as person or community

presenting observations about the characteristics of someone or something. It is a research
methodology used in the social sciences. It is an inquiry that investigates a phenomenon in to its
depth and within its real life context so that it can clear the boundaries between phenomenon and
context precise and clear.

IMPORTANCE OF CASE STUDY:

Case study helps in understanding the complicated or complex issue. It add ups an experience
and strength to the existing information or knowledge through the previous research. Their
context of examination revolves around the limited number of events or conditions. Researchers
are using it for a long time period and have applied it in different realms. Case study is a part of
broader research which helps in exploring the common problems in depth.

METHOD:

The step using in the case study methodology are the similar as for the other types of research.
The initial step is to define a single case or associating a group of similar cases that can be
combine in to a multiple case study. A search to resolve what is known about the case is
administered. It may include reports, media, reviews and many more which help to establish a
basic understanding of the case and results in the development of research questions. Date in the
case study is often qualitative in nature. The subject or topic for a case study arises from the
analysis and affirmation about a cases as a whole emerges.

STEPS:

Step 1 is to select a specific case.

Step 2 is to build a hypothetical open work.

Step 3 is to collect the data related to the topic.

Step 4 is to describe and examine the case.

Step 5 is to prepare the final report of the case by including on one’s opinion based on his data
collection and analysis.

ASSUMPTIONS

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The case study method is based on several assumptions. Important assumptions are following:

1. The assumption of consistent conduct in the basic human nature in spite of the fact that
human behavior may vary according to situations.
2. The assumption of reflecting the natural history related to the unit.
3. The assumption of inclusive study related to the unit.

USE OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN CASE STUDY:

The research method used in the case study is the qualitative one. The reason behind it is that
case study research includes different methods for its data collection. Qualitative research
includes multiples sources for the data collection which helps the researches to reach the richest
possible understanding of a case. The following qualitative methods are to be used in a case
study research.

➢ PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION:

It makes the researchers to catch up the daily lives routines of those being studied. Observation
gives insight in to the behavior patterns and social organizations that influences and establishes a
particular case.

➢ INTERVIEWING:

By interviewing researches will learn about the person or persons that are a part of case study by
speaking to these people and asking them different questions related to the topic of the case
study.

➢ COLLECTION OF ARTIFACTS AND MANUALS:

Researchers can also take a help from artifact and manuals for the purpose of making their case
study more veracious and elaborated e.g. written protocols, flowcharts, diagrams etc.

EXAMPLE:

A social worker name Sameer Ahmed was commissioned to research for the ABC foundation
with the purpose of exploring whether or not district heating in XY social housing is delivering
against its affordability and sustainability goals. The project gave the opportunity to use the
opportunity to use eight cases studies to support a wider literature review, a social housing
provider survey and stakeholder interviews.

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