A 4 page research paper on quantitative and qualitative research methodology. The writer examines the benefits and disadvantages of each method, as well as the rationales used for favoring one type over another. This examination also shows the advantages of combining these methods so as to approach a research topic, such as risk management, in a more comprehensive manner. This examination then switches focus to the topic of risk management. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Name of Research Paper File: D0_khresmet.rtf
Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
research methodology examines the benefits and disadvantages of each method, as well as the rationales used for favoring one type over another. This examination also shows the advantages
of combining these methods so as to approach a research topic, such as risk management, in a more comprehensive manner. This examination then switches focus to the topic of risk
management. As terms, "qualitative" and "quantitative" refer to the two principal categories for research methodology. Qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis have been
defined in a multiple of ways, and these differing conceptualizations are indicative of the heart of the debate over which methodology is superior (Rabinowitz and Weseen, 1997). In general, quantitative
methods refer to research that makes use of randomized experimentation using statistical analyses, sample surveys and similar instruments. In other words, quantitative research endeavors to discern measurable variables pertaining to
a given research topic and "quantify" them in terms of statistical fact. Qualitative methods, on the other hand, include ethnography, case
studies, in-depth interviews and participant observation (Rabinowitz and Weseen, 1997). In other words, qualitative researchers emphasize the socially constructed nature of reality, and are very conscious of the intimate relationship
between the subject of study and the researcher. Quantitative research studies, in contrast, stress measurement and statistical analysis of causal relationships between variables--not on the social processes involved (Rabinowitz and
Weseen, 1997). The multivariate methods that are frequently employed by quantitative researchers have the distinct advantage of allowing them to measure and
control variables (Edwards, 1998). On the other hand, the theories that result from this method of research often have the disadvantage of failing to take into account the unique characteristics