QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
In the social sciences, quantitative research refers to the systematic empirical investigation of social phenomena via statistical, mathematical or computational techniques. The objective of quantitative research is to develop and employ mathematical models, theories and/or hypotheses pertaining to phenomena. The process ofmeasurement is central to quantitative research because it provides the fundamental connection between empirical observation and mathematical expression of quantitative relationships.
In layman's terms, this means that the quantitative researcher asks a specific, narrow question and collects numerical data from participants to answer the question. The researcher analyzes the data with the help of statistics. The researcher is hoping the numbers will yield an unbiased result that can be generalized to some larger population. Qualitative research, on the other hand, asks broad questions and collects word data from participants. The researcher looks for themes and describes the information in themes and patterns exclusive to that set of participants.
Quantitative research is used widely in social sciences such as psychology, economics, sociology, and political science, and less frequently in anthropology and history. Research in mathematical sciences such as physics is also 'quantitative' by definition, though this use of the term differs in context. In the social sciences, the term relates to empirical methods, originating in both philosophical positivism and the history of statistics, which contrast qualitative research methods.
Qualitative methods produce information only on the particular cases studied, and any more general conclusions are only hypotheses. Quantitative methods can be used to verify, which of such hypotheses are true.
A comprehensive analysis of 1274 articles published in the top two American sociology journals between 1935 and 2005 found that roughly two thirds of these articles used quantitative methods.[1]
Quantitative research is generally made using scientific methods, which can include:
- The generation of models, theories and hypotheses
- The development of instruments and methods for measurement
- Experimental control and manipulation of variables
- Collection of empirical data
- Modeling and analysis of data
- Evaluation of results
Qualitative research seeks out the ‘why’, not the ‘how’ of its topic through the analysis of unstructured information – things like interview transcripts, open ended survey responses, emails, notes, feedback forms, photos and videos. It doesn’t just rely on statistics or numbers, which are the domain of quantitative researchers.
Qualitative research is used to gain insight into people's attitudes, behaviours, value systems, concerns, motivations, aspirations, culture or lifestyles. It’s used to inform business decisions, policy formation, communication and research. Focus groups, in-depth interviews, content analysis, ethnography, evaluation and semiotics are among the many formal approaches that are used, but qualitative research also involves the analysis of any unstructured material, including customer feedback forms, reports or media clips.
Collecting and analyzing this unstructured information can be messy and time consuming using manual methods. When faced with volumes of materials, finding themes and extracting meaning can be a daunting task.
http://www.qsrinternational.com/what-is-qualitative-research.aspx - RESEARCH FROM.
PRIMARY RESEARCH
Primary research consists in research to collect original primary data. It is often undertaken after the researcher has gained some insight into the issue by collecting secondary data. This can be through numerous forms, including questionnaires, direct observation and telephone interviews amongst others.
The term primary research is widely used in academic research, market research and competitive intelligence.
There are advantages and disadvantages to primary research.
Advantages:
- Addresses specific research issues as the researcher controls the search design to fit their needs
- Great control; not only does primary research enable the marketer to focus on specific subjects, it also enables the researcher to have a higher control over how the information is collected. Taking this into account, the researcher can decide on such requirements as size of project, timeframe and goal.
Disadvantages:
- Compared to secondary research, primary data may be very expensive in preparing and carrying out the research. Costs can be incurred in producing the paper for questionnaires or the equipment for an experiment of some sort.
- In order to be done properly, primary data collection requires the development and execution of a research plan. It takes longer to undertake primary research than to acquire secondary data.
- Some research projects, while potentially offering information that could prove quite valuable, may not be within the reach of a researcher.
- By the time the research is complete it may be out of date.
- Low response rate has to be expected.
An example of primary research: the government wants to know if people are pleased with how the government is being run, so they hand out questionnaires to the public asking if they are happy and, if not, how to improve.
SECONDARY RESEARCH
Secondary research (also known as desk research) involves the summary, collation and/or synthesis of existing research rather than primary research, where data is collected from, for example, research subjects or experiments.[1]
The term is widely used in medical research and in market research. The principal methodology in medical secondary research is the systematic review, commonly using meta-analytic statistical techniques, although other methods of synthesis, like realist reviews and meta-narrative[2] reviews, have been developed in recent years. Such secondary research uses the primary research of others typically in the form of research publications and reports.
In a market research context, secondary research is taken to include the re-use by a second party of any data collected by a first party or parties.
In archaeology and landscape history, desk research is contrasted with fieldwork.
Sometimes secondary research is required in the preliminary stages of research to determine what is known already and what new data is required, or to inform research design. At other times, it may be the only research technique used.
A key performance area in secondary research is the full citation of original sources, usually in the form of a complete listing or annotated listing.
Secondary sources could include previous research reports, newspaper, magazine and journal content, and government and NGO statistics.
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TASK TO RESEARCH 'HOW TO PLAY DARTS'
I had to create a research involving the above. The research should help m develop research skills and allow to to get awnsers efficiently.
Setting up my questionnaire: I chose a website called https://www.surveymonkey.com/. this is useful for importing efficient;y via the web and gaining awnsers substancially.
The questions I asked:
Would you pay to get dart lessons?
What are the rules of darts? (If applicable, please explain briefly the rules)
How would you rate darts in terms of skill?
Does playing darts contribute to more drinking or make play more enthusiastic?
Have you ever played Darts professionally?
Do you know every number on a dart board/ How to score points?
Have you ever played darts/ If so how long did you play for?
With these i can develop some primary research in response to the task. I feel this could work well because i can gather info straight to me and it not be influenced or biased in any way its just core research. I decided to place the questionnaire on Facebook as i feel it would be useful as many social networking sites have massive audiences.
RESPONSE GIVEN FROM SURVEY
Secondary Research on 'HOW TO PLAY DARTS?'
For my secondary research i am going to gather information form various website and books to see what answers I get from them in response to my task. This will give me more information and i can get a lot more throes etc.
I have found some really interesting visual videos on how to play darts here which could be effective in learning about technique, score counting, equipment and other theories on darts.
Information from : http://www.recroom-products.com/howtoplaydarts.html
If you are not familiar with darts or electronic darts, you must learn the layout of the dartboard and the basic games. Knowing the values of the various parts of the target is mandatory as well as knowing the basics of the '01 games and the basic game of Cricket. There are several variations of these games, so just learn the basic ones to start.
Along with reading the rules and understanding how the game is to be played, play the game yourself - just to get a feel for it.
The Parts of the Soft-Tip Dart
It is important to know that … in an electronic dart machine, the "machine is always right relative to the score". The only exception to this rule is on a "winning dart".
Example: A player needs 39 to go out. They shoot and the dart sticks in the triple 13, but the machine was displaying the "Throw Dart" message, and all other rules were followed, the player shall be credited with a win in that game. This rule will apply only for a single dart, not for a combination of darts.
BASIC STEP BY STEP GUIDE FOR EASY DART PLAYING:
Hang the dartboard so that the center is 5 feet 8 inches from the floor.
Mark the throwing line, called the 'oche' (rhymes with 'hockey'), with nonskid tape. The line should be 7 feet, 9 1 /4 inches from the face of the dartboard (not the wall), according to the World Darts Federation.
Make sure the tape mark lies so that the front edge is the actual line. In other words, a player may step on the tape, but not past it.
Give each player or team three darts, and determine who throws first by having each player or team representative throw one dart. The player or team whose dart is closest to the center, or bull's-eye, gets to go first.
Warm up, as competitive dart players do, by alternating throws until each person has thrown nine darts.
Once the game begins, take your turn by throwing your three darts.
Add up the score. Each part of the board has a number, and that is the dart's score.
Count a dart that misses the board completely as a throw. The score for that dart is zero.
Remove your darts and allow the other player to throw.
Alternate until the game is over. There are numerous dart games, including the simple one in which players throw five sets, and whoever has the highest score wins.
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