This section will briefly explain the differences between quantitative and qualitative research method and establish the reasons for our chosen method. “In all research, we strive to collect empirical data systematically and to examine data patterns so we can better understand and explain social life” (Neuman, 2011, p.165). The following paragraph will briefly explain about quantitative research methods.
3.2.1 Quantitative method
“Purpose of quantitative research is to quantify a research problem, to measure and count issues and then to generalize these findings to a broader population” (Hennink, Hutter, &
Bailey, 2011, p.16). In addition Marshall (1996) sums it up well; “the aim of all
quantitative sampling approaches is to draw a representative sample from the population,
so that the result of studying the sample can then be generalized back to the population”
(p.522). Punch (2004) states “information about the world does not occur naturally in the form of numbers” (p.58). He further explains that it is the researcher which turn the data in to numbers because this could make the research easier to understand. Quantitative study relies more on positivist principles, where the emphasis is to measure variables and test hypotheses. This is dictated by the hard data that quantitative research depends on.
3.2.2 Qualitative method
“Qualitative research tend to be concerned with words rather than numbers”, and has “an inductive view of the relationship between theory and research” (Bryman & Bell, 2003, p.280). The data that is collected here is the soft data in form of words, pictures, symbols and so on (Neuman, 2011).
Mays & Pope (1995) proclaims
In many forms of qualitative research the raw data are collected in a relatively unstructured form such as tape recordings or transcripts of conversations. The main ways of which qualitative researchers ensure the retest reliability of their analysis is in maintaining meticulous records of interviews and observations and by documenting the process of analysis in detail (p.110).
“We can use field research to identify aspects of the world that are inaccessible using other methods (e.g., survey, experiment)” (Neuman, 2011, p. 421).
Hennink, et al (2011) describe:
Qualitative research is an approach that allows you to examine people’s experiences in detail, by using a specific set of research methods …main distinctive features of qualitative research are that the approach allows you to identify issues from the perspective of your study participants, and understand the meanings and interpretations that they give to behaviour, events or objects (p. 9).
Marshall (1996) states that “qualitative studies aim to provide illumination and understanding of complex psychosocial issues and are most useful for answering humanistic “why” and “how” question” (p.522). Considering our research question the appropriate approach to conduct our research with a qualitative method and have in-depth interviews with the participants of the research. Hennink et al (2011) states that to “…
study people in their natural settings, to identify how their experiences and behaviour are shaped by context of their lives, such as the social, economic, cultural or physical context in which they live” ( p.9).
Hennink et al (2011) enlist when to conduct qualitative research.
When we want to understand behaviour, beliefs, opinions and emotions from the perspectives of study participants themselves (this is called Verstehen).
Understand and explain people’s views and behaviour.
Understand processes, such as how people make decisions, or negotiate a job or manage a business.
Uncover the meaning that people give to their experiences.
Understand the social interactions among people and the norms and values shared by them.
Give voice to the issues of a certain study population
(p.10) To explain the interpretive approach further the clarification between verstehen and
understanding should be explained more. Qualitative research mainly focuses on
understanding behaviour, perceptions or experiences. However, Hennink et al (2011) states that understanding can be viewed from two different perspectives. First, understanding can be explained as the perspective when the researcher is using their own frame of references on the issues. Second, verstehen is identifying the populations’ perspectives on the
research issues. More specifically verstehen refers to “understanding the life of the people whom you study from their own perspective, in their own context and describing this using their own words and concepts” (Hennink et al, 2011, p. 17). In addition, Hennink et al
(2011) states “Verstehen is important in qualitative research as you want to know the subjective meaning that people attach to their views and experiences” (p. 18). By conducting semi structured in-depth interviews, we can achieve the subjective of the participants that will give the research the ability to develop the verstehen about the subject and get the `in sider` perspective. Another concept that is closely linked to verstehen is the emic perspective and can explain how important it is to have knowledge about not only the participants but also the society around the participant. Hennink et al (2011) explains “the emic perspective provides information on the insider’s point of view, the insider’s
perceptions, beliefs, and meaning system” (p.18). Knowledge about systems (university rules and systems), culture (teacher, university, home) and general believes surrounding the participants of our research would therefore gain us a better view on how the system works related to traveling connected with the University.
Furthermore the culture and systems the interviewees hold could be affected and lead by the interviewer. Hennink et al (2011) states “the interpretive approach acknowledges subjectivity” and further explains “the perspectives of study participants reflect their subjective views of their social world, and that the researchers also bring their subjective influences” (p. 19). Reflexivity is explained in Hennink et al (2011) as “a process that involves conscious self-reflection on the part of researchers to make explicit their potential influence on the research process” (p.19). “Reflexivity is needed in order to legitimize, to validate qualitative researchers” (Pillow, 2003: 175, quoted in Hennink et al, 2011, p.20).
Therefore reflexivity needs to be used throughout the research process and in that way reflect on potential influences the researcher could make on the data collection, data interpretations and research design (Hennink et al, 2011).