Methodology an introduction

Methodology: An Introduction

COMS 3099: Language

& Communication

SeminarCarol Jaggernauth

Definitions

Ontology –

assertions or assumptions about the nature of being and reality

What the real world is.

The order of things (Foucault)

(Chandler & Munday 2011)

Epistemology

The study of the origin, nature, method and limits of knowledge. (Griffin 2012)

How we come to know what we know?

Definitions cont’d

Positivist paradigm/ positivism

Family of philosophies characterized by an extremely positive evaluation of  science and scientific methods (Frey et al, 2000)

Applies methods used in physical sciences to study human behaviour

Definitions cont’d

Naturalistic paradigm

Family of philosophies  that focus  on the socially constructed nature of reality. (Frey et al, 2000)

Concerned with the development of methods that capture the socially constructed nature of reality.

Assumption Question Positivist Naturalist

Ontological The nature of reality

SingularObjective

MultipleIntersubjective

Epistemological Relationship bet. researcher and subjects

Independent Interdependent

Axiological The role of values in the research process

Value-freeUnbiased

Value ladenBiased

Methodological What’s the research process

Deduction Induction

Rhetorical Language of research report

FormalImpersonal

InformalPersonal voice

Methodology

1. A body of practices, procedures, and rules used by those who work in a discipline or engage in an inquiry.

2. The study or theoretical analysis of such working methods.

3. The branch of logic that deals with the general principles of the formation of knowledge. (Proz.com 2005)

Method

1. A means or manner of procedure, especially a regular and systematic way of accomplishing something: a simple method for making a pie crust; mediation as a method of solving disputes.

2. The procedures and techniques characteristic of a particular discipline or field of knowledge: This field course gives an overview of archaeological method. (Proz.com 2005)

Qualitative Research vs Quantitative Research

Qualitative Research

The acquisition of data that take the form of symbols other than meaningful numbers.

In-depth and detailed information.

Gives preference to participants lived experience.

Quality rather than quantity.

Smaller population samples

Methods include– focus groups, interviews, ethnography , textual analysis

Quantitative Research

Data collection takes the form of meaningful numbers

Enumeration – a process of reducing abstract concepts to numbers

Larger population samples

Quantity rather than quality.

Methods include- experiments, surveys and content analysis.

Triangulation

The mixing of data or methods so that diverse viewpoints or standpoints cast light upon a topic. (Olsen 2003)

Facilitates cross analysis of data.

Reduces limitation of using one method.

Increases reliability and flexibility.

Combination may include Surveys and Focus Groups etc.

Surveys

Focus Groups

Guidelines for Methodology Chapter

Introduction

Reintroduce the big question

Justification for research question (significance)

Conceptual Design – Model

Language

Data Analysis

Scales

Definitions (beginning)

Methodological Context – ontological, epistemological

Method

A,b,.c,d

What was done in detail

Who you collected data from

Why the fliers (Important characteristics)

Instruments – questionnaire and research questions

Checklist (Adapted from Dr. Tia Cooper)

1. The questions that you are attempting to answer and any problems that you may face in finding the answers

2. General definition or overview of the approach you will use.

3. A thorough description of how you will collect the data and the analytical procedures you will use to draw conclusions based on this information

Include an introductory paragraph that describes the problem you will address using your methodology

Subsequent paragraphs should explain the method that you will use to collect data to address the problem.

Include justification for why these methods are appropriate

You should explain why you did not use more common methods

Explain why you purposely included/excluded certain groups from research

Provide a brief explanation that discusses the inclusion/exclusion of groups and implications for your study

Discuss how certain variables may impact the outcome of your research (diff. lifestyles, etc)