scholarly journals Experimenter as automaton; experimenter as human: exploring the position of the researcher in scientific research

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarahanne M. Field ◽  
Maarten Derksen

Abstract The crisis of confidence in the social sciences has many corollaries which impact our research practices. One of these is a push towards maximal and mechanical objectivity in quantitative research. This stance is reinforced by major journals and academic institutions that subtly yet certainly link objectivity with integrity and rigor. The converse implication of this may be an association between subjectivity and low quality. Subjectivity is one of qualitative methodology’s best assets, however. In qualitative methodology, that subjectivity is often given voice through reflexivity. It is used to better understand our own role within the research process, and is a means through which the researcher may oversee how they influence their research. Given that the actions of researchers have led to the poor reproducibility characterising the crisis of confidence, it is worthwhile to consider whether reflexivity can help improve the validity of research findings in quantitative psychology. In this report, we describe a combination approach of research: the data of a series of interviews helps us elucidate the link between reflexive practice and quality of research, through the eyes of practicing academics. Through our exploration of the position of the researcher in their research, we shed light on how the reflections of the researcher can impact the quality of their research findings, in the context of the current crisis of confidence. The validity of these findings is tempered, however, by limitations to the sample, and we advise caution on the part of our audience in their reading of our conclusions.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarahanne Miranda Field ◽  
Maarten Derksen

The crisis of confidence in the social sciences has many corollaries which impact our research practices. One of these is a push towards maximal and mechanical objectivity in quantitative research. This stance is reinforced by major journals and academic institutions that subtly yet certainly link objectivity with integrity and rigor. The converse implication of this may be an association between subjectivity and low quality. Subjectivity is one of qualitative methodology’s best assets, however. In qualitative methodology, that subjectivity is often given voice through reflexivity. It is used to better understand our own role within the research process, and is a means through which the researcher may oversee how they influence their research. Given that the actions of researchers have led to the poor reproducibility characterising the crisis of confidence, it is worthwhile to consider whether reflexivity can help improve the validity of research findings in quantitative psychology. In this report, we describe a combination approach of research: the data of a series of interviews helps us elucidate the link between reflexive practice and quality of research, through the eyes of practicing academics. Through our exploration of the position of the researcher in their research, we shed light on how the reflections of the researcher can impact the quality of their research findings, in the context of the current crisis of confidence. The validity of these findings is tempered, however, by limitations to the sample, and we advise caution on the part of our audience in their reading of our conclusions.


2004 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 641-646 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alizon K. Draper

The present paper provides an overview of the methodological principles that underpinqualitative research and how these principles differ from those of quantitative research. It is intended to set the scene for the following papers that outline two specific approaches to the analysis of qualitative data. Within the tradition of qualitative research there are many different theoretical perspectives, of which these approaches are only two examples, but they need to be set within this broader tradition in order to highlight their specific features. Qualitative and quantitative research differ from each other in far more than their methods and data. They are each based on very different premises about both the nature of the world and the nature of our knowledge of it and how this information is generated. These approaches have implications for all aspects of research strategy, including the assessment of the quality of research findings and their wider utility or application. In relation to the latter, lack of detail in the reporting of qualitative research and small sample sizes has tended to create the impression that the findings of qualitative research have little application outside the particular research setting. While there is need for more rigor in reporting, it needs to be recognized that qualitative research can offer insights and understandings with wider relevance, althoughthese outcomes are of a different type from those provided by quantitative research.


2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 1100-1131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee D. Parker ◽  
Deryl Northcott

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and articulate concepts and approaches to qualitative generalisation that will offer qualitative accounting researchers avenues for enhancing and justifying the general applicability of their research findings and conclusions. Design/methodology/approach – The study and arguments draw from multidisciplinary approaches to this issue. The analysis and theorising is based on published qualitative research literatures from the fields of education, health sciences, sociology, information systems, management and marketing, as well as accounting. Findings – The paper develops two overarching generalisation concepts for application by qualitative accounting researchers. These are built upon a number of qualitative generalisation concepts that have emerged in the multidisciplinary literatures. It also articulates strategies for enhancing the generalisability of qualitative accounting research findings. Research limitations/implications – The paper provides qualitative accounting researchers with understandings, arguments and justifications for the generalisability of their research and the related potential for wider accounting and societal contributions. It also articulates the key factors that impact on the quality of research generalisation that qualitative researchers can offer. Originality/value – This paper presents the most comprehensively sourced and developed approach to the concepts, strategies and unique deliverables of qualitative generalising hitherto available in the accounting research literature.


Comunicar ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 18 (35) ◽  
pp. 131-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana-Elena Schalk-Quintanar ◽  
Carlos Marcelo-García

Universities are gradually implementing virtual learning processes. However, research still remains limited in examining the internal processes that occur in learning in virtual environments. This article presents an investigation that seeks to describe the relationship between the quality of interaction in asynchronous discussion forums in training experiences in e-learning, and the quality of learning offered and achieved. The main objective was to determine how interactions in online environments add quality to the learning of students. For this, a descriptive investigation was done that combines qualitative and quantitative phase, analyzing more than 10,000 messages in 171 participants from four postgraduate courses developed in the form of e-learning. Asynchronous communication was analyzed through a category system that analyzes the social, cognitive and didactic discourse online. Among the research findings, there highlights a positive relationship between quality and quantity of speech of the participants and the quality of learning achieved and reflected in the different levels of assessment. We can conclude that the need to analyze, not only the written discourse in asynchronous communication, but also to establish relations with both cognitive and social learning of students. Moreover, we conclude the necessity to train teachers to deal with the processes of online communication. Las Universidades están implementando de forma progresiva procesos de formación virtual. Sin embargo, todavía resulta escasa la investigación que analiza los procesos internos en lo que se produce el aprendizaje en ambientes virtuales. En este artículo se presenta una investigación que busca describir la relación entre la calidad de la interacción, en los foros de discusión asincrónica en experiencias de formación en e-learning, y la calidad de los aprendizajes propuestos y logrados. El principal objetivo consistió en conocer, de qué forma las interacciones en los espacios virtuales, aportan calidad a los aprendizajes de los alumnos. Para ello se realizó un estudio descriptivo que combina una fase cualitativa y una cuantitativa, analizando más de 10.000 mensajes en 171 participantes de cuatro cursos de postgrado desarrollados en la modalidad de e-learning. Se analizó la comunicación asíncrona, a través de un sistema de categorías que contenía dimensiones sociales, cognitivas y didácticas del discurso on-line. Entre los resultados de la investigación se destaca una relación positiva entre la calidad y cantidad del discurso de los participantes y la calidad de los aprendizajes obtenidos y reflejados en las diferentes instancias de evaluación. Podemos concluir la necesidad de hacer un análisis, más allá del discurso escrito, para establecer relaciones con los aprendizajes tanto cognitivos como sociales de los alumnos. Por otra parte concluimos la necesidad de formar a los docentes para abordar los procesos de comunicación on-line.


2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saifullah Saifullah

<p>Research methodology is the application of epistemology in philosophical which is realized by logico hypotetico verificative-deducto hypothetico verificative. The results of the evaluation of the quality of the research methodology that gave rise buildings recently become a standard formula valid and tested public. In this context it is necessary scrutiny of the functioning and the importance of pre usability, and value the benefits of the research process so that the quality of research produced a positive impact on building science researchers. The role of the researcher holds a central position of being able to adjust the ground circumstances. Benefit value for the benefit of life as the goal of research in theory and practical should be explicitly and implicitly always accompanies every step of research. A consequence of the value of the benefits of scientific research which is undertaken is delivering research results to the user community. The use of research methodologies in the study strongly influenced the extent of the ability of researchers and scientists at the clump science community are able to map the identity of the building a distinctive methodology of scientific disciplines that is useful for subsequent research.</p> <p>Metodologi Penelitian merupakan penerapan epistimologi secara filsafati yang diwujudkan dengan logico  hypotetico  verificative-deducto  hypothetico  verificative.  Hasil  evaluasi terhadap  kualitas  bangunan  metodologi  penelitian  yang  memunculkan  formula  baru menjadi standar yang valid dan teruji publik. Dalam konteks ini maka perlu pencermatan tentang fungsi dan kegunaan akan pentingnya pra, proses dan nilai manfaat riset agar kualitas riset yang dihasilkan berdampak positif pada bangunan keilmuan peneliti. Peran peneliti  memegang  posisi  sentral  karena  mampu  menyesuaikan  situasi  dan  kondisi lapangan. Nilai kemanfaatan bagi kemaslahatan hidup sebagai tujuan riset secara teoritis dan praktis sebaiknya secara eksplisit dan implisit selalu menyertai setiap langkah riset. Konsekuensi ilmiah dalam nilai manfaat riset yang dilakukan adalah menyampaikan hasilhasil riset ke masyarakat pengguna. Penggunaan metodologi penelitian dalam riset sangat dipengaruhi sejauhmana kemampuan peneliti dan komunitas ilmuan pada rumpun ilmu mampu memetakan jati diri bangunan metodologi disiplin keilmuan yang khas sehingga bermanfaat bagi peneliti berikutnya.</p>


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (02) ◽  
Author(s):  
Devi Ayu Prihatining Tyas

The service industry is currently experiencing a very significant development for example Beauty salon services. The greater the interest of consumers visiting the salon, the more rapid one's business will start a salon services business. In the research process with the aim of determining and explaining the quality of service, lifestyle, trust in Jonny Andrean's salon purchasing decisions. The sample processing technique uses accidental samples with a sample size of 100 respondents. Research using quantitative research. The analysis method uses multiple linear regression. The results of this study are the variables of service quality, lifestyle, trust together or simultaneously have a significant effect on Jonny Andrean's salon purchasing decisions. service quality, lifestyle and persial trust significantly influence purchasing decisions and explained the quality of service, lifestyle, trust 31.7%. Keywords: purchase decision, service quality, lifestyle, trust


Author(s):  
P. Ishwara Bhat

Multifaceted study of law, owing to complex social problems attached to it, calls for the combination of several methods of research. Integration rather than isolated application of methods of research leads to multi-method legal research (MMLR). It combines doctrinal and non-doctrinal research, qualitative and quantitative research, and a combination of various methods within each. This method is highly valuable as it looks at law from different angles, uses interdisciplinary research, collaborates with community or stakeholders, and avoids undetected errors arising from the use of mono-method. The synergy of using deductive and inductive reasoning enhances quality of research. The procedure of MMLR is not rigid. Therefore, research design should consider the suitability of combination; combination of methods should be linked with theory; sequential or simultaneous application of multiple methods should be carefully executed; and management of MMLR should be smooth. MMLR’s use in research on vulnerable groups, development issues, and biographical and behavioural studies is of great importance.


Author(s):  
Nor Razinah Mohd. Zain ◽  
Najim Nur Fauziah ◽  
Habeebullah Zakariyah ◽  
Azman Mohd. Noor

This research explores the potential of cash waqf in generating capital revenue in carrying out social-based investment through social enterprises. Looking closely into two different concepts (i.e., social enterprises and waqf), this research appreciates the understanding on the modern business model of social enterprise and the innovative version of religious social finance (i.e., cash waqf). Depending on qualitative methodology and analytical review, the discussion of this research is developed. These approaches are considered suitable and pragmatic for the suggested business model of social enterprise. Here, an innovative business model with a combination of social enterprise operation and cash waqf is introduced. It has the potential to stimulate further research to innovate religious social finance instruments to current and modern business models. This research proposes a business model of social enterprise that combines cash waqf in its operation for sake of generating capital revenue. Simultaneously, such a business model has the potential to expand the cash waqf in meeting social objectives of the social enterprise. As research findings, it is found that even though waqf is derived from a religious traditional philanthropic instrument, its innovative version of cash waqf can be utilised in generating capital revenue for social enterprises. As long as the required principles of cash waqf as provided under Islamic law is fulfilled, a combination of cash waqf in the operation of social enterprise can be carried out.


2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 209-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lai Ma ◽  
Michael Ladisch

Abstract Evaluative metrics have been used for research assessment in most universities and funding agencies with the assumption that more publications and higher citation counts imply increased productivity and better quality of research. This study investigates the understanding and perceptions of metrics, as well as the influences and implications of the use of evaluative metrics on research practices, including choice of research topics and publication channels, citation behavior, and scholarly communication in Irish universities. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with researchers from the humanities, the social sciences, and the sciences in various career stages. Our findings show that there are conflicting attitudes toward evaluative metrics in principle and in practice. The phenomenon is explained by two concepts: evaluation complacency and evaluation inertia. We conclude that evaluative metrics should not be standardized and institutionalized without a thorough examination of their validity and reliability and without having their influences on academic life, research practices, and knowledge production investigated. We also suggest that an open and public discourse should be supported for the discussion of evaluative metrics in the academic community.


2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (8) ◽  
pp. 1839-1855 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Brochado ◽  
Paulo Rita ◽  
Carlos Gameiro

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of backpackers’s evaluation of service quality provided by hostels by developing a battery of items to assess perceptions of the overall hostel experience. Design/methodology/approach – Scale development took a mixed approach that combines qualitative and quantitative research. First, the authors performed a content analysis of reviews provided by guests in hostel booking web sites, in-depth interviews with hostel managers and focus groups with guests, to develop a battery of items to assess the hostel experience from the guests’ perspective. Then, a quantitative survey (n = 222) was conducted, to explore the dimensionality of service quality in this sector. Lisbon hostels are the target of this study, as they received several awards based on the online reviews of backpackers. Findings – The results revealed that service quality is a multidimensional concept and includes six dimensions, namely, social atmosphere, location and city connection, staff, cleanliness, security and facilities. Regression results revealed that the social atmosphere appears to be a core service dimension crucial to create a sense of hostel guest’s overall quality. Originality/value – The findings suggest that service quality scales should incorporate the specific characteristics of the hotel industry. The quality of the staff and the social atmosphere are of utmost importance to enhance the hostel backpacker experience.


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