Causal Process “Observation”: Oxymoron or (Fine) Old Wine

2010 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 499-505 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathaniel Beck
Keyword(s):  
Research Design ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Causal Process ◽  
Qualitative Information ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Political Analysis ◽  
Process Observation

The issue of how qualitative and quantitative information can be used together is critical. Brady, Collier, and Seawright (BCS) have argued that “causal process observations” can be adjoined to “data set observations.” This implies that qualitative methods can be used to add information to quantitative data sets. In a symposium inPolitical Analysis, I argued that such qualitative information cannot be adjoined in any meaningful way to quantitative data sets. In that symposium, the original authors offered several defenses, but, in the end, BCS can be seen as recommending good, but hopefully standard, research design practices that are normally thought of as central in thequantitativearena. It is good that BCS remind us that no amount of fancy statistics can save a bad research design.

Building holistic and agile collection development and assessment

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheri Jeanette Duncan ◽  
Genya Morgan O'Gara
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Collection Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Institutional Goals ◽  
Scholarly Output ◽  
Use Of Data

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the development of a flexible collections assessment rubric comprised of a suite of tools for more consistently and effectively evaluating and expressing a holistic value of library collections to a variety of constituents, from administrators to faculty and students, with particular emphasis to the use of data already being collected at libraries to “take the temperature” of how responsive collections are in supporting institutional goals. Design/methodology/approach – Using a literature review, internal and external conversations, several collections pilot projects, and a variety of other investigative mechanisms, this paper explores methods for creating a more flexible, holistic collection development and assessment model using both qualitative and quantitative data. Findings – The products of scholarship that academic libraries include in their collections are expanding exponentially and range from journals and monographs in all formats, to databases, data sets, digital text and images, streaming media, visualizations and animations. Content is also being shared in new ways and on a variety of platforms. Yet the framework for evaluating this new landscape of scholarly output is in its infancy. So, how do libraries develop and assess collections in a consistent, holistic, yet agile, manner? Libraries must employ a variety of mechanisms to ensure this goal, while remaining flexible in adapting to the shifting collections environment. Originality/value – In so much as the authors are aware, this is the first paper to examine an agile, holistic approach to collections using both qualitative and quantitative data.

Bureaucrats, Businesses, and Economic Policies in a Globalized China

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Ling Chen
Keyword(s):  
Research Design ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Policy Making ◽  
Foreign Capital ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Economic Policies ◽  
Single Level ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
National Campaigns ◽  
City Policy

This chapter introduces background on emergence of national campaigns to cultivate domestic competitiveness in contrast to China’s previous role as the “world’s workshop.” It reveals the divergent ways in which localities responded to and carried out policies. The chapter accounts for such variation by breaking down the assumption of a coherent and single-level state that is inherent in the state-centric approach, while at the same time disaggregating the influence of foreign capital assumed by the FDI-driven perspective. By examining the interaction of foreign capital and local states, the chapter discusses how globalization influences the rise of investment-seeking states, the bureaucratic coalitions in city policy making, the effectiveness of policies for local firms, and the varieties of local capitalism. It also discusses the logic of the research design, the major sites of field work, and the sources of qualitative and quantitative data that the book draws on.

scholarly journals The use of semi-structured interviews for the characterisation of farmer irrigation practices

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 8221-8246 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. O'Keeffe ◽  
W. Buytaert ◽  
A. Mijic ◽  
N. Brozovic ◽  
R. Sinha
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Water Security ◽  
Water Source ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
North India ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
Irrigation Practices

Abstract. Generating information on the behaviours, characteristics and drivers of users, as well on the resource itself, is vital in developing sustainable and realistic water security options. In this paper we present a methodology for collecting qualitative and quantitative data on water use practices through semi-structured interviews. This approach facilitates the collection of detailed information on actors' decisions in a convenient and cost-effective manner. The interview is organised around a topic guide, which helps lead the conversation in a standardised way while allowing sufficient opportunity to identify relevant issues previously unknown to the researcher. In addition, semi-structured interviews can be used to obtain certain types of quantitative data. While not as accurate as direct measurements, it can provide useful information on local practices and farmers' insights. We present an application of the methodology on two districts in the State of Uttar Pradesh in North India. By means of 100 farmer interviews, information was collected on various aspects of irrigation practices, including irrigation water volumes, irrigation cost, water source and their spatial variability. A statistical analysis of the information, along with some data visualisation is also presented, which highlights a significant variation in irrigation practices both within and between the districts. Our application shows that semi-structured interviews are an effective and efficient method of collecting both qualitative and quantitative information for the assessment of drivers, behaviours and their outcomes in a data scarce region. The collection of this type of data could significantly improve insight on water resources, leading to more realistic management options and increased water security in the future.

scholarly journals Petrophysically and geologically guided multi-physics inversion using a dynamic Gaussian mixture model

2020 ◽  
Vol 224 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thibaut Astic ◽  
Lindsey J Heagy ◽  
Douglas W Oldenburg
Keyword(s):  
Gaussian Mixture Model ◽  
Mixture Model ◽  
Gaussian Mixture ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Geophysical Data ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Geophysical Surveys ◽  
Geological Information

SUMMARY In a previous paper, we introduced a framework for carrying out petrophysically and geologically guided geophysical inversions. In that framework, petrophysical and geological information is modelled with a Gaussian mixture model (GMM). In the inversion, the GMM serves as a prior for the geophysical model. The formulation and applications were confined to problems in which a single physical property model was sought, and a single geophysical data set was available. In this paper, we extend that framework to jointly invert multiple geophysical data sets that depend on multiple physical properties. The petrophysical and geological information is used to couple geophysical surveys that, otherwise, rely on independent physics. This requires advancements in two areas. First, an extension from a univariate to a multivariate analysis of the petrophysical data, and their inclusion within the inverse problem, is necessary. Secondly, we address the practical issues of simultaneously inverting data from multiple surveys and finding a solution that acceptably reproduces each one, along with the petrophysical and geological information. To illustrate the efficacy of our approach and the advantages of carrying out multi-physics inversions coupled with petrophysical and geological information, we invert synthetic gravity and magnetic data associated with a kimberlite deposit. The kimberlite pipe contains two distinct facies embedded in a host rock. Inverting the data sets individually, even with petrophysical information, leads to a binary geological model: background or undetermined kimberlite. A multi-physics inversion, with petrophysical information, differentiates between the two main kimberlite facies of the pipe. Through this example, we also highlight the capabilities of our framework to work with interpretive geological assumptions when minimal quantitative information is available. In those cases, the dynamic updates of the GMM allow us to perform multi-physics inversions by learning a petrophysical model.

scholarly journals Teaching with Scratch in Compulsory Secondary Education

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (02) ◽  
pp. 67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Maria Ortiz-Colon ◽  
Jose Luis Maroto Romo
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Education ◽  
Research Design ◽  
School Performance ◽  
Student Motivation ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Creative Thought ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Teaching Unit ◽  
Field Notes ◽  
The Impact

The article analyzes the impact that the use of Scratch has in a group of students of Compulsory Secondary Education in the development of the teaching unit. For this we have studied the evolution of creative thought and analyzed the considerations made by the different actors involved, students and teachers. Qualitative and quantitative data are intended to complement the type of evidence and notes in research design followed. The tools used were the interview, field notes, diary of the researcher and the rubric adapted and created by Eduteka. The research results indicate that with the use of Scratch language students get better grades and are more motivated. As a conclusion, we can say that the application of the Scratch program improves school performance and student motivation significantly.

Practical utility of mixed methods research in pharmacy practice

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stacy Elder Dalpoas ◽  
Kenneth M Shermock
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Pharmacy Practice ◽  
Practice Research ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Literature Highlight ◽  
Complex Question

Abstract Purpose Our aim was to review key methodological concepts and provide a practical guide to employing mixed methods research to enhance pharmacy practice research. Summary Mixed methods research provides multiple organized analytic perspectives to thoroughly investigate complex social and scientific problems in a methodologically rigorous manner. This research design incorporates collection and analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data components to create a thorough understanding of a complex question. The 5 most commonly identified reasons for conducting mixed methods research include triangulation, complementarity, development, initiation, and expansion of results. For research questions that benefit from mixed methods research, we review how to structure the study, including timing, sequencing, and prioritization of methods. Illustrative examples from the literature highlight the utility of this methodology for clinical and operational pharmacy research questions. Conclusion Mixed methods designs can enhance pharmacy research inquiry, provide a means to understand complicated issues, and uncover optimal interventions.

Characterization and analysis of soils using mid-infrared partial least-squares .2. Correlations with some laboratory data

Soil Research ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 637 ◽  
Author(s):  
LJ Janik ◽  
JO Skjemstad
Keyword(s):  
Soil Properties ◽  
Least Squares ◽  
Partial Least Squares ◽  
Analytical Data ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Organic Components ◽  
Pls Analysis ◽  
Pls Method

Infrared partial least squares (PLS) analysis is shown to provide a simple, rapid chemometric technique for the simultaneous analysis of soil properties. The method is capable of extracting both qualitative and quantitative information from soil spectra. A number of the mineral and organic components which are responsible for certain soil properties have been identified and the prediction of these properties assessed. Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier-transform (DRIFT) spectra of whole soils were recorded to form a large training data set. The spectral information from this set was compressed into a small number of subspectra (called weight loadings) which contained positive and negative peaks reflecting correlations between the soil mineral and organic components and corresponding analytical data. Positive peaks in the weight loadings corresponding to organic components including alkyl, carboxylic and amide species were highly correlated with OC and N. Likewise, smectite, kaolinite and gibbsite clay minerals, together with organic alkyl and carboxylic species, contributed either positively or negatively to pH, sum of cations and clay content. Positive peaks due to calcite were well resolved in the first carbonate weight loading. Quartz was identified as an 'interference' for all analyses, with a series of negative peaks in the weight loadings. Implications were that quartz exerted a strong spectral signal for the majority of soil spectra, although it was not directly related to particular analyses. The usual PLS method, in which there is assumed to be a linear relationship between the loading intensities and soil property values, was found to give nonlinear prediction regression. The nonlinearity was assumed to be due to the effects of nonlinear response of the DRIFT signal and to significant compositional variability between calibration samples with high and low analyte concentrations. An alternative strategy of using a locally linear PLS model was tested, where small subsets of the total span of analytical values were independently used for PLS analysis. This approach improved prediction linearity and precision improved significantly for most analyses. The PLS method was thus shown to provide a useful surrogate technique for the study of soils, with which the PLS analysis of a single spectrum could provide simultaneous qualitative and quantitative information on a number of widely different soil analyses.

scholarly journals A Methodology for Improving Strategic Decisions in Social Systems with a Lack of Information

Organizacija ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 102-112
Author(s):  
Carlos Verna ◽  
Andrej Škraba
Keyword(s):  
Social Systems ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Formal Models ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Santa Cruz ◽  
Qualitative Information ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
The City

A Methodology for Improving Strategic Decisions in Social Systems with a Lack of InformationThe design of strategies for social systems requires the use of qualitative information owing to the fact that quantitative information can be insufficient to solve the problems involved. The information that the specialists and the decision makers obtain is often incomplete and unreliable. Nevertheless, leaders have to make strategic decisions despite these deficiencies which should be based on the formal models (Kljajić et al. 2000; Škraba et al, 2003; Škraba et al 2007).This paper describes a methodology elaborated to design the strategy of the city of Santa Cruz (on the Canary Islands). It has two main sections: the elaboration of a qualitative model and the use of System Dynamics. We combine them in a way that allows mixing qualitative and quantitative information to achieve a better understanding of the structure of the region, to know the tendencies of the present scenario and to estimate of the effects of alternative strategic decisions. We have obtained these results working with scarce quantitative information. This methodology may be applied to any social systems with similar characteristics.

scholarly journals Predicting and Analysis of Phishing Attacks and Breaches In E-Commerce Websites

2020 ◽  
pp. 170-175
Author(s):  
N. Ram Mohan ◽  
N. Praveen Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Cyber Security ◽  
Research Topic ◽  
Process Models ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Arrival Times ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Incident Data ◽  
New Research ◽  
Threat Situation

Analyzing cyber incident data sets is an important method for deepening our understanding of the evolution of the threat situation. This is a relatively new research topic, and many studies remain to be done. In this paper, I reported a statistical analysis of a breach incident data set corresponding to 12 years (2005–2017) of cyber hacking activities that include malware attacks. I shown that, in contrast to the findings reported in the literature, both hacking breach incident inter-arrival times and breach sizes should be modeled by stochastic processes, rather than by distributions because they exhibit autocorrelations. Then, I proposed a particular stochastic process models to, respectively, fit the inter-arrival times and the breach sizes. I also shown that these models can predict the inter-arrival times and the breach sizes. In order to get deeper insights into the evolution of hacking breach incidents, we conduct both qualitative and quantitative trend analyses on the data set. I drew a set of cyber security insights, including that the threat of cyber hacks is indeed getting worse in terms of their frequency, but not in terms of the magnitude of their damage.

Missing data in open-data era – a barrier to multiomics integration

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Piwowar ◽  
Wiktor Jurkowski
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Multidimensional Data ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Rna Seq ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
Integrate Data ◽  
Generation Sequencing

AbstractThe exploration of complex interactions in biological systems is one of the main aims in nature science nowadays. Progress in this area is possible because of high-throughput omics technologies and the computational surge. The development of analytical methods “is trying to keep pace” with the development of molecular biology methods that provide increasingly large amounts of data – omics data. Specialized databases consist of ever-larger collections of experiments that are usually conducted by one next-generation sequencing technique (e.g. RNA-seq). Other databases integrate data by defining qualitative relationships between individual objects in the form of ontologies, interactions, and pathways (e.g. GO, KEGG, and String). However, there are no open-source complementary quantitative data sets for the biological processes studied, including information from many levels of the organism organization, which would allow the development of multidimensional data analysis methods (multiscale and insightful overviews of biological processes). In the paper, the lack of omics complementary quantitative data set, which would help integrate the defined qualitative biological relationships of individual biomolecules with statistical, computational methods, is discussed.

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