A500.7.3.RB_Quantitative Research Reflection

             MLSD 500: Leadership Found in Research

     A500.7.3RB – Qualitative Research Reflection

Submitted to ERAU Worldwide

in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of the Degree of MBAA

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Worldwide

Online Campus

September 24, 2015

         

Social researchers believe that patterns and regularities occur in society and that these are not simply random events. Patterns necessitate interest in the formulation of explanations. These explanations are presented in theories that allow us to come to a sense of reality. On the basis of theory, we can develop hypotheses about relationships that ought to exist, if the theory is valid (Mamia, 2015).

Empirical research is the study of an aspect of reality. Research data is obtained by asystematic method of empirical observation. Theoretical research studies problems related to theories of a discipline. Research data consists of previous research. Scientific research is a dialogue between theory and empirical. Most research involves both theoretical and empirical element (Mamia, 2015).

Qualitative research aims at understanding. It answers primarily to “how” questions, i.e. How does this work? Meanwhile, an explanation is the goal of quantitative research, which primarily addresses “why” questions, i.e. Why does this work? Both qualitative and quantitative research can aim for a description of social reality (Mamia, 2015).

The quantitative method is based on the idea that social phenomena can be quantified, measured and expressed numerically. The information about a social phenomenon is expressed in numeric terms that can be analyzed by statistical methods. The observations can be directly numeric information, or they can be classified into numeric variables. Observations are transformed into a data matrix in which each observation unit occupies one row and each variable one column. The data matrix is the starting point for the analysis. The quantitative method enables the research and description of social structures and processes that are not directly observable (Mamia, 2015).

I have enjoyed collecting data, analyzing the results and trending the figures. I now understand how easy it is to be misled by incomplete or manipulated data and the value of random sampling to minimize risk. In a random sample, the risk of sampling error can be statistically estimated. With random sample, there is a definite level of confidence (Mamia, 2015).  Prior to this understanding, I had, no doubt, come to conclusions based on information that had not been properly vetted for balanced, unbiased input. My new understanding of the research process for data collection has brought clarity to the importance of unbiased data in quantifying conclusions, particularly as it relates to business decisions.

Reference:

Mamia, Tero. (2015). Quantitative Research Methods. General Studies/ISS. Retrieved from Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation.