Qualitative Research Methodology

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In this chapter the research methodology used in this study was described along with the geographical area where the study was conducted, the study design and population and sample. The instruments used to collect data, including methods implemented to maintain validity and reliability of the instruments are also described. Research Design This project utilized both quantitative and qualitative data collection tools, but is rooted in a quantitative position that recognized the importance of generating statistics on an inquiry basis using questionnaire and tests. In quantitative research, the aim is to determine the relationship between one thing (an independent variable) and another (a dependent or outcome variable) in the population (Buns…show more content…
Scott (2012) defined qualitative research as, "primarily an inductive process of organizing data into categories and identifying patterns (relationships) among categories." This definition implies that data and meaning emerge "organically" from the research context. Qualitative studies usually focus on a small group. Qualitative techniques are extremely useful when a subject is too complex to be answered by a simple yes or no hypothesis. These types of designs are much easier to plan and carry out. The researcher incorporated qualitative methods in the research because in depth information was needed to answer research questions, especially, the question that relates to students' attitudes. The broader scope covered by these designs ensures that some useful data is always generated. The use of qualitative approaches triangulated the data and hence, reduces bias. The type of inquiry utilized is that of an action research. Action research is defined as any systematic inquiry conducted by teachers, administers, counsellors or others with a vested interest in the teaching and learning process or environment for the purpose of gathering information about how their particular school operate, how they teach and how their students learn (Mills 2010). An action research was chosen because this is an inquiry that will take place in a school…show more content…
Due to work and studying there was time constraint to collect questionnaires which were handed out, also student's attendance hampered data collection, in that students did not attend school or classes on a regular basis. Secondly, there might be evidence of the novelty effect, because students' had not being exposed to the use of the differentiated instructions approach prior to the study, the newness of this tool may influence students' preference for this approach. Thirdly, the results are not representative and generalisable to all fourth graders, or to other grades. One disadvantage of using only one sample group is the problem of carryover effects, where the first test adversely influences the other. Since students will be given the same test repeatedly, the validity of the results could be affected. Also the possibility exists that students could receive instructional help on the topic outside the classroom setting, whether from relatives or computer aids at home, which could also affect validity. Factors such as noise, weather, and other environmental factors can also affect how students performed on tests. Also, some students may not answer survey questions
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