Investigation Techniques: Research Methodology

Studies on communities can be done using two distinct styles of examination. Classifications of the criteria used are based on the type of information required. There is the qualitative system and quantitative system. The qualitative analysis uses individual know-how and understanding. It endeavors to comprehend the significance of societal happenings. These are achieved by paying attention to relationships between several qualities within a selected portion of a population. On the other hand, quantitative method tries to enumerate societal trends and evaluate statistical information. The system concentrates on fewer traits within numerous incidences.

Normally a society can be large with many people. Getting information from all persons can be tedious and cumbersome. Research uses a method, referred to as sampling, to select a portion of the population to be studied. The process assumes that traits of the whole population will be represented in the portion. The portion or sample can be used to analyze a population phenomenon sort after by the study.

Even though community work has been centered on investigating ordinary happenings, little focus has been directed to qualitative system of research. There are numerous benefits in using the qualitative system of research. For instance, expressive, initiation, and hidden styles of information gathering are well-suited for community work. It gives the worker a wholesome understanding of the situation at hand.

“You are what you eat? Vegetarianism, health and identity” by Fox and Ward, used qualitative methodology in its research. Information was collected from each participant based on their wellbeing experiences. The contributors were asked to give an account of their thoughts and viewpoints as vegans. Information on how they managed both their food preferences and uniqueness as non-flesh consumers was required. The data was in form of qualitative facts based on individual traits. The study categorized the relations into four criteria, substances, empirical, affection, or theoretical. Using liberated interrogations, further probing was carried out on the contributors who responded. Extension into values and feelings were expressed more readily during the interview sessions. These were carried out at the last phase of the research. Qualitative interrogations provided valuable information for the study. Individual opinions were articulated and recorded the investigator.

Plenty of data was gathered by utilizing a wide range of information accumulation techniques. The investigator applied internet support to assemble data from participants. The internet platform guaranteed a large population was reached. An internet medium was developed in the form of an interactive website. It was used for collecting data and interactions between the respondents. Information on health tips and other concerns were posted on the website.

The subjects were selected using a sampling method. The investigator branded the aims in the system parallel to those of previous studies. Information was gathered with a hope of realizing new data. In this methodology, the procedure is repeated until no new data is realized. This is referred to as “theoretical saturation” when no new facts are arrived at (McRoy, 4). Apparently, Fox and Ward did not reach the dissemination point in their data collection.

The research was divided into three phases, sharing in coordinated debates, reviews of participating members, and harmonized interrogations with participants. These stages provided diversity in the information gathered. Deliberations were aided by allowing the participants to select their topics. Appraising was done using unrestricted questionnaires. These allowed inclusion of private data such as age, sex, and nationality. The harmonized assessments gave the study more precise answers. A classified communication structure was setup on the website. These arrangements ensured discretion for participants.

A structured system used in qualitative examinations was employed for data analysis. The study dealt with specific goals and intent based on reasons. A constituted method was found to be suitable for the investigation. An ethnographical system of data collection and analysis enabled the study to be carried out using the opinions of the respondents. It allowed for methodical assembly and presentation of information. Data could thus be catalogued for analytical purposes. Privacy measures were undertaken with the contributor’s information being withheld. The systematic arrangement of data permitted easy referral to required information by the investigator.

Investigation technique used in the study of the vegans was suitable. The investigator’s aim was to clearly establish the views of the respondents. Information gathered was value based and it helped in the study. Qualitative study deals with non-arithmetical techniques of investigation and examination of societal characteristics. It uses an initiation system through which topics and groupings materialize. This is made possible by use of information gathered using discussions, surveillances, recordings, and particular studies (McRoy, 1). A section of the population was used to gather data for the study on vegans and their health concerns. The thought of using the internet was a profitable venture. Many respondents could be reached on a large scale and at affordable costs. It allowed for privacy and openness for the contributor’s to the inquiries presented. In qualitative studies, representing populations are generally tiny and regularly decisively chosen. A comprehensive account was developed from the viewpoints of the study contributors. The research methodology employed by Fox and Ward was found to be fitting for their investigation. The study targeted opinions that could only be channeled using an unstructured approach (McRoy, 2).

However, the study had challenges and constraints on the research method used. Technical tests such as access and use of computer hardware, prolonged interrogations, and lack of enthusiasm by the contributors, impacted the study greatly. The sampling method had a limit to the people who could contribute to the study. This created a bias in the final statistics collected. Nonetheless, scholars are optimistic on the internet growth and access will not be an issue. Vagueness of contributors might have led to purposeful and accidental dishonesty, or character misuse. These challenges could have skewed the findings of the investigation. All in all, the sampling technique provided rich data for the study. The probing and compilation of information was done in a systematic manner. The attractiveness of the website drew contributors, including the non-vegans, to participate in the survey. A mixture of points of views enriched the data gathered. The method of data collection was fitting for probing or initiating examination into a subject.

Generally, the research design used by Fox and Ward fitted perfectly into their investigations. Research work that required explanations from a population, needed to be conducted using the qualitative method. The investigation style allowed the participants to express themselves fully. However, a fusion of the quantitative and qualitative methods of research would have yielded more information. Fox and Ward used the blend at the later stages of their investigation. Statistics such as age, sex, nationality, and more can be useful to the investigation. Including the quantified data gave the information an identity as compared to vagueness. The investigations would have been carried out concurrently using different questionnaires. The structured questions would address specific answers such as age and sex, while the unstructured could be used to find out the opinions of respondents. Quantified data enabled the researchers to identify their respondent’s nationalities. The information on demography could be useful for other investigations. Evaluation of computed data alongside the features represented in a population, gave the analysis a comprehensive outlook.

Over the years, debates have been carried out on the use of qualitative research in sociology. In fact, it has taken a long time to realize that qualitative research methods are useful in studying populations. In the examination of multifaceted organizations and their practices, for instance, relatives, societies, and the public, qualitative methods of research might fit better. Most professionals are now embracing the style of investigation (McRoy 2). This shift could be due to the richness found in the qualitative data. The human population continues in behavior complexity. This increase will require a proactive intervention to assist in data buildup. Sociology has developed to higher standards and is largely taught in schools. This is due to the increased need for investigating human social aspects (McRoy, 3).

At last, there is an appreciation of qualitative research methodology in social phenomenon studies. The human person has continued to develop in many ways. This has made life more complex than it was a decade ago. With increased technological advancements people are faced with complicated challenges. Only with a combination of research methodologies and continued collaboration, will these complexities be addressed.

Works Cited

McRoy, Ruth G. “Qualitative Research”.uncp.edu. Web.

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