Objectivity
vs. Subjectivity
Chapters 5 through 7 concentrated
on explaining the introduction, the statement of purpose, and the research
questions of a research proposal.
Throughout the three chapters, Creswell explains the uses of qualitative,
quantitative, and mixed research methods in each of the three different aspects
of the proposal (introduction, purpose, and questions). By effectively separating the three
concepts in each chapter, the reader better understands the different approaches
to accomplishing the different goals of research.
With the qualitative method of
writing a proposal, Creswell explains the importance of non-directional
language; he explains that a researcher, when utilizing this method, must move
form the broad form of introducing a problem to a more specific concept to
solve the problem. However, when a
researcher utilizes a quantitative method of research, he or she must first
present specific questions, later utilizing data to draw a conclusion (this is
a more hypotheses driven method).
The mixed method, while problematic, especially when presenting research
questions, is a healthy combination of both methods; in other words, the
researcher will focus on raw data (surveys, statistics) as well as empirical
data (interviews, observations).
My main questions arise from the
balancing the integrity and objectivity of research while trying to maintain a
personal and subjective connection to your work. When Creswell informs us to utilize non-directional language
in an effort to not only escape the initial assumptions of your research, but
also to avoid providing the readers with an intended outcome, he is, in some
way telling us to remain objective with our work. When dealing with quantitative research, I can see the ease
of remaining objective (most of the information is based on strict data);
unfortunately, I am unable to see how a researcher is able to escape subjectivity
when his or research is based on empirical data (interviews, surveys). With the understanding and the lack of understanding
of human emotion how can a researcher remain objective of the outcome?
I can empathize with your concerns that Creswell's directions are a bit too formulaic. More and more I am getting the sense that this book is most effective as a research handbook or a basic template for research rather than a definitive text.
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