Activity . data. We generally use two methodological approaches for the analysis of data. These are: quantitative and qualitative methods.
In this section, we will briefly discuss these approaches. Quantitative Method As you may have gathered by now, psychological tests, questionnaires, structured interviews, etc. contain a series of close-ended questions. That is, the questions and their probable responses are given in these measures.
Generally, these responses are given in scaled forms. That is, they indicate the strength and magnitude of the response. For example, they may vary from (low) to , or (high). The participants’ task is to select the most appropriate response.
Sometimes there are right and wrong responses. A researcher assigns a number to each answer (normally “ ” for right answers, and “ ” for wrong answers). At the end, the researcher calculates the total of all these numbers and arrives at an aggregate score, which tells about the participants’ level on that particular attribute (for example, intelligence, academic intelligence, etc.). In doing so, the researcher converts the psychological attributes into a quantity (usually numbers).
For the purpose of drawing conclusions, a researcher may compare individual’s score with that of the group, or compare the scores of two groups. This requires use of certain statistical methods about which you will study later. You have already read in mathematics in Class X about the methods of central tendency (mean, median, and mode), methods of variability (range, quartile deviation, standard deviation), co-efficients of correlation, and so forth. These and some other advanced statistical methods enable a researcher to make inferences and to give meaning to the data.
Qualitative Method Human experiences are very complex. This complexity is lost when one elicits information children among Rajputs of Khalapur. S. Anandalakshmy studied aspects of childhood in a weavers’ community in Varanasi.
Case studies provide detailed in-depth depictions of people’s lives. However, while generalising on the basis of individual cases one needs to be very cautious. The problem of validity in a single case study is quite challenging. It is recommended that the information should be collected using multiple strategies from different sources of information by a number of investigators.
Careful planning of data collection is also very necessary. Throughout the process of data collection the researcher is required to maintain a chain of evidence for linking various data sources having bearing on the research questions. As you have read, each method has its own limitations and advantages. Therefore, it is desirable that the researcher should not depend upon only one method.
A combination of two or more methods should be used to get the real picture. If the methods converge, i.e. they give the same results, one can certainly be more confident. Identify the most appropriate method of enquiry for the following research problems.
Does noise influence the problem solving ability of the people? Should there be a dress code for college students? Studying the attitude of students, teachers, and parents towards homework. Studying the behaviour of a student in a playgroup and in a classroom.
Tracing the major life events of your favourite leader. Assessing the anxiety level of Class XI students of your school.