4-1 Journal: Paradigms of Research

Paradigms of Research
Name:
Institutional affiliations:
Research is widely used to increase the levels of knowledge about someone or something, according to Alavi (2001), it is conducted in different fields with the primary aim of improving human life. There are two standard paradigms of carrying out research:
Qualitative Research
Considered exploration research, it presents complete and more detailed narration of the research topic as stated by Flum (2000). It is used to shed more light on undisclosed opinions, reasons and motivations. It is also used to reveal trends in ideas and opinions to enable the researcher to dig deeper into the problem. The methods used to collect data under this category include group discussions, interviews and one on one observations by the researcher. The data collected is in the form of words, images and objects. Under this category, the small manageable sample size is usually considered, and researchers are subjectively involved in the research.
Quantitative Research
This is used to quantify the problem seeking solution numerically, the numerical data obtained can then be converted into usable statistics in future for references. It majorly quantifies behaviors, attitudes, opinions and other stated variables as per Irwin (2008). Results obtained under this category are generalized from a larger sample population. It Is from these captured data that facts are formulated which then reveals the hidden patterns. Here data collection is more organised and entails; various forms of survey (example is online survey) telephone interviews, online polls and well-structured observations.

Qualitative research has its central focus on human angle, it states what people are thinking and their attitude, behavior and perception about something hence gives a more detailed understanding about a given phenomenon since it is easy to understand the motive behind the action and not just the result as described by quantitative research according to Berg (2004). Quantitative analysis is more accurate and reliable as the researcher can seek further clarifications and that is why I choose Quantitative analysis.
References
Alavi, M., & Leidner, D. E. (2001). Knowledge management and knowledge management systems: Conceptual foundations and research issues. MIS Quarterly, 107-136.
Flum, H., & Blustein, D. L. (2000). Reinvigorating the study of vocational exploration: A framework for research. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 56(3), 380-404.
Irwin, S. (1968). Comprehensive observational assessment: Ia. A systematic, quantitative procedure for assessing the behavioural and physiologic state of the mouse. Psychopharmacology, 13(3), 222-257.
Berg, B. L. (2004). Methods for the social sciences. Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences. Boston: Pearson Education.