Arrange the following concepts in the correct sequential order of undertaking a research study

This blog post will guide you through a multiple-choice question that tests your understanding of the sequential order of key concepts in a research study. Understanding this sequence is crucial for designing and conducting robust research. Let's break down the concepts and find the correct order.

Understanding the Research Process

Undertaking a research study is a systematic process that often follows a logical progression, starting from broad philosophical underpinnings to specific methodological choices. The question asks us to arrange the following concepts in their correct sequential order:

(A) Realism (B) Positivism (C) Objectivism (D) Quantitative approach (E) Quasi-experimental design

Analyzing the Concepts and Determining the Sequence

Let's examine each concept and how they logically build upon each other in a research study:

(A) Realism: Realism, in a research context, is a philosophical stance that posits that reality exists independently of our minds, but our perception of it is shaped by our experiences and social contexts. It's a broad philosophical perspective that influences the overall approach to research.

(C) Objectivism: Objectivism is another philosophical stance closely related to realism. It emphasizes that reality exists independently of consciousness and that researchers can strive for objectivity in their investigations. In the context of research paradigms, objectivism often underpins positivist approaches. Objectivity is a guiding principle in many research endeavors, aiming to minimize bias and personal interpretation.

(B) Positivism: Positivism is a more specific philosophical approach that builds upon objectivism and realism. It emphasizes empirical observation, measurement, and scientific methods to study social phenomena. Positivism assumes that objective reality can be understood and measured through systematic and controlled methods. It is a dominant paradigm in quantitative research.

(D) Quantitative approach: A quantitative approach is a research methodology that aligns strongly with positivism. It focuses on collecting and analyzing numerical data to measure variables, test hypotheses, and establish relationships. Quantitative methods are used to quantify phenomena and generalize findings to larger populations.

(E) Quasi-experimental design: A quasi-experimental design is a specific type of research design within the quantitative approach. It is used to establish cause-and-effect relationships in situations where true experiments (with random assignment) are not feasible. Quasi-experimental designs are a practical application of quantitative methods to answer specific research questions.

The Correct Sequential Order

Based on this analysis, the most logical sequential order is:

1. (A) Realism: Starting with a broad philosophical understanding of reality.
2. (C) Objectivism: Moving to the principle of objectivity in research.
3. (B) Positivism: Adopting a specific philosophical stance focused on empirical methods.
4. (D) Quantitative approach: Choosing a methodology aligned with positivism.
5. (E) Quasi-experimental design: Selecting a specific research design within the quantitative approach.

Therefore, the correct answer from the options given is (3) (A), (C), (B), (D), (E).

Why Other Options Are Incorrect

• (1) (A), (B), (C), (D), (E): Placing Positivism before Objectivism is less logical as Objectivism is a broader philosophical stance that often underpins Positivism.
• (2) (B), (C), (A), (E), (D): This option incorrectly places Realism after Positivism and Objectivism. Also, it puts Quasi-experimental design before the broader Quantitative approach.
• (4) (B), (C), (E), (D), (A): This option also incorrectly places Quasi-experimental design before the Quantitative approach and Realism at the very end, disrupting the logical flow from philosophical stances to specific designs.

Conclusion

Understanding the sequential order of these concepts is essential for designing a coherent and well-grounded research study. Starting with philosophical underpinnings like realism and objectivism helps to define the overall research paradigm. This then leads to the choice of a methodological approach like quantitative research, and finally to the selection of a specific research design like a quasi-experimental design to address the research question effectively.