Theme 4: Quantitative research - part 2

 For this theme I both chose a paper to read and read the paper that was linked to us. I attended the lecture and the seminar. I found this theme’s topic of quantitative methods to be easier to grasp because it did not seem as abstract as earlier themes, like for example theory. However I found that this did not mean that there were less of a discussion during the seminar.

During the seminar we discussed in smaller groups different aspects of quantitative research methods. Among other aspects a discussion on the different ways of collecting data was held. At first we talked about the methods used in the research papers that we had read. The majority of the researches had used Likert-type scales. One of the research papers had discussed bodily changes and had used them as quantitative data. To try to summarize that paper; it was about how the size of pupils change due to being relaxed or stressed. 

I feel that the discussion at seminar, the literature and lecture have given me a broader perspective on how quantitative research methods can be used. Before this course my own experience with quantitative research methods was in the form of questionnaires, so I found the methods that had other approaches fascinating to hear about.

We also discussed iterative design process. To summarize that discussion it was said that this method was beneficial because it could make it easier to tell which changes in design was desirable for the users.

When we held a discussion as a whole group we talked about the different backgrounds to quantitative versus qualitative research methods. Qualitative research methods were said to have a background in humanities while quantitative research methods were said to have a background in science.

Furthermore we talked about how qualitative data in some cases can give more information than quantitative data. An example that was mentioned was a study that had been made about how it was to live without a house. It was mentioned that quantitative research methods could have been used in this study. However it was argued that a quantitative research method would not give as much information as a qualitative one. To share the same experience and also live without a house during the study and to talk to people who was living without a house were said to provide a more elaborate type of data on the subject.

To end this blog post:

Another point that was mentioned that I found interesting was the importance of working on the design of the methods used in the research. By for example testing questionnaires it is possible to discover potential misunderstandings or flaws in the design that then can be changed before having the study being made.