DBF 6
Flexible (Qualitative) Research versus Fixed (Quantitative) Study
The fundamental difference between the quantitative difference between qualitative and quantitative research lies in how they handle data. In the process of collecting and analyzing data, quantitative research deals with numbers and statistics, while qualitative research deals with words and meanings. Nonetheless, both are significant for gaining various forms of knowledge. From this knowledge, it becomes possible to recognize why qualitative research is regarded as flexible, while quantitative is considered fixed research. Morgan (2016) stated that qualitative research is flexible since it deals with the knowledge that can have various perspectives, whereas quantitative research is fixed since it deals with factual knowledge that cannot be altered based on the varying perspectives. It translates to the fact that qualitative research relies heavily on generation and analysis of ideas and seeking to explain the relationship between different phenomena and that can bear different meanings. On the other hand, qualitative research embraces an analytical approach that detaches from human reasoning to remove human bias in predicting behavior and pattern. It is because of this that quantitative research is expressed in numbers, graphs, and tables, where qualitative research is mainly expressed in words.
The other way that flexible/qualitative research characteristics are fundamentally different from fixed/quantitative research is that the former uses open-ended questions while the latter uses Closed (multiple choice) questions. Mumba (2018) explained that qualitative research relies on open-ended questions mainly because it allows the researchers to gain the perspective of the sample group hence enhancing understanding of the study because of the element of subjectivity. Mumba (2018) extended to explain that quantitative study primarily relies on multiple-choice questions since it seeks to test and measure phenomena because of the element of objectivity. Qualitative study is mainly flexible because it accommodates the respondents’ opinions, whereas a quantitative study is fixed because it limits the respondents’ answers to what the researchers are testing.
Reflexivity as a Researcher
Qualitative interviewing involves a continuous process of reflection on the research. According to Samul (2020), reflexivity refers to the process of assessing oneself as a researcher, and the relationship in the research. Reflexivity is crucial when performing qualitative research because there are numerous ways that a researcher’s biasness could affect the outcomes of the study, extending from the creation of data, data collection tools, collecting data, analysis and reporting the data. A research topic of interest is risk management and worker protection. A flexible study will entail seeking to understand who to manage risk effectively during the current pandemic and the best way to achieve worker protection with the available resources while increasing their productivity. As a qualitative researcher, my primary goal is to seek an understanding of meaning, but this does not mean that I assume that meanings are fixed and stable. Creswell and Poth (2018) mentioned that researchers need to be aware of personal bias in every research process and how it may affect the quality of research. Though I often hold onto the idea that my questions may not be subjective, it is essential to ensure that the research is not affected by my perspective towards the study topic. The experience that I have had with participants is understanding of the research question. However, the fault was primarily because I did not consider the clarity of the research question. Instead, I made it broad, and that did not offer specificity required when creating a qualitative study. The experience, in addition to this course, has influenced my need to pretest a study before performing it to ensure that it is viable and relevant.
Role of Gatekeepers
A gatekeeper refers to any person or institution that acts as an intermediary between the researcher and the selected study group. Gatekeepers ensure that a study is performed ethically by assessing the study and ensuring that it will not manipulate the study population hence protecting the selected sample. In John 18:16, it is evident that Peter was given the gatekeeper’s role as he stood outside the door so that the disciple known to the high priest (KJV). God calls us to take care of others, and this is not limited only to offering resources but also to be the gatekeepers to those who may bring them harm. A gatekeeper is thus to ensure that every study is done in the right and ethical manner.
