08/05/2017 template https://mylo.utas.edu.au/d2l/le/content/186498/viewContent/2192727/View 1/8 CRH607 Health Informatics Research Methods Topic 6 ­ Underpinnings: Approaches and Methods Overview The choice of an appropriate approach and method are critical components of any research. Along with the research questions or hypotheses, these form part of the research design, or the overall structure or plan of the research. Approaches are shaped by the research paradigm, and in turn, shape how the research will be conducted and what sampling, data collection and data analysis methods are used. Objectives At the completion of this topic, you should be able to: Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative approaches Discuss strengths and weaknesses of different research approaches Discuss a range of data collection methods Identify appropriate approaches and methods for a range of different research questions and research projects. A note about the readings... The required and extension readings for this topic are available by clicking the hyperlinks in the content, or through the UTAS Library Reading list for CRH607 (http://rlms.utas.edu.au/erl/listpage.php? erlview=readings&erlunit=CRH607). Introduction When planning research, attention needs to be given to the best way to answer the research question(s) or test the hypotheses. It might be appropriate to use a qualitative or quantitative approach, or to utilise both approaches in a mixed methods study. Positivist or scientific research is most likely to use a quantitative approach, interpretive or social science research a qualitative approach, and critical research may use both approaches.08/05/2017 template https://mylo.utas.edu.au/d2l/le/content/186498/viewContent/2192727/View 2/8 Each approach is associated with particular methods. Methods describe the type of inquiry, sampling strategies, data collection tools, and analytic strategies. Different approaches and methods have strengths and limitations in terms of their validity, reliability and generalisability. Reading Neuman, Social Research Methods, Chapter 4 ‘The Meanings of Methodology’. Whetton, Health Informatics: a socio­technical perspective, pp 38­39; 71­75. Web Resource Forum Qualitative Social Research: The Logic of Relating Qualitative and Quantitative Method (contains a number of article links on differences between qualitative and quantitative methods) at http://www.qualitativeresearch.net/fqs/fqs­e/inhalt1­01­e.htm (http://www.qualitativeresearch.net/fqs/fqs­e/inhalt1­01­e.htm) Research methods tutorials – Paul Hannan http://www.sophia.org/tutorials/research­methods­­5 (http://www.sophia.org/tutorials/research­methods­­5) Focus on Qualitative Research Web Resource Qualitative research in information systems ­ Michael D Myers Association for Information Systems at http://www.qual.auckland.ac.nz/ (http://www.qual.auckland.ac.nz/) Focus on Quantitative Research08/05/2017 template https://mylo.utas.edu.au/d2l/le/content/186498/viewContent/2192727/View 3/8 Web Resource Quantitative research design ­ Hopkins, W (1998) at http://www.sportsci.org/resource/design/design.html (http://www.sportsci.org/resource/design/design.html) Quantitative methodologies ­ Bristol University at http://www.bris.ac.uk/Depts/DeafStudiesTeaching/dissert/Quantitative%20Meth odologies.htm (http://www.bris.ac.uk/Depts/DeafStudiesTeaching/dissert/Quantitative%20Met hodologies.htm) Focus on Mixed Method Research Web Resource Mixed Methods: Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis While Studying Patient­Centered Medical Home Models at http://pcmh.ahrq.gov/page/mixed­methods­integrating­quantitative­andqualitative­data­collection­and­analysis­while (http://pcmh.ahrq.gov/page/mixed­methods­integrating­quantitative­andqualitative­data­collection­and­analysis­while) Template provided by the Digital Innovation Team (mailto:[email protected])08/05/2017 template https://mylo.utas.edu.au/d2l/le/content/186498/viewContent/2192727/View 4/808/05/2017 template https://mylo.utas.edu.au/d2l/le/content/186498/viewContent/2192727/View 5/808/05/2017 template https://mylo.utas.edu.au/d2l/le/content/186498/viewContent/2192727/View 6/808/05/2017 template https://mylo.utas.edu.au/d2l/le/content/186498/viewContent/2192727/View 7/808/05/2017 template https://mylo.utas.edu.au/d2l/le/content/186498/viewContent/2192727/View 8/8