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An Introduction to Methodology: COMS 3099
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Methodology: An Introduction
COMS 3099: Language
& Communication
SeminarCarol Jaggernauth
Definitions
Ontology –
assertions or assumptions about the nature of being and reality
What the real world is.
The order of things (Foucault)
(Chandler & Munday 2011)
Epistemology
The study of the origin, nature, method and limits of knowledge. (Griffin 2012)
How we come to know what we know?
Definitions cont’d
Positivist paradigm/ positivism
Family of philosophies characterized by an extremely positive evaluation of science and scientific methods (Frey et al, 2000)
Applies methods used in physical sciences to study human behaviour
Definitions cont’d
Naturalistic paradigm
Family of philosophies that focus on the socially constructed nature of reality. (Frey et al, 2000)
Concerned with the development of methods that capture the socially constructed nature of reality.
Assumption Question Positivist Naturalist
Ontological The nature of reality
SingularObjective
MultipleIntersubjective
Epistemological Relationship bet. researcher and subjects
Independent Interdependent
Axiological The role of values in the research process
Value-freeUnbiased
Value ladenBiased
Methodological What’s the research process
Deduction Induction
Rhetorical Language of research report
FormalImpersonal
InformalPersonal voice
Methodology
1. A body of practices, procedures, and rules used by those who work in a discipline or engage in an inquiry.
2. The study or theoretical analysis of such working methods.
3. The branch of logic that deals with the general principles of the formation of knowledge. (Proz.com 2005)
Method
1. A means or manner of procedure, especially a regular and systematic way of accomplishing something: a simple method for making a pie crust; mediation as a method of solving disputes.
2. The procedures and techniques characteristic of a particular discipline or field of knowledge: This field course gives an overview of archaeological method. (Proz.com 2005)
Qualitative Research vs Quantitative Research
Qualitative Research
The acquisition of data that take the form of symbols other than meaningful numbers.
In-depth and detailed information.
Gives preference to participants lived experience.
Quality rather than quantity.
Smaller population samples
Methods include– focus groups, interviews, ethnography , textual analysis
Quantitative Research
Data collection takes the form of meaningful numbers
Enumeration – a process of reducing abstract concepts to numbers
Larger population samples
Quantity rather than quality.
Methods include- experiments, surveys and content analysis.
Triangulation
The mixing of data or methods so that diverse viewpoints or standpoints cast light upon a topic. (Olsen 2003)
Facilitates cross analysis of data.
Reduces limitation of using one method.
Increases reliability and flexibility.
Combination may include Surveys and Focus Groups etc.
Surveys
Focus Groups
Guidelines for Methodology Chapter
Introduction
Reintroduce the big question
Justification for research question (significance)
Conceptual Design – Model
Language
Data Analysis
Scales
Definitions (beginning)
Methodological Context – ontological, epistemological
Method
A,b,.c,d
What was done in detail
Who you collected data from
Why the fliers (Important characteristics)
Instruments – questionnaire and research questions
Checklist (Adapted from Dr. Tia Cooper)
1. The questions that you are attempting to answer and any problems that you may face in finding the answers
2. General definition or overview of the approach you will use.
3. A thorough description of how you will collect the data and the analytical procedures you will use to draw conclusions based on this information
Include an introductory paragraph that describes the problem you will address using your methodology
Subsequent paragraphs should explain the method that you will use to collect data to address the problem.
Include justification for why these methods are appropriate
You should explain why you did not use more common methods
Explain why you purposely included/excluded certain groups from research
Provide a brief explanation that discusses the inclusion/exclusion of groups and implications for your study
Discuss how certain variables may impact the outcome of your research (diff. lifestyles, etc)
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