QUESTION # 1 - Discussion: Research Methods (400 WORDS)

There are two principle traditions in research. These are qualitative and quantitative in nature and are often referred to as research methods. However, these traditions differ in more than methodology.

The document Qualitative_Quantitative

provides a table with 15 areas in which these approaches differ.

Referring to this resource, identify five of the areas presented in the table, then consider how these differences could affect your decision to include or exclude the studies with qualitative or quantitative research methods from your systematic review. Post a narrative response to the following questions for each of the five areas:

How could the difference presented affect your systematic review?

Based on this difference, which, if either, of the two research approaches would best allow you to address your research question? Why? OR If you feel the approaches would be equally affective, why?

References

Johnson, B., & Christensen, L. (2008). Educational research: Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches (p. 34). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Lichtman, M. (2006). Qualitative research in education: A user's guide (pp. 7-8). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

QUESTION # 2 - Discussion: Bias in Research (350 WORDS)

Bias in Research reading, you learned what research bias is, what forms it can take, and the risks associated with it. When you conduct a systematic review, your research is threatened by bias from two sources: bias in the studies you will use in your systematic review (included studies) and bias associated with conducting a systematic review.

Using your new understanding of bias and the risks of bias, identify two forms of bias present in your published systematic review from week 1, then consider how these forms of bias could affect your own research. Post a narrative response to the following questions:

Which forms of bias were present in your published systematic review? Include in your answer the types and risks of bias, and whether those types and risks were disclosed by the study author(s).

How would you describe the two forms of bias you selected to a family member? What is an example of each selected research bias?

How might you avoid similar forms of bias in your own proposed research?

How would you disclose forms of potential bias in your proposed research that you could not avoid?

Provide feedback on their responses to the 3 questions. Do you agree with their plans to avoid bias? What suggestions do you have for their proposed disclosure?

References

Pannucci, C. & Wilkins, E. (2010). Identifying and avoiding bias in research. Plast Reconstr Surgery, 126 619-625. doi:10.1097/PRS.0b013e

QUESTION # 3 Assignment: Qualitative and Quantitative Research (250 words)

This week you have been considering the differences in research conducted from qualitative and quantitative traditions. As you have learned, these differences are extensive and their results can affect how you view your problem and topic. Consider the problem you wish to address with your systematic review as well as your proposed focus and research questions from Week 1, while you complete this assignment.

You are required to use the results of your literature searches in week 2 to select 1 qualitative and 1 quantitative study to use to complete this assignment. Review them both paying special attention to the research method and how it relates to the topic and affects the published results, then address the following in a narrative of 250 words.

· How does the qualitative study address the problem? Include in your response a discussion of the research question, methods, and any results you could use in your systematic review.

· How does the quantitative study address the problem? Include in your response a discussion of the research question, methods, and any results you could use in your systematic review.

Provide a rationale for the inclusion of only qualitative research only quantitative research, or both in your systematic review.