Anderson & Kanuka (2003): Designing e-Research
When the purpose is to test theory, quantitative research is more appropriate.
Disadvantages of using the internet as a research tool
"[M]edia are mere vehicles that deliver instruction but do not influence student achievement any more than the truck that delivers our groceries causes changes in nutrition...only the content of the vehicle can influence achievement" (Richard Clark, 1983: 445)
The influence of media is a complex phenomenon (Chandler, 1996) and shape our experience through their selectivity. Chandler identified the key features of technological impact that reshape many of our social structures:
The method e-researchers choose often reveals what they value as knowledge and, perhaps more importantly, what their perspective of the nature of reality is. For example, quantitative methods are based on an assumption that the world is comprised of observable and measurable facts. In the context of e-research, this involves using the internet as a data-gathering tool to find cause and effect through an objective, formal, an deductive design, which aims to be context and value free. Quantitative researchers strive for transparency and objectivity, thus allowing their results to generalise to other places and people.
Common quantitative methods: experimental studies, questionnaires
In contrast, qualitative methods assume multiple realities, which are subjective, value-laden, complex, and context-bound. Accuracy is achieved through credibility, transferability, confirmability, and dependability (Guba, 1981)... The qualitative e-researcher interacts with the research using an in-depth inductive process and an emerging design that is identified during the research process. With respect to the Net, the qualitative e-researcher generally views it as more than simply a tool for data gathering... Thus the Net and the research results are indivisible, in that the e-researcher's biases and beliefs about the Net will influence the research process, and hence, should be reflected on and addressed through the study.
Common qualitative methods: ethnographies, grounded theory investigations, case studies, interviews and phenomenological studies
The different assumptions of each research approach will not only influence the methodological approach selected, but also the purpose of the research and the role of the e-researcher... Thus is it important for e-researchers to be self-aware to the extent that they can articulate their own personal worldview.
Anderson & Kanuka: Designing e-Research
"It is the theory that decides what can be observed" - Albert Einstein
When the purpose of the research is to generate theory, qualitative research is an appropriate strategy.
When the purpose is to test theory, quantitative research is more appropriate.
Task of the e-researcher: "to design research that asks meaningful and answerable questions and that coherently answers those questions in ways that match the personal worldview of the researcher, the sponsor of the research, and the subjects of investigation"
Advantages of using the Internet as a research tool
ability to access research 'subjects' that would otherwise be inaccessible due to distance, nationality, language barriers etc.
Provides anonymity to research subjects who may be unwilling to provide data using other methods
Disadvantages of using the internet as a research tool
- because the internet is a relatively new research tool we 'don't know what we don't yet know' about its limitations
Research designs with usually include the following:
- A research methodology paradigm
- The use of related and relevant literature
- The purpose and/or objectives of the study
- A problem statement, research questions, or hypotheses
- An acknowledgement of limitations and setting of delimitations
- A statement of the significance of the study
- A plan for data collection and analysis
- A statement about how the study advances methods and procedures for data collection and analysis
How do you do e-research?
- decide on a problem in need of investigation - typically research focuses on understanding a phenomenon, testing a theory in a real-world context, explaining an observed event, or developing a solution to an existing problem
- ask the question in a 'researchable' manner:
- Avoid value judgements involving 'should ' or 'should not'
- Avoid questions that invite an absolute response e.g. 'yes or no'
- make sure the research question avoids the so what factor
- when structuring your question use language that is compatible with the study, method or paradigm
Are technologies 'neutral' in their effect on educational outcomes?
"[M]edia are mere vehicles that deliver instruction but do not influence student achievement any more than the truck that delivers our groceries causes changes in nutrition...only the content of the vehicle can influence achievement" (Richard Clark, 1983: 445)
The influence of media is a complex phenomenon (Chandler, 1996) and shape our experience through their selectivity. Chandler identified the key features of technological impact that reshape many of our social structures:
- Selectivity: Selectivity is the way a technology is formalised within its own system. The outcome of selectivity occurre when some aspects of our experiences are amplified through the use of communication technologies causing others, in turn, to be reduced.
- Transparency: Transparency occurs when we become so familiar with a technology that we do not recognise its influence and hence, the consequences of its use. This results in an inability to exercise our choices.
- Transformation: Transformation occurs when the use of technology becomes an end in itself. Specifically, when using a technology, we function within its structure.
- Resonance: Resonance refers to the significance or enduring effect attached to the use of one technology over another. How significant the resonance is depends on the media transformations, which, in turn, derive from the nature and use of a particular technology.
Quantitative vs qualitative research paradigms
The method e-researchers choose often reveals what they value as knowledge and, perhaps more importantly, what their perspective of the nature of reality is. For example, quantitative methods are based on an assumption that the world is comprised of observable and measurable facts. In the context of e-research, this involves using the internet as a data-gathering tool to find cause and effect through an objective, formal, an deductive design, which aims to be context and value free. Quantitative researchers strive for transparency and objectivity, thus allowing their results to generalise to other places and people.
Common quantitative methods: experimental studies, questionnaires
In contrast, qualitative methods assume multiple realities, which are subjective, value-laden, complex, and context-bound. Accuracy is achieved through credibility, transferability, confirmability, and dependability (Guba, 1981)... The qualitative e-researcher interacts with the research using an in-depth inductive process and an emerging design that is identified during the research process. With respect to the Net, the qualitative e-researcher generally views it as more than simply a tool for data gathering... Thus the Net and the research results are indivisible, in that the e-researcher's biases and beliefs about the Net will influence the research process, and hence, should be reflected on and addressed through the study.
Common qualitative methods: ethnographies, grounded theory investigations, case studies, interviews and phenomenological studies
The different assumptions of each research approach will not only influence the methodological approach selected, but also the purpose of the research and the role of the e-researcher... Thus is it important for e-researchers to be self-aware to the extent that they can articulate their own personal worldview.
Tips for writing good research questions
- When developing your research question, make sure it does not require a value judgement
- Avoid asking questions that can be answered in any absolute way (i.e. "yes" or "no") or seem to imply universality over large domains or fields of study
- Match the language to the method of the study (quantitative vs qualitative)
- Pay attention to the wording of published research studies to identify the perspective, methodology, or reserach paradigm from the problem statement
- Consider how the Net may influence responses to your research question
- Be sure that the research question guides your use of the Net rather than letting the Net guide the research question
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