Qualitative And Quantitative Research Methods Computer Science Essay

soft And numerical Research Methods calculator Science EssayQualitative look into is involves victimization different mode acting actings ranging from participant bill, interviews, and performance search, to ethnography, document review and grounded conjecture in stage to investigate and explain phenomena of predominantly tender comprehensions. How incessantly, qualitative look into put up a resembling be found in various a nonher(prenominal) disciplines, reconcile to suitcapable methodologies. A general shift in predilection of instruction Systems (IS) has declarati whizzd in an elevated focus on organizational and man epochrial rather than technological systemal issues. The reorientation in any grapheme requires qualitative look into to inscribe the discipline of IS, which use to be exclusively relying on quantitative question for testing its metaphysical proboscis.This paper is to review and discuss the methods of qualitative enquiry with the aim of i dentifying their suitability for interrogation in Information Systems. Based on the limitations and benefits of the individual query methods, a fabric for applying much(prenominal) methods will be presented to be considered as a vantage point in applying much(prenominal) methods scientific whollyy.IntroductionThe concept of methodology refers to the principal way of going away most doing investigate or practicing the discipline in its present activities. Consequently, the term interrogation methodology refers to the way inquiry is macrocosm conducted inwardly the discipline, and normally this is methodology is confined to the respective scientific discipline. Research methodology refers to all the methods diligent particular propositionally when doing look for, e.g. the subjects interviewed, the materials used, the methods used to store entropy, and so on The aim is to accurately and exhaustingly key out and list all parameters which led to the obtaining of a acc epted set of data, so that it could be repeated elsewhere and by other detectives. The methodology too specifies the upper and lower limits, the exact circumstances under which the look into was conducted (Alavi Carlson, 1992) (Myers, 1997) (Orlikowski Iacono, 2001).The takings of estimator skill and the absence of a look for tradition like the disciplines of physics, chemistry, or biological recognition led to the predominance of a technical side on friendship systems. Realizing the tremendous amicable consequences of data systems, calculating machine accomplishment and technology on mickle and society has paved the way for employ qualitative research in this discipline. Not surprisingly, research workers much(prenominal) as (Mangan, 2004) keep up pointed out the increasing occurrence of qualitative research methods in breeding system research and its related management atomic number 18as.DiscussionThe human go for to shape the world and materialise ide as and concepts brought on us m any notoriously failing, yet at other times marvellously ingenious pieces of design and concepts of grandeur, which is unique to human life as much as we atomic number 18 able to reflect on ourselves and our actions. This paper is to discuss computer apprehension by defining the terms acquisition and scientific method in relation to the Theory of Science. Based on the physical compositions of (Kuhn, 1962) (Carnap, 1994) (Popper, 1999)and (Chalmers, 1999), the family relationships between perception, research, victimisation and technology is explored.Computer Science has as its determination of investigation the computer as a technology, as a tool to structure companionship and information in and some our world. As much as computer science is based in mathematics and logic, its theoretical and experimental research methods embody that of genuine sciences. However, computer science in like manner features those unique methods of theoretic al account and simulation which collapse drawn and transformed other sciences while impacting tremendously on artistic and commercial fields. In maintaining a close relationship with technology, computer science is subject to a continuous development check to modern life, though wanting a scientific tradition of classical sciences.By the time computer science emerged in the late 1940s, it was much of a bringing together of various existing sciences, culminating in various concepts of other sciences (logic, mathematics, physics) to be re-assembled to bring forth a new-fangled theory and practice of general abstraction and specific design.Though termed computer science, however, it is not so obvious that the field qualifies as a science in the traditional sense. Still a young discipline, it also started out genuinely differently than for example alike classic Greek sciences such as mathematics and physics. The historical development of computer science brought about an age of dramatically increased communication, which, for one, allowed other sciences to communicate much more effectively than ever before, while at the same time allowed a holistic view of our world to emerge and establish itself amongst most of todays societies.What is vulgarly referred to as science terminate be discoverd a systematic ceremonial of phenomena by means of (certain) sets experimental and logical methods in localise to look such phenomena. We consign to a certain gaining of phenomena, once we take on a theory which can help us to explain such phenomena why they be what they atomic number 18, or why we experience them as we do, whether they follow a certain pattern, etc.Traditionally, the scientific doubtfulness is first and maiden touch with the tangible world, with trial-and-error phenomena which require logical and confirmable methods to observe, describe and explain such phenomena. As such, science is divided into several specific sciences in order to cut down on obscureities. Natural sciences control fields such as physics, chemistry, geology, biology, etc., while sociable sciences refer to psychology, sociology, economics, anthropology, etc. The humanities refer to argonas of investigation such as philosophy, history, linguistics, etc., while socialization refers to beas such as religion, art, etc. A special class of science is logic and mathematics, in that they atomic number 18 exclusively abstract fields of enquiry with no need to refer to the physical world in any way.What is referred to as science is also a body of noesis that is more or less organized, and which gives rise and consistency to the agreed logical and empirical methods employed in going about the observation and explanation of phenomena. However, science is also the concrete application of such organized knowledge to the physical world.Science attempts to explain and understand the physical world. It is important to note that science is always an after -the-fact effort in understanding the observed phenomena. scientific knowledge is not a introductoryi, meaning, it neer occurs before the observation. This is different for logic and mathematics, in that knowledge in these fields does not presuppose an observation. In these fields, conclusions be reached by logic, while at the same time logic is the object and field of investigation.Science presupposes an order in the congenital world which structures and order everything in the universe, an order which is relatively constant, and which can be discovered in order to gain increased levels of knowledge about the world. In the end, science is an expression of human curiosity and a desire, and ability, to solve problems. Such problem-solving endeavours ultimately lead to the building of theories, attempting to unite and unify all our observations, or a subset of observations into rational structures which depict the natural world. As such, theories argon nets cast to thumb what we call the world to rationalize, to explain, and to master it. We endeavor to make the mesh ever finer and finer. (Popper, 1999)The Scientific Methodthither is no single scientific method. While one could define the scientific method as a set of practices which scientists use to answer questions inwardly their specific field of research or investigation, the methods employed can vary significantly. Some of the methods used for scientific enquiry ar of logical nature, as they refer to arriving at deductions from certain hypotheses, or as they refer to causal relationships and their logical implications. Other methods are of an empirical tincture, in that they refer to making observations, the designing of instruments (e.g. to collect data), or the designing of controlled experiments.However, all and any scientific method employed is subject to the criterion of being replicable and repeatable. Any other person should be able to duplicate the very experimental setup or enquiry, and p roduce both the same results, or dissimilar results. This is also a strong indicant of scientific methods being impersonal, or put differently, unless another person can duplicate the results of another scientist, this serves as a sign that there are substantial errors in either the design, the methodology, or the interpretation of such results.Scientific methods are used to generate the logical limits or environment at bottom which to generate information, which can serve either as a result of certain questions asked, or as input to questions to be asked. Such methods also serve to establish scientific theories about whatever can be theorised about in the circumstance of the specific research environment. In science, everything is theoretical until substantiated by logical deduction (or induction), empirical proof, or a conclave thereof.The scientific method is characterised by the very nature of science, in that it is never absolute, constantly in a state of being changed and reviewed. All findings are negotiated in empirical terms, and this confident(p) negotiating butt is a recursively self-correcting do by which root science exclusively in the empirical paradigm. It should be noted, though, that the scientific method is just that, a method, a set of human practices geared and calibrate towards obtaining knowledge about the world in a certain, exclusively rationalist way.Researchers such as (Feyerabend, 2000) et al. maintained that all human epistemological endeavours, and with that all scientific endeavours, do not arise from a vacuum. All human experience and thought are based on prior experience and thought, thus all experimental data is rather theory-contaminated. This bears specifically on computer science, in that the design of experimental equipment has to follow a similar pattern like the scientific method exemplified above in order to maintain a verifiable baseline.Qualitative ResearchThe most parkland differentiation between various res earch methods is that of quantitative versus qualitative research methods. Quantitative research is concerned with quantifiable data, objective measures which can be repeated always and everywhere, given that all parameters which could influence the measurement process have been analysed and specified in the research design. This is the predominant research methodology of all natural sciences (Myers, 1997), and includes methods such as e.g. mathematical modeling (also used in computer science), test performance scores, measurements (weighing, counting, etc.), but also context-free stack responses.Qualitative research is about evaluating, measuring, and understanding of social issues (e.g. in sociology) or human problems (e.g. in psychology), as embedded in a social context featuring the influence of subjective opinions, goals, objectives or understandings (Cresswell, 1994). Here, more than often, it matters for example how questions and statements are worded, and how such is unders tood across various cultures, societies, groups, or individuals. consortly, the methods employed start out from participant observation to interviews and questionnaires, in short, whatever method is suitable to tidy the very quality of a situation or condition.The fact that the Information Systems discipline is rooted in the engineering tradition callable to its positivist qualities regarding computer science and the activities just about designing and building computers, prototyping and modelling have led researchers such as Roger Clarke to indicate that positivist approaches alone are insufficient to gather the interpretive aspects and qualities which often are emergent phenomena when climax Information Systems from a management perspective (Clarke, 1995).PositivistInformation systems research was classified as positivist by researchers (Orlikowski Baroudi, 1991), departd such research provided quantifiable measures of variables, hypothesis testing and formal propositions about a problem, the phenomenon and the sample of the population. Researchers such as (Yin, 2002) and (Marzanah, 2007), on the contrary, have exemplified the applicability of case carry research as a valid approach to information system research. instructiveNotwithstanding the ideals and benefits of a positivist approach to the world, not all phenomena can be accorded for by an empirical approach as skilful in the hard sciences of physics et al. The attempt to understand the complexities of a subjectively experienced but socially reached reality in which it is important to understand the context within which such processes happen and meaning is imbued on a armament of processes and relations, has fostered the scientific approach to history and culture, and the embeddedness of human life into such complex systems (Orlikowski Baroudi, 1991). Irrespective of the perspective on such negotiated contexts, qualitative research hushed aims at maintaining the objectivity of the researc her as he/she attempts to collect data for interpretation. Likewise, the use of qualitative research in the Information Systems discipline is aimed at producing an understanding of the context of the information system, and the process whereby the information system influences and is influenced by the context (Walsham, 1993).EngineeringThe movement from logic and mathematics to natural science, social sciences, the humanities and culture is an indication that human society developed collimate to human thought as contained in the purely natural sciences concerned only with the natural world. The development of science beyond those natural sciences and logic and mathematics is to show that humans were successfully integrating and re-integrating the then on-going knowledge to include still areas of interest which do not match with the traditional field of investigation of the respective sciences, i.e. humans were repeatedly relating one subject with another, say, the functions of v itamins in the human body with the effects thereof within a social context.The emergence of computer science was possible by the inclusion of mathematics and logic, in the form of the field of Artificial erudition (AI), while at the same time drawing on physics, chemistry, biology and psychology. Since its inception in 1936 as a branch of mathematics, computer science has been limiting itself to an exploration of how mathematics can be codified by and into mechanistic explanations and principles, with the earliest computer programs being FORTRAN in 1954 to solve problems in numerical compendium, and LISP in 1958 to solve problems in symbolic processing.Computer science is more of a meta-activity, in that it reflects on the practice of writing software programs or designing computer hardware. More precisely though, computer science is concerned with the design, development and investigation of empirical methodologies and logical concepts that are the basis of the scientific activi ties of specifying, developing, implementing and analyzing computational systems (Eden, 2007).Qualitative Research Method in Information SystemIS research has been the have of processes related to the development of IS applications and the effects that IS applications have on people, particularly in formal settings such as organizations. The importance of IS research until now, has led to a number of different research approaches and methods, usually altered from other disciplines such as sociology, natural sciences, and military control studies. Harvard colloquium on qualitative IS research methods and QualIT conference in Griffith University in Brisbane on November 2005 have highlighted qualitative research, as a distinctive research approach. Qualitative research methods were developed in the social sciences to enable researchers to study social and cultural phenomena. Qualitative data sources include observation and participant observation (fieldwork), interviews and questionn aires, documents and texts, and the researchers impressions and reactions. According to Northcutt McCoy (2004), Myers (2006), and Hesse-Biber Levy (2006), there are four research methods being used by IS researchers. The research methods are the case study research, ethnography, action research, and grounded theory.Case StudyCase study research is the most common qualitative method used in information systems (Alavi and Carlson, 1992). Yin (2002) defines the scope of a case study as an empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporaneous phenomenon within its real-life context, especially when the boundaries between phenomenon and context are not distinctly evident. Yin further suggested the following steps techniques for organizing and conducting the case study research. The steps are to determine and define the research questions, to select the cases and determine data collect and analysis techniques, prepare to collect data, collect data in the field, to approximate and an alyze the data and lastly preparing the report. There are numerous case study research, in the organizational context for the implementation of information systems, to garnish and investigate theories related to IS and organization.EthnographyThis is the research method of anthropology with its emphasis on culture. It is undertaken by observation, interviews and examination of documents. In the research, the researchers observe their collaborators without prejudice or prior assumptions. Ethnography is widely used in the study of information systems in organizations, from the study of the development of information systems (Davies Nielsen, 1992). Ethnography according to Avison and Myers, (1995) is suited to providing information systems researchers with rich insights into the human, social and organizational aspects of information systems development and application. The goal of ethnographicalal research is to improve our understanding of human thought and action by interpretat ion of human actions in context. Basic steps recommended as a general fashion model for an ethnographic study (Rose et al., 1995), used to conduct an ethnographic study. The steps include preparation to understand, familiarize setting goals and access to observe. subject field study to establish rapport with managers and users, observe/interview and collect data. compendium to compile the collected data, quantify data and compile statistics, preparing report and presenting the findings. Randall, D., et al. (1999), explore the issue of legacy through the use of a long-term empirical investigation into how information technology is employed in a major UK bank. The closeness of their investigation into the day-to-day operations of the bank from the perspectives of individual users (using ethnographic techniques) identifies the embedded nature of the technology and the impact of cultural, organizational, and individual employees legacy on organizational and technical change.Action R esearchAction research has been promoted and practiced as one way to conduct empirical research within Information System discipline. Information system action research (Davidson, 1998) is apply research to develop a solution that is of practical value to the people with whom the researchers are workings, and at the same time to develop theoretical knowledge of value to a research community. According to Baskerville, R. (1999), information system research in has led to a number of different research approaches and methods, adapted from other disciplines such as sociology, natural sciences, and business studies and is often identify by its dual goal of both improving the organization fighting(a) in the research project, and the AR practitioner is expected to apply discussion on this environment. Action Research methodology was normally chosen as a research methodology as it provides the research with an inside and working view of the research matter. AR study done is characterize d by the researcher applying positive intervention to the organization, while collecting field data about the organization and the effects of the intervention.Grounded TheoryGrounded theory is a research method that seeks to develop theory that is grounded in data systematically gathered and analyzed. According to Corbin and Strauss (1990), grounded theory is theory discovery methodology that allows the researcher to develop a theoretical account based on concepts, categories and propositions. There are quint phases of grounded theory building research design, data collection, data ordering, data analysis and literature comparison, and each phase were evaluated against four research quality criteria construct validity, internal validity, external validity and reliability. Orlikowski, (1993) uses grounded theory research in the findings of an empirical study into two organizations experiences with the adoption and use of campaign tools over time. The study characterizes the organiz ations experiences in terms of processes of incremental or radical organizational change. These findings are used to develop a theoretical framework for conceptualizing the organizational issues around the adoption and use of these tools and issues that have been largely missing from contemporary discussions of CASE tools. Singh et al (2005) discussed on the challenge of methodological implication of moving from grounded theory to user requirement in IS design.Results and DiscussionConclusionA research method is a strategy of inquiry to research design and data collection. The choice of research method will influence the way in which the researcher collects data. Specific research methods also imply different skills, assumptions and research practices. According to Benbasat et al (1996), no single research methodology is cave in that any other methodology, and in order to ensure the quality of information system research, Clarke (1997) listed the following requirements to be presen t in an IS research the research method, applied within the scientific, the interpretive or the engineering tradition, the explication of a body of theory, which in most cases needs to reach back into reference disciplines, and also the extension of the theory. This give rise to the following motivation in conducting qualitative research in ISSpending many hours in the field, collecting long data, and trying to gain access, rapport, as to gain an insider perspective in natural setting, and doing exploratory studies, where variables cannot be identified, theories are not available to explain air of participants or their population of study, and theories need to be developed.The qualitative research does also present some challenges that the researchers might vitrine in using the method. In grounded theory, the challenges for the researchers are to set aside, as much as possible, theoretical ideas or notions so that the analytic, substantive theory can emerge, the researcher must grant that this is a systematic approach to research with specific steps in data analysis.The researcher faces the difficulty of determining when categories are saturated or when the theory is sufficiently detailed. The ethnography is challenging to use for the researchers as the researcher needs to have grounding in cultural anthropology, time to collect data is extensive, involving prolonged time in the field, and there is a surmisal to be unable to complete the study or be compromised in the study. In case study research, some of the challenges that the researcher must face is that whether to study a single case or multiple cases.The study of more than one case may dilutes the overall due to the lack of depth. In action research methods, lack of agreed criteria for evaluating action research, further complicates the publication review process, and makes this approach a difficult choice for academics. There is also an issue in both ethical and professional problems. Researchers w ho do not carefully explain their research orientation may deprave clients who are expecting consulting-type performance, creating an ethical breech regarding informed consent.In the field of IS a variety of research methodologies has been explored by researchers for different aspects of research study depending on the research focus and application domain of the researchers. Whatever research method to use, there must be some way of assuring the quality of the data collected, and the correctness of interpretation. There is also the need of a framework to guide the effort, and to clarify such methodological details, as it will provide a set of guidelines for a good IS research as suggested by Checkland (1991) and Lau (1997). A framework in Table 3 is proposed and has been used by Marzanah (2007) to guide the effort, clarify methodological details as the use of the researcher, the process of problem diagnosis, the nature of the intervention, the terminus of reflection and learning intended, and whether there is new knowledge to be gained in the research.The action research approach enabled us to understand the interaction of social organization and information systems, by introducing changes into these processes and observant the effects of these changes. The action research approach is proposed due to the value of capturing and explaining what is going on in real organization. By using action research, it enabled us to understand the interaction of social organization and information systems, by introducing changes into these processes and observant the effects of these changes. It serves as a checklist with its criteria and questions to assess the quality of the research.The qualitative research methodology approach is viewed as significant in IS research due to the value of capturing and explaining what is going on in real organization. It enabled us to understand the interaction of social organization and information systems, the processes and observing the effects of these changes brought earlier by IS. A research framework inaction research is proposed as guidance for the research activities to be undertaken to ensure the research objectives are met. The framework would guide the research effort and clarify methodological details of the role of the researcher, the process of problem diagnosis, the real world happening in an organization, the extent of reflection and learning intended, and whether there is new knowledge to be gained.