Most researchers agree that both qualitative research and quantitative research are necessary. There continues to be considerable specialization in one or the other method through personal and disciplinary preference and philosophical dispositions. However, there is a trend toward using both methods in the same study. One version of this employs the methods sequentially, as in the case of an “exploratory” phase from which population information and null hypotheses are gleaned for use in a quantitative phase. Other studies use these methods in combination, as in gathering contextual information using qualitative research methods for use in quantitative models.
To develop a strong capability to support qualitative research methods, ProtoGenie has added another “category” of research methods called “Qualitative Methods” to our original list of methods, which included archival research, case study research, clinical trials, classical & quasi experimental designs, cohort research, laboratory experiments, observational research, and combined methods research.
Among the “Types” of methods that will be supported under qualitative research methods are:
- Participant Observation
- Direct Observation
- Unstructured Interviewing
- Case Studies
- Content Analysis
- Focus Groups
The capability to conduct qualitative research already exists to a considerable extent in ProtoGenie’s generic design and wide-ranging tools. ProtoGenie is not far from being able to support qualitative research that is somewhat structured. Since the basic data collection infrastructure is in place, the major developmental tasks involve the user interface.
For example, ProtoGenie has the capability to record observations of the type "Enter the occurrence or incidence of such and such behavior or event" and "Describe any other behaviors or events relevant to study objectives." This can be done for a series of observational sessions. A "form format" interface for data collection (as opposed to a sequential format) is in the design stage. This capability enables one to present a
large number of behaviors and other events on one screen and use click methods to record the incidence of these events. One could also print out a copy of this form and use it in the field. Of course, one could also take a laptop or handheld device with an Internet connection into the field.
ProtoGenie has the capability for certain kinds of "exploratory research." This is the ability to stop a laboratory study at any point and change the stimulus or measurement instrument based on feedback from the subject. The objective of this kind of research is to discover the properties of the target population rather than to assume that we know enough about those properties to draw random samples and to fix the stimuli and the measurement instruments to be used. We call this approach the "seat-of-the-pants" method.
Our future plans include the development of support for the case study method, the unstructured interview method, the group interview (focus group) method, participant observation research, and complex adaptive systems research. The latter requires the capability to iterate events in simulation models of such things as cognitive evolution and game theoretical strategies.
We welcome the input of researchers who are experienced in qualitative research and we are looking for opportunities to work with individuals and groups in institutional settings toward the development of qualitative applications in those settings. To contact us with your suggestions for this program or to express your interests in participating in the collaborative development of ProtoGenie to fit your departmental or institutional needs contact us.
Dr. Lawrence H. Boyd, President, Pasadero, Inc., Tucson, Arizona
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© 2000 - 2006 Pasadero, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
ProtoGenie™
United States and Foreign Patents Pending
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© 2000 - 2007 Pasadero, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
ProtoGenie™
United States and Foreign Patents Pending