FULL NAMES:
STUDENT NUMBER:
UNIQUE NUMBER: 176670
MODULE CODE: PUB3706
MODULE NAME: REFLECTIVE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
ASSIGNMENT: 03
DUE DATE: 30 AUGUST 2023
NB: INCLUDE A TABLE OF CONTENTS USING THE HEADINGS AND
SUBHEADINGS (BOLD) OF THE ESSAY. CHOOSE ONE ESSAY OF THE TWO
ESSAYS OF THE SAME TOPIC BELOW. I WROTE TWO DIFFERENT ESSAYS
BASED ON THE SAME TOPIC.
, 1. Introduction
Research methods play a crucial role in shaping the quality and scope of studies. They enable
researchers to gather, analyze, and interpret data in order to address specific research questions
and objectives. This paper discusses three research methods - quantitative, qualitative, and
participatory action research methods - and provides practical examples of cases in which each
can be utilized. The reasons for conducting research using these methods, including contributing
to knowledge, advancing public services, and further studies, will also be explored.
2. Quantitative Research Method
Quantitative research involves collecting and analyzing numerical data to uncover patterns,
relationships, and trends. This method is particularly useful when seeking to establish
correlations, causation, and generalizability. It employs structured surveys, experiments, and
statistical analyses to quantify variables and generate objective insights.
2.1 Reasons for Using Quantitative Research:
• Contributing to the Body of Knowledge: Quantitative research contributes by providing
empirical evidence and statistical support to existing theories. It helps in validating or
challenging hypotheses and models, thus advancing the field's understanding.
• Enhancing Public Services: In the context of public services, quantitative research can
identify areas of improvement, measure the effectiveness of interventions, and inform
evidence-based policies and programs.
2.1 Practical Example:
Research on the effectiveness of a new teaching method in improving student performance in
mathematics can be conducted using a quantitative approach. A standardized test score can serve
as a quantifiable metric to measure improvement, and a large sample size would allow for
generalizing the findings to a broader student population (Smith et al., 2020).
STUDENT NUMBER:
UNIQUE NUMBER: 176670
MODULE CODE: PUB3706
MODULE NAME: REFLECTIVE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
ASSIGNMENT: 03
DUE DATE: 30 AUGUST 2023
NB: INCLUDE A TABLE OF CONTENTS USING THE HEADINGS AND
SUBHEADINGS (BOLD) OF THE ESSAY. CHOOSE ONE ESSAY OF THE TWO
ESSAYS OF THE SAME TOPIC BELOW. I WROTE TWO DIFFERENT ESSAYS
BASED ON THE SAME TOPIC.
, 1. Introduction
Research methods play a crucial role in shaping the quality and scope of studies. They enable
researchers to gather, analyze, and interpret data in order to address specific research questions
and objectives. This paper discusses three research methods - quantitative, qualitative, and
participatory action research methods - and provides practical examples of cases in which each
can be utilized. The reasons for conducting research using these methods, including contributing
to knowledge, advancing public services, and further studies, will also be explored.
2. Quantitative Research Method
Quantitative research involves collecting and analyzing numerical data to uncover patterns,
relationships, and trends. This method is particularly useful when seeking to establish
correlations, causation, and generalizability. It employs structured surveys, experiments, and
statistical analyses to quantify variables and generate objective insights.
2.1 Reasons for Using Quantitative Research:
• Contributing to the Body of Knowledge: Quantitative research contributes by providing
empirical evidence and statistical support to existing theories. It helps in validating or
challenging hypotheses and models, thus advancing the field's understanding.
• Enhancing Public Services: In the context of public services, quantitative research can
identify areas of improvement, measure the effectiveness of interventions, and inform
evidence-based policies and programs.
2.1 Practical Example:
Research on the effectiveness of a new teaching method in improving student performance in
mathematics can be conducted using a quantitative approach. A standardized test score can serve
as a quantifiable metric to measure improvement, and a large sample size would allow for
generalizing the findings to a broader student population (Smith et al., 2020).
