Designing quantitative research

THE INTERPRETIVE APPROACH TO QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

3 November 2014

Quantitative research designs have long been dominated by self-consciously positivist approaches to the philosophy, rhetoric and methodology of research. This presentation outlines an alternative approach based on interpretive research methods. Interpretative methods are usually associated with qualitative research designs but are equally applicable to the analysis of quantitative data. In interpretive quantitative research, statistics are used to shed light on the unobservable data-generating processes that underlie observed data. Key tenets of interpretive quantitative methodology are the triangulation of research results arrived at by analysing data from multiple perspectives, the integration of measurement and modelling into a more holistic process of discovery, and the need to think reflexively about the manner in which data have come into existence. Interpretive quantitative research has the potential to yield results that are more meaningful, understandable, and applicable (from a policy standpoint) than those achieved through conventional positivist approaches.

Event details

• When: 3–4.30pm


• Where: Room 638, Education Building A35, Manning Rd, University of Sydney
  
  Click image for interactive map.
  
  
• Cost: Free
  
  
• RSVP: RSVP by emailing Camilla Pilgrim.
  
  
• Contact:

  Camilla Pilgrim
  Research Support Officer, Sydney School of Education and Social Work
  T: +61 2 9351 8945 | E: camilla.pilgrim@sydney.edu.au
  
  

• More info: http://sydney.edu.au/education_social_work/doctoral_studies/research_training_support/research_training_modules/quantitative-research.shtml
  
  
• Speaker: Associate Professor Salvatore Babones is the author or editor of eight books and more than two dozen academic research articles. His academic research focuses on emerging market societies, comparative economic development, and statistical methods for social science research. He has recently embarked on a major cross-national study of emerging market societies.

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