Research in Social Sciences: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods

By Verena Veneeva 

Research in social sciences largely depends on measurements and analysis and interpretation of numerical as well as non numerical data. Quantitative research methods focus on statistical approaches and qualitative methods are based on content analysis, comparative analysis, grounded theory, and interpretation (Strauss, 1990). Quantitative methods emphasise on objective measurements and numerical analysis of data collected through polls, questionnaires or surveys and qualitative research focuses on understanding social phenomena through interviews, personal comments etc. Quantitative and qualitative methods are studied within the context of positivistic and phenomenological paradigms (Papers4you.com, 2006).

The applications of research methods could be studied in the context of business and management or in social psychology to understand a social process. Some of the basic tools for qualitative or quantitative research are related to data collection methods which can be case studies, questionnaires or interviews (Simon et al, 1985). Research methods in management focus on leadership studies and leadership issues are examined in accordance with contingency theory and organisational theory. The effects of leadership are best studied with the help of qualitative or quantitative research methods and analyses of questionnaires sent to participants in management positions. Research methods are however focused not just on management issues but also on social process for example a study on the interaction between age, physical exercise and gender. Some disadvantages and possible flaws of such methods may be related to abuse or misuse of interview techniques, inadequacy of data collection methods and reliability of data. The methodological approach and data collection techniques are important in research and form an important aspect of study (Simon, 1985). The case study approach is especially useful in analysis of business environments and perceptual mapping techniques are used for marketing research. Focus groups and surveys are used as other preferred methods of data collection, especially within business environments (Papers4you.com, 2006).

Interpretive research can be considered as an important aspect of qualitative analysis, although as with all qualitative data, subjective bias can be a deterrent in the validity of such approaches. In studying research methods, it would be necessary to highlight the differences between qualitative and quantitative methods although it has also been argued that an integrated approach to social analysis could close in the gap between quantitative and qualitative methods and both these methods could be used for social research studies. In fact there may not be a specified correct method of research as each method seems to have its strengths and weaknesses and these factors should be examined carefully before a particular method is selected or used for studying a social process.

Bibliography

Champion, Dean J. (1981) Basic statistics for social research / Dean J. Champion. 2nd ed. New York : Macmillan ; London : Collier Macmillan

Papers For You (2006) "P/B/685. Qualitative research methods", Available from http://www.coursework4you.co.uk/sprtdis18.htm [22/06/2006]

Papers For You (2006) "C/B/397. Critically assess and compare the strengths and limitations of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Use concrete examples to support your arguments", Available from Papers4you.com [21/06/2006]

Strauss, Anselm L. (1990) Basics of qualitative research: grounded theory procedures and techniques / Anselm Strauss and Juliet Corbin. Newbury Park, Calif.: Sage Publications,

Simon, Julian Lincoln. (1985) Basic research methods in social science / Julian Simon, Paul Burstein 3rd ed. McGraw-Hill,

About the Author
Verena Veneeva
Copyright © 2006 Verena Veneeva. Professional Writer working for http://www.coursework4you.co.uk (show bio)

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Diversity in the Workplace - Enhancing an Organization's Success

By Rutchell Laquihon

Overview: Diversity awareness is an essential factor in working with staff or customers in the modern world, be it in offline or online business.

The world has changed. As the number of women and minorities continue to grow in the workplace, corporate America is finally getting the message: diversity in the workplace can greatly enhance an organization's success.

By integrating workers from culturally diverse backgrounds into the workforce, organizations can tap into their specialized skills and knowledge about the marketplace. This is especially true in today's global markets, as companies interact with different cultures and clients. Diversity in the workplace enables organizations to develop more innovative and effective programs and services for the diverse clients it serves. The results? More business, more sales, more targeted and satisfied customers which can mean more dollars on the company's bottom line.

At the same time, good diversity management helps organizations minimize unnecessary costs associated with turnover, absenteeism, low productivity and even legal fees/settlements. Managing diversity means creating a corporate environment where diverse employees from the African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic , Native American, Women , Gay and Lesbian, Mature Worker, Veteran and Disabled communities can flourish. When employees feel their skills and knowledge are recognized and they have the opportunity to succeed, they are more engaged in contributing to an organization's success.


Creating diversity in the workplace comes without problems. Organizational conflicts are inevitable but they are important factors of social processes and developments. Having a more diverse workforce in the workplace may increase the amount of conflicts that arise and potentially, they can be constructive or destructive. Organizations, therefore, should be able to identify and analyze the pros and cons of diversity and manage both in order to reap its remarkable benefits. Policies, programs and diversity awareness training, when well planned and implemented, could deliver maximum value to the organization. With increased diversity awareness and skills, employees will learn not only how to foster a respectful workplace but also overcome conflicts and improve their interpersonal and communication skills with individuals different from themselves.

But unless the participation rate of qualified diverse graduates increases, diversity in the workplace cannot increase. Much needs to be done on building diversity into the context of our higher education system to produce a greater pool of diverse graduates who are well equipped to meet the demands of the diverse business environment.

Sustaining and valuing diversity in the workplace is a long-term process and requires hard work. Diversity in the workplace should be solidly integrated into the systems, processes and culture of the organization - board, management, employees, suppliers - wherever possible, in order to increase its performance contribution to the bottom-line.

About the Author
Rutchell Laquihon
Rutchell Laquihon is the webmaster of DiversityWorking.com, an online diversity job board, career opportunity and news source resource and... (show bio)

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The Best Automated (bot) Software for Video Marketing (Tube ToolBox Review)

Note: While this curated article reviews a specific bot product, its summary of what makes for a good app is useful for evaluating other community media software of this kind. Be the software helpful for gaining YouTube subscribers or views, or a Twitch viewer bot used for building visibility for a channel, these or other "social helpers," can help one master the new digital world. Generating popularity in these communities may even be construed as one of the new social science research methods for finding out how cultures represent themselves in the new virtual world of the web. Such data can be useful for business management consultants and researchers alike. 

The Best Automated (bot) Software for Video Marketing (Tube ToolBox Review)

Author: The strategist

This particular video marketing strategy is optional. However, automated software is what I would call a back-up plan. Always have one in case things don't go as you expected. Also, if you are looking for shortcuts, automated software is definitely what you need. You will be able to save a great amount of time by automatically adding videos, requesting friends, sending messages, creating multiple accounts, posting comments, etc.

Please note that using automated software may result in cancellation of your Youtube account(s) and deletion of your videos since it's against Youtube's terms of service. This is precisely the reason I don't recommend using them unless you're really desperate. And if my words are not enough to convince you, my advice would be to use this tactic on a void account. DO NOT use it on your main one. And remember that you'll be doing so at your own risk. This said, let's explore some features you will need.

Add unlimited friends

You should be able to send multiple friend requests to get people to visit your channel. They will eventually watch your videos, subscribe, post comments, and approve your friend requests. The thing here is to send friend requests to highly-visited channels. Thus, you would get exposure by making yourself known to other users.

Send messages to users

This is one element I have to put an accent on. Sending messages to several users at the same time saves you a lot of time and work. The good thing about Youtube is that you can attach videos to your messages. Think about how many people you can reach and how they may decide to subscribe.

Note: You can send a message to not more than 15 users at a time. Also, you will have to become friend to some users before sending them anything.
Post comments

This is another way to drive people to your channel. You can post multiple comments on other videos that are related to yours. You can be more creative, improve and master this technique by including your blog link.

Extract ID's

Extracting and saving lists of ID's will help you stay in touch with viewers (even the ones that are not your friends or didn't subscribe to your channel). You can, for example, send your newly uploaded videos to thousands of people. You can repeat the process over and over again. And if they like what they see, they will probably subscribe to your channel, add you as a friend, visit your blog (or website), etc.

Multiple accounts

You should be able to create and work with multiple accounts. You may create several accounts for the purpose of sending people to either your main one or your blog. Some people choose to upload one video to multiple accounts. They are obviously looking for exposure. So do the same if you can.

Updates

Youtube is constantly working hard to prevent people from using automated software. Therefore, you must opt for the software that notifies you when it needs to be updated. Imagine how stuck you will be if you already bought a product that is no longer valid since Youtube made some changes.

Time delay

This is the time between the sending of two friend requests. This helps ensure that you are not violating Youtube terms of use. If you have been sending friend requests on Youtube, you know that after ten friend requests, you have to wait a period of time before sending again. So make sure to get the software that has this feature. This is important.

Download videos

You may want to use parts of other Youtube videos to edit your own. You also should be able to upload as fast as can be.

There are other elements that I didn't mention. Some software may have more features than others. Choosing one would depend on your goals or what you are promoting.

As far as I'm concerned, I tested two programs. I'm not presently using either of them. However, this doesn't mean that I won't use them in the future. As matter of fact, I have a new method for generating traffic to my blog using automated software. I'll post about it as soon as I can or even write a free e-book.

Tubeinator
The first product that caught my attention was Tubeinator. After reading some positive reviews about it, I decided to give it a try. I downloaded a free trial version, installed it, and tried to log in. Unfortunately I couldn't make it work. I searched the Internet for solutions, but I found out that a lot of other people were having the same problem I was having. I ended up deleting the program. But hey, I'm not saying that you shouldn't try it. Maybe they improved their product. So go check out the trial version.

Tube Toolbox
This one didn't fail me. I used it to send friend requests and extract user ID's. I really love this program. I don't think there's a better one on the market. With Tube Toolbox you can send an automated friend request to thousands of users, send automated messages, work with multiple accounts, automatically wait/retry when Youtube sending limits are reached, download videos to your hard drive, gather and manage users/videos, build your contact list, etc. Just imagine how you can grow your business and increase your sales by reaching thousands of people in one big blast!

The thing I really like about this software is that you get updates depending on how Youtube changes or evolves. Thus, you don't have to worry about how to switch to other software. They will always notify you when there are updates.


Note: With the trial version you can only send 5 friend requests every 24 hours.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/marketing-tips-articles/the-best-automated-bot-software-for-video-marketing-tube-toolbox-review-3638200.html

About the Author
The Strategist is an independent internet marketer who usually promote digital products with short videos. He is the owner of Video Marketing Strategies -- a sharing blog where you can share ideas and learn about internet marketing in a friendly environment.

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