RESUME

NAME : MUHAMMAD LOWELFIT

CLASS : 4-A ENGLISH EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT : INTRODUCTION TO EDUCATIONAL RESEACH

PURPOSE AND RESEARCH QUESTIONS OR HYPOTHESIS

HOW TO DESIGN QUALITATIVE PURPOSE
STATEMENTS AND RESEARCH QUESTIONS?

These statements become major signposts to alert readers to the major direction of the
study. You need to write them carefully and incorporate the major elements of design into the
statements of intent in your research. However, the application differs depending on whether you
conduct quantitative or qualitative research

HOW TO DESIGN QUALITATIVE PURPOSE STATEMENTS

AND RESEARCH QUESTIONS?

1. In quantitative research, hypotheses are used. In qualitative research, hypotheses are not
used; instead, inquirers use only research questions
2. In quantitative research, the investigator identifies multiple variables and seeks to
measure them. In qualitative research, the term variable is not used, and instead, the inquirer seeks
to gather information on a single concept—a central phenomenon—a concept we discuss later in
this chapter
3. In quantitative research, researchers often test theories and broad explanations that
predict the results from related variables. In qualitative research, theories are typically not tested

A. In quantitative research, the investigator employs a close-ended stance by identifying

variables and selecting instruments to collect data before the study begins. Quantitative research
questions and hypotheses do not change during the study.
B. In qualitative research, the inquirer uses more of an open-ended stance and often changes the
phenomenon being studied or at least allows it to emerge during the study. In quantitative
research, the investigator seeks to measure differences and the magnitude of those differences
among two or more groups or measure changes over time in individuals. In qualitative research,
inquirers do not compare groups or relate variables. Instead, the researcher seeks a deep
understanding of the views of one group or single individuals

THE CENTRAL PHENOMENON IN QUALITATIVE REASERCH

Writing Qualitative Purpose Statements A purpose statement in qualitative research indicates
the intent to explore or understand the central phenomenon with specific individuals at a certain
research site. As you design this statement, be sure to:
a. Use key identifier words to signal the reader
b. Consider mentioning that the study is “qualitative” since audiences may not be familiar
with qualitative research.
c. Become familiar with qualitative research designs, and indicate the type of research
design you plan to use in your study.
d. State the central phenomenon you plan to explore. Use words that convey intent about
the exploration, such as explore, discover, understand, and describe.
Mention the participants in the study. Refer to the research site where you will study the
participants.

In qualitative research, inquirers seek to explore a central phenomenon and engage in an

emerging process of research. These two elements help inform the writing of qualitative purpose
statements and research questions. A good qualitative purpose statement includes the central
phenomenon, the participants, and the site of the study. Researchers then narrow the purpose
statement to two types of qualitative questions: a central question and subquestions. In the
central question the researcher asks the most general question that can be asked in a study. This
central question is then subdivided into subquestions called issue or procedural subquestions.
These questions either subdivide the central question into topics or indicate the steps used in
analyzing and reporting the data.