Qualitative Research Process Paper

1. The four major steps of the scientific method are; define the problem, formulate the hypothesis, gather data and analyze, interpret and communicate the results (Thomas et al., 2015).

The scientific model is useful because the first step allows researchers to outline the current problem and recognizing the important variables (i.e. who has the problem affected, what environment the problem occurs) that makes it simpler for investigators to comprehend and solve the problem that has occurred. A hypothesis is formed based on previous research and researchers past experience allowing them to use the scientific model to think and solve problems using their previous knowledge. Researchers will plan how they will gather the data in order to answer

Qualitative research is used when more complexity understanding is required whereas quantitative research uses facts and questions that can be measured using numbers (i.e. what number of people living in Geelong did exercise in the last week) (Thomas et al., 2015). Qualitative research is used to develop concepts or hypothesis to uncover opinions and thoughts to create a more complex understanding of research. Some examples include discussions, interviews and observations using a small sample group (Barnham, 2015). Quantitative research uses measureable data with larger sample groups to observe patterns in the research. Examples include surveys, online surveys/polls or interviews (Barnham,

In the beginning of research, an alpha value is established to determine the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis (Magnusson, 2000). The alpha value is related to type I error and statistical significance because if the value is fixed at 0.05 (5% chance of occurring) then the null hypothesis (no difference between values) will therefore be rejected. Type I error (alpha) is the probability of incorrectly rejecting the hypothesis when it is actually true (Thomas et al., 2015). The alpha and beta value are also linked, as the beta value does not reject the null hypothesis when in reality there is a statistical difference between both values. There is an association between the alpha and beta values, that is, when the alpha value is set at a smaller value, the beta value becomes larger (Magnusson,