Friends with Benefits Research

According to Yin (2003), there are two types of research approach. This includes quantitative research approach and qualitative research approach. A quantitative research emphasizes on transforming the data to numbers, quantities and statistics to formulate facts and to uncover patterns in a research. It addresses research purposes through empirical analysis that involve numerical measurement, the relationship between variables and analysis approaches (Zikmund et al., 2010). The sample size being investigated is typically large (Anderson, 2006). Quantitative research mainly uses questionnaires, surveys and other equipment to collect numerical or measurable data (Anderson, 2006). On the other hand, a qualitative research typically emphasizes words more than numbers

Methods used in psychological research are used to obtain quantitative or qualitative data. Quantitative data is more often than not derived from methods such as experiments and statistics analysing data using surveys, questionnaires and interviews. Qualitative data tends not to be aimed at finding exact measurements in its findings, but is more concerned with evidence collection and analysis through practices such as observation and ethnography (using observations through involvement in activities over a period of time) (Brownlow 2011).

Qualitative and quantitative researches are the two basic research categories which are used in psychology, with both these type of research having advantages and best limitations to their use in researching.

Researchers often times are faced with the decision of choosing a methodology of research; either Quantitative or Qualitative that they think best fits their study and objectives. This choice is guarded by the topic of study, the advantages and disadvantages, and the strengths and weaknesses of using either one or the other type of the methodologies.

It is argued that long-term happy relationships have needs met while unhappy ones have unmet needs, this was said by Smith and Mackie

Qualitative research is subject to judgments about the data and synthesizes the findings using specialized approaches such as experimental or non-experimental. Researchers often opt to use non-experimental approaches in studies using surveys, interviews, observations, and case studies. Even though an experimental approach is appropriate in quantitative research, it further enables researchers to find answers and collect data (Bagozzi & Yi, 2012). This approach is unique in its hypotheses and the study of behavior, making it valid and reliable.

According to an article published in The New York Times entitled “Friendship in the Age of Economics,” there are three distinct forms of friendship, and all types of friendship leave each friend vulnerable. Moreover, all types of friendship leave some sort of significant impact on each friend’s life. “They [friendships] render us vulnerable, and in

According to Schneider, Elliot, LoBiondo-Wood & Haber (2004), qualitative research methods, search for the meaning and understanding of human experiences in a naturalistic setting. A researcher obtains subjective facts in order to explore the experiences of each participant (Schneider, Elliot, LoBiondo-Wood & Haber 2004). As a result, qualitative research is a means in which a researcher gains an insight into the participant's point of view concerning their personal experiences; in order gain an understanding of the information given. Therefore this allows a researcher to collect subjective information to create a description of the phenomenon (Vishnevsky & Beanlands 2004).

Written by John Van Epp, Ph. D., the self-help manual How To Avoid Falling In Love With A Jerk, offers the “foolproof way to follow your heart without loosing your mind”. This book is unique compared to the numerous dating books out there, which were written by authors without any legitimacy to their words of advice. Van Epp reveals years of research on marital and premarital happiness that he claims will help people to break the destructive dating patterns that prevent them from finding the “love you deserve”.

QUALATATIVE RESEARCH (about attitudes and beleifs), QUANTATIVE RESEARCH (measured in figures that can be measured)

Relationships of all sorts are important to a healthy lifestyle. Whether it is close friends, family, or a significant other, humans physically need the benefits of a relationship to survive. All relationships are different and unique, but in order to have a successful and rewarding relationship, it must be a healthy one. Throughout the duration of Psychology of Close Relationship class and outside research, I have gathered what a good relationship consists of and how to improve within that relationship. Luckily, I have a great boyfriend and believe we have an excellent relationship, but of course there is always room for improvement.

The method used for the study was quantitative, this was chosen rather than a qualitative as this deals with facts and figures and is an investigatory type of study. This can be either experimental or non experiment. Experimental is the method used in this study which looks at cause and effect, and involves dependent and independent variables. (Balnaves and Caputi, 2001) A qualitative study can be described as interpretive which deals with personal thoughts and feelings (Flick, 2009).

So the social structures, divisions and agencies which underpin society influence friendships. Analysis has identified many different types and formations of friendship of varying degrees of intimacy. Perhaps the key to understanding friendship is to understand that different friendships thrive in accordance with the different needs of each person, and that finding a person who or a friendship which meets personal expectations is where the relevance lies. A ‘symbolic interactionist’ sociological approach to future research would ascertain how that understanding between two people is reached. So, friendship exists within the social and economic context in which it was formed, and if this context alters, so does the nature of the friendship. The way in which humans manage and create friendships reacts to changes and evolves in order to sustain itself as part of the human condition. This is evidence of the value and necessity of human connection, be it friends or family, to the life experience. Studying friendship provides knowledge of social developments and changes. This is valuable in understanding human interaction and future policy within health and

According to Kothari (2008) qualitative research is concerned with qualitative phenomena which are related to or involve quality or kind. Qualitative research engages the collection and analysis of non-numerical data obtained from experiments, interviews, observations, and other resources involving statements and arguments. Research is conducted into particular context and non-numerical interpretive approach is used to produce narrative description of research data. Unlike quantitative research, this type of research considers the underlying facts behind the establishment of particular behaviors and assumptions. It is commonly used in behavioural sciences where the aim of research is to discover underlying motives of human behaviour.

Friends with benefits relationships are relatively new, but an increasingly popular phenomenon in our society. Defining this type of relationship can be complicated as there is no unique definition. For the most part, friends with benefits relationships adds a sexual component into a pre-existing friendship. However, every person has their own views about how they would define this kind of engagement. Despite the absence of a clear definition, friends with benefits is a controversial issue that often sparks strong emotions. There are so many factors that can dictate how these relationships start and end. The label “friends with benefits” is a commonly used label by the younger generation and it has become popular among older folks nowadays. So, shouldn’t any friendship have its own benefits? However, the phrase is used in a different context, one more convenient and less conventional. Again, it’s when either two friends or acquaintances, and in some cases past lovers, agree to variations of an open relationship. Both people are not necessarily in a committed relationship but they may practice things a relationships consists of like having casual sex and going on dates. With this, it is less likely for emotional bonds to form that a more romantic and consistent relationship would induce. Adolescents who especially engage in this type of relationship find this to be a good opportunity for sexual experimentation. Friends with benefits allows those who are unsure of commitment