The Qualitative Approach Of Theory

Theories are the organized concepts that help to define or understand behaviors, relationships or a phenomenon (Green, 2014). Thus, theories are the foundation of scholarly research and act as an outline to carry out a study. They are used to process and analyzing data and contribute to knowledge in literature and practice (Green, 2014; Udo-Akang, 2012). Theories are used to guide research but are also utilized in a parallel process with research to explain and to predict, explain problems, events, systems, and experiences (Udo-Akang, 2012). In a wraparound effect, studies help to advancement theories through the application of the framework to the research methodology (Green, 2014; Udo-Akang, 2012). The theory and its constructs guide the research design (Green, 2014; Udo-Akang, 2012). Existing theories are said to most likely

Qualitative research is subjective data and is often used in the social sciences (Sarantakos 2013, p. 48). Qualitative research is devoted to gathering facts, this can be completed through personal experiences, behaviours, and observations (Sarantakos 2013, p. 46). The purpose of qualitative research is to gather an in depth understanding of human behaviour and the explanations for the behaviour (Martijn & Sharpe 2006, p. 1). An issue with only using a qualitative method is efficacy, qualitative studies cannot address relationships between variables with the degree of accuracy that is required to establish social trends (Sarantakos 2013, p. 46).

Power point slide Qualitative research is a difficult term to define…. Nevertheless, it is important to be familiar with some definitions in the field. The definition provided by Creswell 2009 is enlightening because it incorporates ……….. most important part of definition for me were reports detailed views of informants and natural setting.

1. Describe the racial disparities in the criminal justice system. Why is their disparity in the CJS?

The qualitative approach to research is anchored in the ideographic tradition and seeks to focus on the insider's world and the meanings that are attached to behaviour. While this is a general view of qualitative studies each qualitative design has unique foci. Hudacek (2008) examined the concept of caring in the work of nurses using a phenomenological design. Phenomenology gives attention to the subjective social reality. It gives value to the individual experience of the actor even within highly structured organizations. It is through the everyday experiences that meaning is constructed. The use of phenomenology is therefore highly consistent with the attempt to understand the meaning of caring. The design and the stated purpose of the researcher are highly congruent. The researcher noted that the purpose of the study was to "describe the dimensions of caring." Phenomenology is useful for unearthing the individuals understanding of their own behavior and consequently the meaning they attach to particular actions.

Engaging in exercise everyday would help reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The counties could also educate the people on the dangers of smoking and as such spearhead campaigns to help people quit smoking. The theory of planned behavior is used to predict deliberate behavior in individuals since behavior can be planned and deliberative. The theory could be applied in reversing the health trends in the counties with emphasis on whether to exercise or use condoms when having sex. Further, there exists a correlation between independently healthy eating behaviors with barriers, such as attitude, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norm, evident in the theory of planned behavior3. The health policymakers in the counties would have to assume that people process every piece of information and act accordingly and thus would be compelled to quit smoking and result to exercise. This theory would fit the intervention plan due to its efficiency to explain intention, perceived behavioral control being as important as attitude across health-related behavior

Qualitative research reflects different ways that researcher’s collect data and explore all of the information through literature review. Participant’s that are reviewing is often observed for analysis while “the role of the researcher focuses as the primary data collection instrument necessitates the identification of personal values, assumptions and biases at the outset of the study; Qualitative researchers ask at least one central question” (Creswell, 2014, which can be explored in several contexts with further questions. According to the text Research Design (2014) “the researcher’s role is typically involved in a

A theory often used in the research of individual health behavior and behavioral intentions is the theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 1991). According to this theory, the performance of any behavior depends on behavioral intention. Behavioral intention is viewed as being dependent on behavioral beliefs (e.g., attitude towards the behavior), normative beliefs, and control beliefs. Normative beliefs are beliefs about the expectations of others, and control beliefs are beliefs about the factors that may help or hinder the performance of the behavior. The framework for the study of physical activity discussed earlier by Armitage (2005) is based on this theory. That study found that behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs, and control beliefs all contribute to physical activity behavior.

This proposed study utilize a qualitative approach. A qualitative approach is “research studies that aid us in understanding human systems, whether large-scale, as in cultural systems, or smaller-scale” (Savenye & Robinson, 2005).

The total amount of surveys to be analyzed was 110, and it was decided to break up each question as much as possible in order to make it easier to analyze.

Following a critical overview of the literature, this chapter outlines the research methodology. It will provide a justification for a qualitative methodological approach and specification of methods employed. Highlighting the appropriateness of interviews and focus groups in relation to the methodology and overall research. It will also provide recognition of their relative strengths and limitations.

Qualitative research is conducted in a natural setting and attempts to understand a human problem by developing a holistic narrative and reporting detailed views of informants about the culture of a problem. It forms a report with pictures and words. One of the most important distinctions that sets qualitative research apart from more traditional types of research is that qualitative research is holistic in that researchers study phenomena in their entirety rather than narrowing the focus to specific defined variables” (p. 93). Similarly, Cresswell (1984) indicated that qualitative research “is defined as an inquiry process of understanding a social or human problem, based on building a holistic picture, formed with words, reporting detailed views of informants, and conducted in a natural setting” (p. 2). Cresswell’s definition clearly delineates the major characteristics of qualitative research. Pg. 50 (Smith & Davis, 2010).

When considering health psychology it is important to recognise the various models it is made up of. The basis of this essay will be to take a look at the health belief model and the theory of planned behaviour, considering their historical origins, the positives and negatives of applying these approaches and examples of when they have been used. After some analysis it may offer some insight into possible improvements that could be implemented from further research. Also included will be an overview of how the models compare to each other and critical evaluation of research from this field.

Undoubtedly, there is an unswerving relationship between the theory and its application. Theory offers direction in research, and its application affords a baseline for research. In the following text, the relationship between theory and application and the manner in which a theory guides practices is espoused upon. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to show how research and theory are connected and how both serve as models for good practice in finding the appropriate information that allows investigators to resolve issues and to solve research problems, while also adding to the world’s body of knowledge (Akang, 2012).

There is not a day where my own life lacks social events. A basic day consists of going to work or school, completing homework, and attempting to have a social life with those who are important to me. Being able to manage my social self is a task worth reviewing using the sociological theory of Max Weber and Erving Goffman. Each decision made to manage my life pulls from Weber’s theory of action and rationality; moreover, each situation requires a bit of face by Goffman’s dramaturgy.