Intend to use qualitative research method and quantitative research method together ( semi -structured interviews and questionnaires ) for answering two separate research questions . In data discussion sections should I call sample items participants or respondents.
I have attached three publications on mixed methods sampling.These,in my view ,will address your concerns.
Dear Jeeva
In a study of mixed methods, usually you have two fieldworks, qualitative and quantitative. In the qualitative phase it is necessary to call individuals in some form, for example "participants" or "respondents", as the results are not generalizable to the total population. In the quantitative phase, if the results are generalizable to the population, you should no longer refer to participants, but you can present your results based on the variables you include, for example men (compared to women), or people with higher incomes. The important point is to combine the results. The term "participant" is more qualitative. I enclose a paper I published with this methodology.
Regards,
Jorge Cruz
Hi Maya,
I have used the same approach each section respectively addressing the sample items either participant( qualitative) or respondent ( quantitative). But someone insists that you can use either participant or respondent. But I mentioned this is mixed methodological approach.
Thanks.
I think there is now a general tendency to use the term "participants" for all types of social science research. In particular, the term "subjects" is no longer acceptable for participants in psychological research.
Having said that, however, I would have no problem using the term "respondents" for survey participants, because is exactly what they do: respond to your questions.
Thank you very much, Jeeva, for your brilliant question on the difference between a participant and a respondent. There is no fundamental difference between the two because the two terms are interchangeable or synonymous with each other. So a participant is a respondents.
Likewise, a non-participant is a non-respondent. This is not the same as non-response to a qualitative questionnaire which is distributed to the participant (respondent). Non-response takes place when the participant or respondent who has been given a questionnaire fails to respond or to fill in their opinions.
At the same time, a respondent or a participant is not expected to be interfered with in the process of self-administration of the questionnaire during the data collection process.
In addition, it is unethical for a respondent or participant to share their instruments with non-respondents or non-participants in the qualitative research.
Best regards
Wilson
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