Discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of quantitative research methodology for your dissertation topic or topic area.
Quantitative research allows the researcher to assign anumeric value to the study. The advantages of using quantitative research is that there is less room for bias, it defines ranges, and can be more easily measured than if using qualitative research methods. As far as potential negatives, quantitative research has the room for error, researcher induced bias, and struggle getting a valid response rate. For my research topic in regard to a transformational leader's impact on job satisfaction, for diverse team members, the advantages to using quantitative research are that it will allow me to obtain an accurate picture of their feelings and attitudes. It will also allow me to get an accurate and complete picture of the range of job satisfaction and obtain an accurate number. As for disadvantages, the one area that I am most concerned with is creating a quantitative survey or Likert scale that is broad enough as well as understood by all members. Another challenge that I know that I will need to address is to ensure that there is a true multicultural aspect to the study. Brown & Langer (2010) posit that quantitative studies are flawed because they require the member to define themselves in an exclusive ethic group. It is great to be aware of the opportunities and challenges associated with quantitative studies and knowing this ahead of time will help me correct address the concerns.
References - Brown, G. K., & Langer, A. (2010). Conceptualizing and Measuring Ethnicity.Oxford Development Studies, 38(4), 411-436.