David L. Morgan

Definition

David L. Morgan is a prominent figure in qualitative research, particularly known for his contributions to mixed methods research and design. His work emphasizes the importance of integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches to enhance the richness and depth of research findings, particularly in complex social settings. He has developed various frameworks that help researchers understand how to effectively combine different methods to achieve comprehensive insights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. David L. Morgan is best known for his work on mixed methods research, where he outlines strategies for integrating qualitative and quantitative data effectively.
2. He emphasizes that the choice of design in mixed methods research should align with the research questions being asked, making the study more robust.
3. Morgan's frameworks help researchers identify when and how to combine different research methodologies based on their specific objectives.
4. He advocates for the use of focus groups as a valuable qualitative method for gathering rich data, especially when exploring complex topics or group dynamics.
5. His influence extends beyond individual studies, impacting the broader field of communication research by promoting a holistic understanding of social phenomena.

Review Questions

• How does David L. Morgan's approach to mixed methods research enhance the understanding of complex social issues?
  • David L. Morgan's approach to mixed methods research allows for a more comprehensive understanding of complex social issues by integrating both qualitative and quantitative data. This combination enables researchers to gather nuanced insights from personal experiences while also supporting those findings with numerical data that demonstrates broader trends. By aligning research designs with specific questions, Morgan’s framework enhances the depth and validity of conclusions drawn from the data.
• In what ways does David L. Morgan advocate for the use of focus groups in qualitative research?
  • David L. Morgan advocates for focus groups as a key qualitative research method because they facilitate rich discussions among participants, revealing insights into social dynamics and collective perspectives. He argues that focus groups are particularly effective for exploring complex topics, as they allow researchers to capture diverse viewpoints in a conversational context. This method can uncover layers of meaning that might not surface in one-on-one interviews, thus enriching the overall research findings.
• Evaluate how David L. Morgan's frameworks for mixed methods impact communication research practices and outcomes.
  • David L. Morgan's frameworks for mixed methods significantly influence communication research practices by providing structured approaches to integrating diverse methodologies. This integration allows researchers to approach problems more holistically, addressing various facets of human communication that may be overlooked if only one method is used. Consequently, this leads to more nuanced outcomes that reflect the complexity of communication phenomena, ultimately enhancing both theoretical understanding and practical applications in the field.

Related terms

Mixed Methods Research: A research approach that combines qualitative and quantitative methods to provide a more complete understanding of a research problem.

Qualitative Research:

A research method focused on understanding human behavior and experiences through collection of non-numerical data, such as interviews and observations.

Research Design: The overall strategy or blueprint that outlines how a researcher intends to conduct a study, including the methods and procedures used for data collection and analysis.