Normative Research Explained
Normative research focuses on what should be, rather than what currently is. It often involves value judgments, opinions, and beliefs about how things ought to be done. This type of research guides actions and policies by establishing standards or norms.
Analyzing the Options for Normative Research
Let's examine each option to understand why one best defines normative research:
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Option 1 Analysis: "Normative research proceeds from evidence to conclusion."
This describes a general research approach, common in empirical studies, but it doesn't capture the specific 'what ought to be' nature of normative research. Many research types follow this pattern.
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Option 2 Analysis: "Normative research raises the issue in such a way that the conclusion is implied."
This is the most accurate description. Normative research often presents a situation or problem and, based on ethical or value-based principles, implies what the correct or ideal outcome or solution should be. The conclusion about what is right or desirable is often inherent in how the issue is framed.
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Option 3 Analysis: "Normative research inquiry draws conclusion."
This statement is too broad. All forms of research inquiry aim to draw conclusions. It doesn't specify the unique characteristic of normative research.
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Option 4 Analysis: "Normative research method of inquiry consists of posing a question or raising an issue, collecting evidence and drawing conclusion from evidence."
This outlines the standard scientific method, which is primarily empirical (focused on 'what is'). While normative research might involve evidence, its core is about values and 'what should be', not just concluding from factual evidence.
- Option 5 Analysis: This option is empty and therefore invalid.
Understanding the Core of Normative Research
Normative research is fundamentally concerned with establishing norms, values, and standards. It asks questions about what is good, right, or desirable. Because it deals with values, the way a question is posed inherently suggests or implies a preferred state or conclusion, distinguishing it from purely descriptive or empirical research.
Important Questions from Types of Research
Match the following :
List 1
List 2
a) Fundamental Research
1) To find solutions to problems faced by practitioners
b) Applied Research
2) To establish facts experimentally
c) Action Research
3) To identify right practices on the basis of established theory
d) Case study
4) To establish concepts, principles, and theories
e) Experimental Research
5) To study individuals in detail
Given below are two statements
Statement I: Qualitative research paradigm emphasizes participant perspectives and uses an empirico-inductive approach.
Statement II: In the same research project, it is neither possible nor desirable to use both Qualitative and Quantitative research paradigms.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.
Match List-I with List-II :
List-I
List-II
(a)
Research studies which describe facts as they come by
(i)
Observational research
(b)
A non-experimental conceptual research based on logical thinking
(ii)
Ex-post facto research
(c)
Experience and observation-based research aiming to determine casual relationship among factors
(iii)
Philosophical research
(d)
A field of natural study of epidemics, plant growth, child growth, bird-animal or crowd behaviour
(iv)
Empirical (Experimental) research
Select the correct option :
- Retrospective studies are related to
Match List I with List II
List I
List II
Research method
Characteristic
A.
Content analysis
I.
Summarisation
B.
Social network analysis
II.
Use of bipolar adjectives
C.
Semantic differential
III.
Focus on dyadic relations
D.
Meta-analysis
IV.
Context unit
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
