A briefing on qualitative and quantitative research method criteria: for MBA students

A briefing on qualitative and quantitative research method criteria: for MBA students (information from perplexity.ai)

My question 1: "Please briefly introduce the major research method quality criteria (both quantitative and qualitative ones, e.g. internal and external validity) in the context of MBA dissertation projects. Probably, provide 4 quality criteria for quantitative research methods and 4 for qualitative research methods.

The reply: "Major research method quality criteria ensure rigor in MBA dissertation projects, where quantitative approaches often test hypotheses on business phenomena like financial performance, while qualitative methods explore contextual insights such as leadership experiences. Quantitative criteria emphasize objectivity and replicability, whereas qualitative ones prioritize trustworthiness and contextual depth. These standards help validate findings for academic and practical application in management studies.​

Quantitative Criteria

Four key criteria guide quantitative research quality in MBA dissertations:

• Internal Validity: Measures if observed effects truly result from the independent variable, ruling out confounds like selection bias through controls and randomization.​

• External Validity: Assesses generalizability of results to broader populations or settings, enhanced by diverse sampling beyond lab conditions.​

• Reliability: Ensures consistent results across repeated measures or researchers, via standardized tools like test-retest or inter-rater checks.​

• Objectivity: Minimizes researcher bias through neutral procedures and blinded data analysis.​

Qualitative Criteria

Qualitative research in MBA projects, such as case studies on organizational culture, uses parallel criteria adapted for subjectivity:

• Credibility: Parallels internal validity; achieved via triangulation (multiple data sources) to confirm findings' authenticity.​

• Transferability: Like external validity; supported by thick descriptions for readers to judge applicability elsewhere.​

• Dependability: Equivalent to reliability; ensured through audit trails documenting methodological decisions.​

• Confirmability: Mirrors objectivity; verified by reflexivity on researcher influence and peer debriefing."

My question 2: "Please suggest two YouTube videos that introduce research method quality criteria."

The reply: "Two recommended YouTube videos provide clear introductions to research method quality criteria like validity and reliability, ideal for MBA dissertation preparation. These selections cover both quantitative and qualitative aspects with practical examples.​

Quantitative Focus

"Internal and External Validity (Simply Explained)" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=942IYsg3EnA) breaks down internal validity (causal accuracy) and external validity (generalizability) using relatable examples, while touching on qualitative parallels. It suits quick learning for hypothesis-testing in business studies.​

Mixed Methods Focus

"Alternative ways to think about quality of research" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhtFx29oLxY) explains reliability/validity in quantitative work alongside qualitative criteria like credibility and transferability, addressing replicability and the replication crisis relevant to management research. This video offers broader context for dissertation rigor."

A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.