Analysis of Research Proposal on Indigenous Mental Health Strategies

Essay

Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Overview of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, along with their inherent strengths and
weaknesses.......................................................................................................................................3
Analysis of the research proposal....................................................................................................6
Evaluation of the ethical integrity of the proposed research...........................................................7
Ways in which the research proposal could be strengthened..........................................................9
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................9
References......................................................................................................................................10

Introduction
The assignment will provide the opportunity to critically analyze the research proposal from the
viewpoint of investigation of indigenous mental health strategies. The suitability of the
methodology planned in the research will be analyzed by the review of strengths and weaknesses
of qualitative as well as quantitative methodologies. Along with it, the ethical integrity of the
planned research will also be critically evaluated in accordance to which, suggestions will be
made to make developments in the research proposal considering the ”NHMRC National
Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research and the Ethical Guidelines” including
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples”.
Overview of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, along with their
inherent strengths and weaknesses
Quantitative and qualitative research are generally different from each other at fundamental
level, however, the objectives of both the methodologies as well as their uses intersect in number
of ways. The aim of quantitative research is to quantify the data and enables the simplification of
outcomes from a sample size from a group or population. On the other hand, qualitative research
is considered to be as predominantly suitable for attainment of in-depth accepting of fundamental
explanations and inspirations behind it. It also offers understandings regarding the problem and
frequently produces concepts and theories for the purpose of quantitative research. The major
difference between both the research methodologies varies in data sampling, collection, and
analysis as well as in conclusions (Atlasti, 2019). The data collection in quantitative research is
not occasionally based on amorphous or semi-structured but methodologically supple methods
which include interviews as well as group discussions suitable to draw in-depth details. On the

other hand, quantitative research utilizes highly organized and firm techniques which include
online questionnaire as well as telephonic interviews. Quantitative research depends on answers
to previously formulated questions while qualitative research enables boundless expressions
from the respondents (Atlasti, 2019). Qualitative research is investigative in nature and findings
are usually not decisive and cannot be used for generalization. However, it is essential in
increasing deeper accepting of the thematic complexity. On the contrary, quantitative research is
critical for achieving broader insights reliant on which, final decision could be recommended.
The proposed research has utilized semi-structured interviews along with thematic analysis that
is being piloted by researchers, in two remote communities situated in northern Queensland of
Australia. The main purpose of the proposed research study is to investigate the perception of
service provider health professionals and community members located across two remote
communities, regarding depression and well-being. The proposed research has utilized semi-
structured interviews which are generally conducted with open framework enabling focused,
conversational and two-way communication. In order to conduct an effective semi-structured
interview, thoughtful planning is required, which includes identification of respondents,
decisions regarding number of interviews and preparation of interviews and after conducting
interviews, in-depth analysis is required.
The strengths of semi-structured interviews are that it permits the interviewer to be prepared and
appear competent during interviews. Such interviews permit the participants to express their
views freely and provide reliable and comparable qualitative data (Madrigal & McClain, 2012).
Such interviews encourages two-way communication and eases finding of reasons behind
responses of participants as well. Along with it, sensitive issues might also be discussed at the
time of interviews as field staff become acquainted with community members. So, strengths of