Quantitative And Qualitative

The researcher must set a clear hypothesis, showing the relationship between independent and dependent variables. In quantitative research tools are used to collect numerical data. The information can be gathered using questionnaires or some type of equipment. Quantitative data is efficient at testing a hypothesis, but can miss contextual detail. In quantitative research, the researcher is often objectively separated from the subject matter. One of the ways quantitative research is different from qualitative research is that quantitative research requires extraction of large amounts of statistical data. Qualitative research is focused in on personal viewpoints and opinions of a smaller number of subjects (typically). Qualitative research can take more time than quantitative research (McCusker & Gunaydin,

A qualitative study addresses the complexity of human experience, focusing on the big picture (Rebar & Gersch, 2015); while a quantitative study breaks a problem down into small pieces and focuses on specific parts to see how they all relate (Rebar & Gersch, 2015). Qualitative methods focus on subjective information, and never try to predict or control the phenomenon of interest (Rebar & Gersch, 2015); on the other hand, quantitative methods focus on statistics and objective information, and can yield predictions and control (Rebar & Gersch, 2015).

Qualitative research is subjective data and is often used in the social sciences (Sarantakos 2013, p. 48). Qualitative research is devoted to gathering facts, this can be completed through personal experiences, behaviours, and observations (Sarantakos 2013, p. 46). The purpose of qualitative research is to gather an in depth understanding of human behaviour and the explanations for the behaviour (Martijn & Sharpe 2006, p. 1). An issue with only using a qualitative method is efficacy, qualitative studies cannot address relationships between variables with the degree of accuracy that is required to establish social trends (Sarantakos 2013, p. 46).

Qualitative research collects non-numerical data to describe events or phenomena. On the other hand, quantitative research uses numeric data with statistical methods to investigate phenomena. (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015, p. 609). Qualitative studies address human responses to particular situations or events with an emphasis on interviews and observations. The results are reported from the participant’s point of view. Qualitative studies can be conducted when a phenomenon is unknown to obtain a general idea. Also, they can be used when an event is well known, but certain areas lack details or depth (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015). Contrarily, quantitative studies measure phenomena with the use of scales, tests, scores and statistics. Quantitative research designs are multiple. They can range from descriptive studies, which are used to predict relationships between variables, to randomized control trials (RCT). RCTs are used to describe cause and effect relationship between variables. Quantitative studies report results using a uniform format with preselected variables (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015).

Charlie Chaplin was one of the greatest actors/comedians during the during his time. In his film, The Great Dictator, Chaplin satirizes Nazi Germany, and Hitler by playing the role of Hitler and a Jewish barber. At one point in the movie, Chaplin, playing as the barber, gives a speech that gains the audience’s trust, taps into their emotions, and uses great voice for ending the dictatorship and discrimination. In the beginning of Chaplin’s speech, Chaplin gains the trust of his listeners by stating that he does not want to be an emperor.

3. What are the philosophical underpinnings of the research method? Qualitative researchers believe that an individual’s experience is unique. Therefore, there are multiple realities that can be understood by studying what the people can tell us or by what

Qualitative research comprises of receiving information that gives a verbal expression of the participates, providing more detail and depth than quantitative studies. It can be used to analysis people’s attitudes and emotions towards a topic encouraging them to expand on their answers to explain the reasons behind why they gave a particular response. The drawbacks to this being as it requires more time to collect the data so smaller sample sizes

Qualitative and quantitative research are methods used in Sociology to explain and describe data. However, these methods contrast in different important aspects.

The qualitative and quantitative approaches are two main methods in research. Qualitative research is mainly based on description rather than on measurement, whereas quantitative research is mostly based on measurement rather than description. Qualitative research is a method that usually gives emphasis to words rather than quantification in the collection and analysis of data. “As a research strategy it is broadly inductivist, constructionist and interpretivist, but qualitative researchers do not always subscribe to all three of these features.” (Bryman, A 2012) p380

Qualitative research involves the process of discovering not only what people think but also why they believe it. The object is to get people to discuss their stance, beliefs, or viewpoints to acquire an understanding of their feelings and motivation. The qualitative research utilizes in-depth small group studies to steer and assists the development of theory. The outcome of qualitative research tends to be indicative of the opinion of the researcher rather than estimated.

Qualitative research is a technique of promoting research that stresses the quality according to the user’s point of view and approaches. In depth interviews and focus groups are best examples of qualitative research. [Laura Lake, 2009]

Qualitative and Quantitative study designs both can be beneficial in research design. They both provide valuable options for researchers in the field. These techniques can either be used separately in a research study or they can be combined to achieve maximum information. This paper will define the terms qualitative and quantitative; describe the similarities and differences between each; discuss how qualitative and/or quantitative research designs or techniques could be used in the evaluation of my proposed research; and discuss why linking analysis to study design is important.

Qualitative or interpretive research involves data that uses words, diagrams, stories, or illustrations (Grinnell, Williams, & Unrau, pg 177, 2016). Qualitative research explores and tries to understand individuals, groups, or social problems. This process has a flexible structure, and a focus on the importance and complexity of a situation (Grinnell, Williams, & Unrau, pg 179, 2016). Qualitative research has many commonalities. Generally studies are conducted in a natural setting, the data collected are influenced by experiences of participants, and the data is not reduced to numbers (Grinnell, Williams, & Unrau, pg 182, 2016). With qualitative research participants can also voice opinions and provide benefits and harm of the study (Pathak, Jena, & Kalra, 2013).

So what is qualitative research and what is quantitative research? To begin with, we look at the distinctions between the forms of research. Thus, on first consideration, the use of questionnaires as a research technique might be seen as a quantitative strategy, whereas

Quantitative research is an approach that uses theory, variables, measurements and statistical analyses to test theories (Creswell, 2013). Qualitative research is an approach that does not rely on proving a theory, a set of variables, or running an experiment. Rather, a qualitative research approach allows for exploring and understanding meaning individuals or groups ascribe to a social or human problem. A qualitative approach allows for meaning and explanations to develop through, interviews, review of artifacts, and observations (Neuman, 2002).