Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods

1696 Words4 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Contrast between quantitative and qualitative research

In this paper, I will define quantitative and qualitative research methods and provide examples in the context of social issues which will hopefully provide insight into how this methods are properly applied. Social issues are very broad and diverse and are usually made up of factors or consequences which directly or indirectly affect a person or many members of a society and are considered to be problems, controversies or both and are related to moral values, therefore their immediate social environment may become vulnerable in some respect which may also effect several individuals environment and in turn society. There are two methods of approaching study of the world; deductive and inductive (L. Osburn, personal communication, August 11, 2011). Quantitative research uses a deductive reasoning also known as top to bottom or (top down approach) starting with a theory, then the hypothesis, followed by observation and finally confirmation , going from the general to the more specific. Quantitative methods use numbers and statistics to show the results of the research exercise and mainly are concerned with mathematics and statistics. In quantitative research there are levels of measurement being firstly nominal which are names of things followed by ordinal sequence of things, interval where the sequence has equal distance between each item, and ratio where there is a true zero (Alston & Bowles, 2003, p. 7-9). Quantitative research is the oldest form of research; it is incredibly formal, stemming from positivism paradigm, or the outside looking in approach. The method is about trying to establish cause and affect relationships between variables. This method can be considered non biased as the researcher isn’t us... ... middle of paper ... ...or hindrance? Outcomes of social work student placements. Australian Social Work, 58(3), 301–312. doi:10.1111/j.1447-0748.2005.00222.x Barria, L., & Roper, S. (2010). The Development of institutions of human rights: A comparative stud. Palgrave Macmillan: New York. Faherty, V. (2008) Compassionate Statistics applied quantitative analysis for social services. Sage Publications: California. Research methods knowledge base, deduction and induction the web centre for social research methods. Retrieved from: http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/dedind.php Coster, P., & Woolf, A. (Eds.).(2011). World book: South Africa’s Anti-Apartheid Movement, (pp. 56-57). Arcturus Publishers: Chicago. Stevenson, H. (1995). Relationship of Adolescent Perceptions of Racial Socialisation to Racial Identity. Journal of Black Psychology. DOI: 10.1177/00957984950211005

Show More
Related

  • How Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) React to Music

    1754 Words  | 4 Pages

    Qualitative and quantitative methods allow researchers to investigate, explore and inquire the nature of the phenomenon being studied. It is important that the researcher develops a clear understanding of the problem and design a plan to investigate it (Cresswell, 1998, para. 1). There are a variety of research methods; nevertheless, it is important to consider which research method is appropriate for the study. Qualitative research focuses on human experiences while quantitative research relies on numbers, measurements, and testing. Nevertheless, qualitative and quantitative methods use similar approaches to conduct research and collect data. For example, observations and interviews are approaches used in both research designs; however, the approaches are used and viewed otherwise. This will be discussed later in the paper.

    Read More

  • Research Methodology: Qualitative Methods of Data Collection

    1727 Words  | 4 Pages

    In the previous chapters I discussed the problem of the lack of healthy eating promotion programs in schools are leaving parents and students uneducated about how to purchase healthy items which is leading to childhood obesity. I also discussed how the problem is being addressed, as well as the theory of social constructionism. In this chapter, I will discuss the specific methodology I plan to use and the three different types of data collection I plan to employ to carry out my study. This study will use a qualitative approach to study and address the issue of the lack of healthy eating promotion in schools. The three types of data collection I plan to use are: direct observation, focus groups and a questionnaire. These methods will be clarified later in this chapter.

    Read More

  • Critical Analysis of Research Papers

    1718 Words  | 4 Pages

    According to Smith (1983) quantitative research is to explain, predict and develop laws that can be universally applied and Qualitative research is the interpretation and understanding of what people give to their situation. The researchers clearly stated the purpose of their studies, aim, objectiv...

    Read More

  • The Biopsychosocial Model and Research in Mental Health

    1009 Words  | 3 Pages

    Research can be quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative research is objective and involves measuring the phenomena under investigation. Qualitative research is subjective, explores experiences and feelings, and involves the recording of phenomena that cannot easily be quantified (Toates, 2010, pp. 5-6). Both are empirical since they involve data collection (OU, n.d.).

    Read More

  • Ethical Considerations In Data Analysis Methods

    1663 Words  | 4 Pages

    Quantitative analysis is the method in which the researcher has the opportunity to make use of statistical approaches for achieving reliable and effective results. The aim of quantitative analysis method is to illustrate the collected data all the way through gathering of primary data. This method works best with the data that is collected by surveys or interviews because it considers statistical approach for generating results. This method is not considered as accurate for the study

    Read More

  • Shortcomings Of Methodology: Qualitative And Quantitative Research Methods

    1124 Words  | 3 Pages

    This chapter presents the methodology that would be used in the study. The methodology covers issues that relate to the type of data that would be collected, how it would be collected, and how it would be analysed.

    Read More

  • Identity And Adolescence Essay

    866 Words  | 2 Pages

    Adolescences has always been the most crucial time for developing identity. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between racial identity development of African American adolescents and the role of education. This paper will discuss the effects race has on identity and adolescent development. Following, it will compare students education from a racial perspective and the lasting effects after adolescence.

    Read More

  • Maxwell's Interactive Model Of Research Design Case Study

    1086 Words  | 3 Pages

    On the other hand, Quantitative research refers to “variance theory” where quantity describes the research in terms of statistical relationships between different variables (Maxwell, 2013). Quantitative research answers the questions “how much” or “how many?” Quantitative research is an objective, deductive process and is used to quantify attitudes, opinions, behaviors, and other defined variables with generalized results from a larger sample population. Much more structured than qualitative research, quantitative data collection methods include various forms of surveys, personal interviews and telephone interviews, polls, and systematic observations. Methods can be considered “cookie cutter” with a predetermined starting point and a fixed sequence of

    Read More

  • Qualitative Research Topic

    1221 Words  | 3 Pages

    According to Easterbrook, (2008), “qualitative methods are used typically in research projects that take a human-focused perspective in the design and implementation of the investigation” (p. 828). This paper theme explains the reasoning for a topic’s approach as qualitative research. Additionally, the paper’s theme identifies the research design appropriateness while providing a rationale for not using other research designs. The qualitative research designs include phenomenological, ethnographic, grounded theory and case study. The approach to a research issue depends on the research question and the study’s goal.

    Read More

  • Substance Abuse As A Social Problem

    624 Words  | 2 Pages

    A social problem is any circumstance or conduct that has undesirable impacts for a huge number of individuals and that is commonly accepted as a condition or behavior that requires to be addressed. The various social problems present today vary from society to society, and as such, we cannot say that all societies face similar social issues. Social problems encompass economic, political, and human life issues within society. Poverty, unemployment, unequal opportunity, racism, and malnutrition are examples of social problems. So are substandard housing, employment discrimination, and child abuse and neglect.

    Read More

  • The Disadvantages And Disadvantages Of Qualitative Data Collection Methods

    1256 Words  | 3 Pages

    Abstract 1 can be identified as a qualitative methodology as the abstract contains elements of opinions and meanings behind issues in the passage and this method has been defined as a method that is used to gather data that helps to understand the meaning, reason and opinions behind a problem, while at the same time providing insights into the problem or helping to develop the ideas or hypotheses for research. Qualitative data collection methods usually use unstructured or semi-structured techniques. Some of these methods include group discussions, individual interviews, and participation or observations. The sample size is normally small, and respondents are selected to fill a set quota. The advantages of qualitative data are

    Read More

  • Research Methodology

    2173 Words  | 5 Pages

    This chapter aims to explain the research methodology carried out throughout the research study. Firstly the selected research design is defined and described. This is followed by an explanation of the research approach and subject paradigm chosen for the research. Subsequently, this chapter focuses on describing the secondary data methodology used in the literature review of the research. Later, the information regarding to the primary data methodology is given. This section explicates the reasons behind the selection of a quantitative approach as well as the instrument employed to collect the data. In addition the questions included in the questionnaire are explained and pre-tested. Lastly the sampling method is also described in conjunction with the data analysis process and the ethical standards of the research study.

    Read More

  • Methodology: Quantitative Research Method, Delivery, And Deliveryer And Collection Methods

    810 Words  | 2 Pages

    According to (John W. Creswell 2003 and Gunderson 2000) giving a very clear definition that quantitative research method is the type of research by using collecting numerical data to explaining the particular phenomena and the numerical data that can be analyze by using mathematically. Quantitative research method, researcher will design a quantitative from for respondent to answer the question with numbers and the researcher will collect the numerical data as an evidence from the respondent. The researcher will according the data and analyze by using the mathematically method and statistics. The strength of quantitative research is neutral and can be easily analyze.

    Read More

  • Data Collection Research

    1540 Words  | 4 Pages

    On the other hand, quantitative research allows you to test hypothesis derived from theories, associated with the issues being investigated. It is less flexible, as there are standardized procedures and techniques for collecting, organizing and analyzing the data (Kuada, 2012).

    Read More

  • Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research

    2285 Words  | 5 Pages

    Qualitative and quantitative research methods take different approaches to gathering and analysing information. Whether it is a qualitative or quantitative study, the research study begins with a question or series of questions. Both use rigorously designed studies to get the most accurate, detailed and complete results. Qualitative studies common methods are interviews, surveys and observation. A qualitative study aims to provide a detailed description of the study results, often using pictures and written descriptions to describe what the research revealed. A qualitative study looks at the big picture, helping researchers to narrow in on points of interest that then can be followed up on in a quantitative study. While a quantitative study has a narrower focus, it attempts to provide a detailed explanation of the study focus, along with this using numbers and statistics. And the results from a quantitative study can reveal bigger questions that call for qualitative study. Or vice versa a qualitative study may reveal at analysis that a more focus and direct approach may be needed. With both methods analysis is a key part of any study whether qualitative or quantitative.

    Read More

More about Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods

Open Document