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Compare and contrast Qualitative vs Quantitative methods in research
Strengths of qualitative research
Compare and contrast qualitative and quantitative research methods
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Introduction
Data collection is a process by which you receive useful information. It is an important aspect of any type of research, as inaccurate data can alter the results of a study and lead to false hypothesis and interpretations. The approach the researcher utilizes to collect data depends on the nature of the study, the study design, and the availability of time, money and personnel. In addition, it is important for the researcher to determine whether the study is intended to produce qualitative or quantitative information.
Creswell (2009), states that there are three types of designs, qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods. Smith and Davis (2010) states that qualitative research is a field of enquiry that is conducted in a natural setting by a researcher, who may be involved in, or may be part of the data collection process; as it utilizes the views of informants as the basis for the report. Qualitative research attempts to gain and in-depth, holistic picture of the phenomenon one wishes to study by interacting closely with the people being studied; the data collected are usually in the form of words or pictures.
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).
Another option available to a researcher is mixed methods which focuses on collecting, analyzing, and mixing both qualitative and quantitative data in a single study; also, it is based on the premise that the use of quantitative and qualitative combination provides a better understanding of the research problem than either approach alo...
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...s over an extended period of time (Smith and Davis, 2010); (4) phenomenological research, involves understanding the lived experiences by studying a small number of subjects through extensive and prolonged engagement to develop pattern and relationships of meaning; (5) narrative research, in which the researcher studies the lives of individuals through stories about their lives (Creswell, 2009); and (6) participatory action research, in which the goal of the researcher is to evaluate and understand the impact of some social program on the community (Smith and Davis, 2010).
It is important that researchers are knowledgeable of the qualitative research methodologies in order to select the most appropriate to investigate their problem of interest, and thereby selecting the most appropriate data collection methods that will aptly produce the richest data for analysis.
Qualitative research aims to gather information from data collection methods and transform it into written words. Such as transcribing recorded interviews, taking field notes from observations, using words to outline images (Denscombe, 1998, p. 174). On the other hand, quantitative research aims to gather information from data collection methods and transform it into numbers. Such as analysing conducted surveys and pulling numbers to transform it into statistics, tables and graphs (Denscombe, 1998, p.174-177).
Provided an overview of the research study of the past seasons, respectively, as well as the current literature and relevant research methodology was adopted to review the title search has focused on clarifying concepts through. Gather Success in the chapter analysis of the data that the overwhelming conclusion that emerged from the main purpose of the presentation and analysis of data collected from the device. Analytical method to analyze the data is also used in the data analysis chapter. Enveloped before choosing your explanation why the data between the various other analytical methods in the application of qualitative research methodology to explain. Finally, research in the organizational structure according to the system, it is necessary again to provide a means through which chapter of the researchers collected their data sampling and data collection methodology used to explain each specific use. Data collection is the tool of the success and results-oriented research. It has a great role in understanding of the research. The data has been compromised, leading to disaster and failure based on findings, researchers emphasized that the real health and all research data collection operations. Data analyses have a significant role in understanding the object of the research. Data analyses are the tool for the accurate measurement of judging the research methodology and the effects of that methodology. Data analysis is the key to the findings of the research. In fact; no company can survive without the available data analysis. Consider the following examples as follows:
...primary research that gathers vast amounts of information. Quantitative research is a derivative of secondary research and is associated with the gathering of data, as in numbers, height, weight etc. In order for either research to effective, the proper research tool must be used in its right context. If not, the research will prove to be a less adequate one.
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...
The topics featured in Gandy’s article focuses on the notion of “racially coded data” (1) and how the data is translated into information that may or may not be put to the greatest use. Meaning that targeting certain races with a number of issues with the intention of aiding them, May actually cause more harm than help. He tries to argues that “racial statistics have not only come to represent the distribution of life chances in ways that continue to place African Americans down the bottom of the pile” (5) and then follows on by illustrating “some of the ways in which many of the same statistics are used to ensure that their status is less likely to improve” (5). He mentions this idea of a ‘racial disparity’ focusing on African Americans alone discussing racial coding as and what he calls the ‘panoptic sort’ have become ‘discriminatory technology and then states that how it “operates to the detriment of segments of the population” (7).
Quantitative research may be seen as the less contentious of the two because it is more closely aligned with what is viewed as the classical scientific paradigm. Quantitative research involves gathering data that is absolute, for example numerical data so that it can be examined as unbiased as possible. The main idea behind quantitative research is that it is able to separate things easily so that they can be counted. The researcher generally has a clear idea of what is being measured before they start measuring it, and their study is set up with controls. Qualitative research on the other hand is a more subjective form of research, in which the research allows themselves to introduce their own bias to help form a more complete picture. Qualitative research may be necessary in situations where it is unclear of what is exactly being looked for in a study, while quantitative research generally knows exactly what it is looking for. Questionnaires and surveys are quantitative socio-legal research, because it is the collection of numerical data, or data that can be easily being turned into a numerical form. In terms of analysing quantitative data, Excel is the b...
Data Collection and Analysis Questionnaire The research was carried out on both quantitative and qualitative approaches. It began with a quantitative approach—questionnaire. Bryman and Bell (2003) asserted that mail or postal questionnaires are the most popular forms of questionnaires. Another form—self-completion questionnaire—was also common because of the overlap with postal questionnaire to some extent.
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.
We believe it is clear that both qualitative and quantitative research have many benefits and many costs. In some situations the qualitative approach will be more appropriate; in other situations the quantitative approach will be more appropriate.
Stejskal, S.M. (2010) Quatiative and Qualitative Research Methods are not and should not be Mutually Exclusive, Grinn Verlag.
The qualitative approach answers the question “why” (Poggenpoel et al., 2001), where the quantitative approach answers more the question ‘how”. Both qualitative and quantitative research have their place, although quantitative research has been classically upheld as the scientific standard. However, both designs have advantages and disadvantages that can either benefit the study or jeopardize the research if implemented incorrectly. A mixed methods design includes both qualitative and quantitative designs, and has the ability to enhance internal and external validity, credibility, and reliability of the results.
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.
Quantitative studies are primarily numbers based. They deal with large cohort groups as well as analyze large amounts of data. “A quantitative researcher typically tries to measure variables in some way, perhaps by using commonly accepted measures of the physical world (e.g., rulers, thermometers, oscilloscopes) or carefully designed measures of psychological characteristics or behaviors (e.g., tests, questionnaires, rating scales)” (Leedy & Ormrod, 2010, p. 94).
...ve and quantitative methods to conduct a successful research. But, both qualitative and quantitative research is based on assumptions, and both when carried out accurately provide good research.
Qualitative data analysis is the process of transforming data into information, information into understanding and understanding into knowledge (Davenport & Prusak, 1998). Furthermore, qualitative data analysis can be described as a blend of scientific studies and artistic style to create an innovative product. The research acts as the primary research tool, and must be able to sustain composer throughout the entire study. In addition, the researcher must be able to pay attention to the small details of the study, without losing sight of the big picture of the study (Chenail, 2012).