Comparing Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches
Week 1 Initial post
Comparing Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches
Researchers often times are faced with the decision of choosing a methodology of research; either Quantitative or Qualitative that they think best fits their study and objectives. This choice is guarded by the topic of study, the advantages and disadvantages, and the strengths and weaknesses of using either one or the other type of the methodologies.
Researchers are sometimes using Quantitative and Qualitative research methodologies interchangeably, or all three of the methodologies including the mixed approach, Creswell (2009). However, the most distinctive differences between the two is the application used, or the design, using words for qualitative analysis, and the use of numbers representing the quantitative analysis. Qualitative Research is primarily exploratory research used to gain an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations. Qualitative research help the research study by providing insights into the problem, and to also develop ideas or hypotheses that might be potential for quantitative research.
This methodology can also be used to uncover the trends in thought and opinions, and help researchers dive deeper into the problem. The data collection methods used in qualitative studies can be varied and through unstructured or semi-structured techniques. Some of the most common methods of data collection is through focus groups, individual interviews, group discussions, and participation/observations. The sample size of a qualitative research is typically small, and respondents can also sometimes be selected to fulfill a given quota, to represent the broader population or target population.
Observational research is an example of none-experimental qualitative research method that allows the researcher to observe the ongoing behavior of the sample selected for the study, in their natural environment that the researcher cannot adjust or manipulate through
Comparing Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches
Researchers often times are faced with the decision of choosing a methodology of research; either Quantitative or Qualitative that they think best fits their study and objectives. This choice is guarded by the topic of study, the advantages and disadvantages, and the strengths and weaknesses of using either one or the other type of the methodologies.
Researchers are sometimes using Quantitative and Qualitative research methodologies interchangeably, or all three of the methodologies including the mixed approach, Creswell (2009). However, the most distinctive differences between the two is the application used, or the design, using words for qualitative analysis, and the use of numbers representing the quantitative analysis. Qualitative Research is primarily exploratory research used to gain an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations. Qualitative research help the research study by providing insights into the problem, and to also develop ideas or hypotheses that might be potential for quantitative research.
This methodology can also be used to uncover the trends in thought and opinions, and help researchers dive deeper into the problem. The data collection methods used in qualitative studies can be varied and through unstructured or semi-structured techniques. Some of the most common methods of data collection is through focus groups, individual interviews, group discussions, and participation/observations. The sample size of a qualitative research is typically small, and respondents can also sometimes be selected to fulfill a given quota, to represent the broader population or target population.
Observational research is an example of none-experimental qualitative research method that allows the researcher to observe the ongoing behavior of the sample selected for the study, in their natural environment that the researcher cannot adjust or manipulate through
References: Creswell, J. (2009). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Frankfort-Nachmias, C., & Nachmias, D. (2008). Research methods in the social sciences (7thed.). New York, NY: Worth. Johnson, B., & Christensen, L. (2008). Educational research: Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches (p. 34). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Lichtman, M. (2006). Qualitative research in education: A user’s guide (pp. 7-8). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. http://www.orau.gov/cdcynergy/soc2web/Content/phase05/phase05_step03_deeper_qualitative_and_quantitative.htm Susan E. Wyse 2011, Snap Survey http://www.snapsurveys.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-qualitative-research-and-quantitative-research/