Advantages And Disadvantages Of Quantitative And Qualitative Research Methods

Considered to be Subjective, researchers interpretation important occurrences, analysis tends to be more time consuming, and less able to be generalized

This paper primarily concerns qualitative research, but we were asked to compare both qualitative and quantitative methods. During comparison, there are many noted differences in both study designs, but not many similarities. Qualitative research uses a subjective approach with a large sample population. It collects non-statistical data, using an unstructured or semi-structured technique (Nieswiadomy & Bailey, 2018). Quantitative research uses an objective approach and large, random, sampling to ask opinions in a structured way. The findings of quantitative studies are conclusive and used to recommend a final course of action (Nieswiadomy & Bailey, 2018). While it is hard to see similarities between the two, both methods aim to find a solution to a problem or question, the researcher doing the study may affect the outcome and an analysis of the collected data must be done (Souza, 2017). What many don’t realize is the connection amongst the two. You can say, both types of research build upon one another, meaning quantitative studies can quantify results found in qualitative research (Souza, 2017).

For quite a while there has been some discussion around which method of distinctions between Qualitative research and quantitative research. This has been fired in later years with some thinking that a combination of the two is best practice especially in social

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

Applying a mixed method approach and employing both quantitative and qualitative designs improves both the external and internal validity of the study. Quantitative studies offer strong external validity with limited bias while qualitative designs offer

Qualitative researchers are focused on interpreting and making sense out of what they observe rather than trying to simplify and quantify these observations by collecting and observing people, places and things in their natural setting. In doing this, researchers are able to investigate hypothesis with more freedom and rigidity while accepting the fact that they relinquish their ability to control direct and indirect elements of their query. What the lose in predictability, they gain in individuality. To put it simply, qualitative research is aimed at watching and explaining in order to develop a complete understanding of whatever phenomena they are

I’ll admit, my knowledge and understanding of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method approaches to research are areas I would like to strengthen. Chapter 1 provided a sound introduction and the foundational fundamentals. Therefore, I look forward to learning more through the direct application of the textbook.

This study relied on qualitative and quantitative data. A study that uses statistical data may be seen as more reliable. Unfortunately, not all statistical evidence is free from error or bias information. A study in which both qualitative and quantitative data is combined, does not guarantee a more reliable study and each of these sets of data have their fair share of weaknesses. Also the study included input from professionals’ perspectives, which increases the chances of bias information. When reading an article journal, one must not deliberate all information as true or false, since newer and updated studies are constantly providing new

Complementarity, practicality, incrementality, enhanced validity, and collaboration are the advantages of the mixed method research mentioned by Polit and Beck

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;

Qualitative research is a broad term for exploratory methodologies described as ethnographic, anthropological, naturalistic, field or participant observation research. It addresses the significance of looking at variables in the natural setting in which they are found in research. Relations between variables are essential parts of the research. Detailed data is collected through open ended questions from the respondents. The interviewer is a fundamental part of the research (Jacob, 1988).

Both qualitative and quantitative research methods have their specific qualities which make them useful to a researcher, however in the course of this short essay I will explain why, for several reasons, qualitative research is better. As both methods operate within different assumptions, it is important to stem criticism for each method 's respective theoretical base in order to adequately judge them. In the course of this essay I will highlight each method 's theoretical assumptions and then I will assess each method by pointing out their positive and negative factors.

Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies utilize questions with the objective of investigating and answering posed research questions through an evaluation-based method (Dobrovolny & Fuentes, 2008). This structured process enables a researcher to develop a systematic approach to facilitate the harvesting, evaluation and presentation of data (Dobrovolny & Fuentes, 2008). Even though both quantitative and qualitative research methods possess many of the same characteristics, the inherent differences of each method provides the researcher with a level of flexibility that enables them to determine the best approach for answering the questions they endeavor to explore.

An extensive body of literature on research methodology clearly indicates an inconclusive debate about the relative merits of qualitative and quantitative research strategies with the majority contending that both have advantages and drawbacks Fineout-Overholt & Melnyk (2011).

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.