Importance Of Quantitative Research

Theories are the organized concepts that help to define or understand behaviors, relationships or a phenomenon (Green, 2014). Thus, theories are the foundation of scholarly research and act as an outline to carry out a study. They are used to process and analyzing data and contribute to knowledge in literature and practice (Green, 2014; Udo-Akang, 2012). Theories are used to guide research but are also utilized in a parallel process with research to explain and to predict, explain problems, events, systems, and experiences (Udo-Akang, 2012). In a wraparound effect, studies help to advancement theories through the application of the framework to the research methodology (Green, 2014; Udo-Akang, 2012). The theory and its constructs guide the research design (Green, 2014; Udo-Akang, 2012). Existing theories are said to most likely

variables are used and statistical data is sought; by contrast, in qualitative research, the subjective

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).

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).

Quantitative and qualitative research generates from two different perspectives, and it provide different types of crucial information from the research subject. Qualitative research corresponds more with comprehensive and thorough descriptions of events, whereas quantitative research creates statistical models to explain events. Several advantages and disadvantages in qualitative and quantitative research, depends upon the researcher's purpose and area of focus and information that will answer those research questions (Creswell, (2013).

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

Quantitative and qualitative methods are the forms of collecting evidence and information. In quantitative research, concepts are assigned numerical value, and concerned with measuring social, or criminal justice reality (Hagan, 2010, p. 14).  In qualitative research, concepts are viewed as sensitizing ideas or terms to enhance understanding of reality under investigation (Hagan, 2010, p. 14).  Qualitative research explains an idea, which attempts to show understanding or empathy. This is where the researchers surround themselves within the subject matter and begin to develop an empathetic understanding. The quantitative approach favors studying “phenomena that can be measured, observed, and examined empirically” (Hagan, 2010, p. 14).

Qualitative data is not numerical and is more likely to take the form of observations or interviews. Obviously, it is very difficult to perform any statistical analysis on this kind of data. A further problem is that another researcher cannot replicate this data and therefore it is difficult to check the validity of what has been written. Researchers using this kind of data must be careful to avoid subjectivity, that is, they must avoid letting their personal beliefs or preferences affect the way they record and interpret the data. The advantage of this form of data collection is that it allows the researcher to answer open-ended questions; consequently, it is more flexible. Qualitative data also provides opportunities to explain the context of an observation and can therefore present a fuller picture (OU, 2001).

The purpose of this paper is to provide a critique of the quantitative research study titled “The relationships among anxiety, anger, and blood pressure in children” (Howell, Rice, Carmon, & Hauber, 2007).

Undoubtedly, there is an unswerving relationship between the theory and its application. Theory offers direction in research, and its application affords a baseline for research. In the following text, the relationship between theory and application and the manner in which a theory guides practices is espoused upon. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to show how research and theory are connected and how both serve as models for good practice in finding the appropriate information that allows investigators to resolve issues and to solve research problems, while also adding to the world’s body of knowledge (Akang, 2012).

This study will use quantitative methods of research. The major advantage of using quantitative research design is that it is an exceptional method for making conclusions and agreeing or disagreeing to any

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.

This chapter presents the methods that will be used to carrying out this research. There are two main research types; Quantitative and Qualitative research. Quantitative research is one that uses qualitative approaches for inquiry – data is collected by interacting with the users and understanding their reasons, patterns and themes such as interviews (Creswell, 2013). On the other hand, Quantitative research uses quantitative approaches for inquiry - statistical, mathematical or computational techniques to understand patterns and themes such as laboratory experiments.

For many who are new to research, there is little difference between quantitative and qualitative research. Key words to define quantitative research include empirical and statistics, while words to denote qualitative include subjective and naturalistic. However, for many research scholars, the differences between the models are vast. Much of the debate centers around validity that surrounds the heterogeneous methods used to determine outcomes in qualitative research (Madill & Gough, 2008). Opposing views see use of a variety of methods in qualitative research as a context driven, useful approach, that contributes unique ideas to science (Madill & Gough, 2008). For those who keep the debate alive, Walsh (2012) makes the point that perhaps, the debate lies within the realm of ego or, “who is “right” and who is “wrong” (p. 10). Regardless, in truth the past twenty years has seen the convergence of research using both quantitative and qualitative data. All one needs to do is explore a database using the two methods as the search term; results abound showing integration. Integration has been allowed through the rigorous pursuit of empiricism through more standardized data collection and analysis in qualitative research (Madill & Gough, 2008). Qualitative research has come a long way toward understanding the need for standards of practice in methodology. Thus, combining each method toward a comprehensive approach is a more pragmatic way of studying phenomenon.

Birley and Moreland (1998) argued that data collection could be considered as the method towards developing a research proposal. Data collection can be considered as the process of a research project where the occurrence of ‘real’ research is felt by many researchers. Two types of data collection approach were chosen, qualitative and quantitative. Denzin and Lincoln (2005) mentions about qualitative research allow more in-depth understanding of the social and cultural impacts people experience. Qualitative methodology is a research process that allows the researcher to observe sociocultural lifestyle and feel the “live” action (Babbie, 2007). There are no indications of using any analysis or statistics (Boeree, 2005). The disadvantage of qualitative methodology are not comprehensive when compared to quantitative methodology as the information gathered are about interpreting the ideology and concluding the meanings as well as impacts taken from methodology (Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, 2011). In quantitative research, numbers are highlighted and are needed for