Psy 201 Research Methods And Statistics

According to Yin (2003), there are two types of research approach. This includes quantitative research approach and qualitative research approach. A quantitative research emphasizes on transforming the data to numbers, quantities and statistics to formulate facts and to uncover patterns in a research. It addresses research purposes through empirical analysis that involve numerical measurement, the relationship between variables and analysis approaches (Zikmund et al., 2010). The sample size being investigated is typically large (Anderson, 2006). Quantitative research mainly uses questionnaires, surveys and other equipment to collect numerical or measurable data (Anderson, 2006). On the other hand, a qualitative research typically emphasizes words more than numbers

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).

By contrast, the main purpose corresponded with qualitative research is to make understanding with regard to participants. Moreover, qualitative research has many different ways of collecting information, but the best ways of qualitative research is to approach the sources of information, it is due to make the deeper understanding of the issues (Easterby-Smith et al, 2002; Wood et al., 2010, p. 59). In addition, quantitative and qualitative both were also many researchers debated. For example, quantitative research is mostly experimental and qualitative research is mainly non-experimental (Leeds-Hurwitz, 1995, p.50), (see table 5). While, various researchers also combined two methods for researching, which was called that “mixed-methods”. Creswell, (2003) have stated

Qualitative research collects non-numerical data to describe events or phenomena. On the other hand, quantitative research uses numeric data with statistical methods to investigate phenomena. (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015, p. 609). Qualitative studies address human responses to particular situations or events with an emphasis on interviews and observations. The results are reported from the participant’s point of view. Qualitative studies can be conducted when a phenomenon is unknown to obtain a general idea. Also, they can be used when an event is well known, but certain areas lack details or depth (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015). Contrarily, quantitative studies measure phenomena with the use of scales, tests, scores and statistics. Quantitative research designs are multiple. They can range from descriptive studies, which are used to predict relationships between variables, to randomized control trials (RCT). RCTs are used to describe cause and effect relationship between variables. Quantitative studies report results using a uniform format with preselected variables (Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2015).

Qualitative research methods are complex meaningful analysis characterised by processes and meanings that are not experimentally examined or measured in terms of mathematical measurements (Lincoln, 2003; Sarantakos, 2005). Quantitative research however, relies and builds on mathematical procedures and methods, such as frequency, quality, amount and statistical procedure. This paper will compare and contrast both qualitative and quantitative research methods endeavouring to highlight differences and similarities between the two methods.

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 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.

Qualitative research uses data obtained through methods such face- to- face interviews, observations, and focus groups. Data is analyzed by looking for trends and patterns. Quantitative research use numerical and statics to process the answer specific questions. Statistics used to support assessment of research. Analysis techniques are used to report are affected by the questions addressed and type of information that is expected in the research discoveries (Wakoff, 2007).

There are many benefits of utilizing quantitative methods in research. The benefits are precise numerical data, previously constructed theories can be tested and validated, results can be generated from sufficient random samples sizes, and less time is needed for data analysis. The weaknesses of quantitative methods are that due to the focus of the theory used the researcher may miss phenomena occurring, or the information gained may be too general to be applied to the individuals. The other weaknesses are colleagues may not understand the categories used, and colleagues may not understand the theories used by the researchers. (Zikmund et al, 2010) Qualitative Methods

Qualitative research focuses on exploratory research that looks at personal opinions, motivations, and emotions behind the information gathered. Qualitative research helps give insight into understanding the deeper meaning and answering the why and how behind the research. When conducting qualitative research one must first decide on a sample selection, which means picking a target population, community, or study area to obtain information from. Qualitative data collection is usually left open-ended using methods such as interviews, observations, focus groups, case studies, and assessments to produce common themes during data analysis (Yates & Leggett, 2016). There are two different kinds of data analysis, inductive and deductive. “Inductive analysis involves discovering patterns, themes, and categories in one’s data, whereas deductive analysis begins

Methodological approaches in the sciences are usually divided between quantitative and qualitative methods. Whilst some research papers demonstrated the use of qualitative data through interviews and diaries, others used quantitative data by using numerical data collection and statistical analysis. By simply understanding the different data collection methods in both qualitative research and in quantitative research, there is a

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;

As the name suggests, is concerned with trying to quantify things; it asks questions such as ‘how long’, ‘how many’ or ‘the degree to which’. Quantitative methods look to quantify data and generalise results from a sample of the population of interest. They may look to measure the incidence of various views and opinions in a

Beginning with qualitative research design, this model utilizes surveys to collect information. Qualitative research is unstructured and flexible in design. It does not follow any particular sequence. One must generate their own design model. Basically, the qualitative research model is what the researcher makes it. (Maxwell, 2012). It focuses on the scrutiny of occurrences and is based on observation and questions. With this type of research, parts are evaluated as a whole. Qualitative research answers the why and how questions. These questions, mostly open-ended, would be answered through non-numerical data, such as texts, observations, interviews, and stories. This type of research normally utilizes small sample sizes and is less formal than other types of research. The results are not loaded with numbers and statistics (Johnson, 2007).

Both quantitative and qualitative research methods are significant in their own perspective, and they are not adversaries. By appreciating the wide nature of knowledge, the two methods allow for the research in diverse areas of studies with desired conclusions ( ). The quantitative method finds more application among physical sciences whereas; the qualitative method finds more use in the social sciences (book). The two methods of research allow for the variability in acquiring various materials, for example: some data is only relevant in the numerical sense, while some need the use of clarifications and observations.