Qualitative And Quantitative Research Design

Qualitative and quantitative research methods are two alternative applications for research methods. Both are very different in how data is collected, what data is collected, and how data is measured. Both of these research methods are utilized amongst the major areas of psychology and the social sciences. This paper will provide a brief description of qualitative and quantitative methods, provide the differences between the two approaches along with the terminology used for both; I will also refer to my article of choice from week one and specify which research method is used in that particular study; and finally, I will determine whether that same research study is non-experimental or experimental.

Quantitative research is an approach that uses theory, variables, measurements and statistical analyses to test theories (Creswell, 2013). Qualitative research is an approach that does not rely on proving a theory, a set of variables, or running an experiment. Rather, a qualitative research approach allows for exploring and understanding meaning individuals or groups ascribe to a social or human problem. A qualitative approach allows for meaning and explanations to develop through, interviews, review of artifacts, and observations (Neuman, 2002).

This paper will review different styles of research design along with how different variables within research can be measured.

According to Yilmaz (2013) there exist two significant approaches to research with respect to studying the social and individual world. According to Creswell (2014) three types of design quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods should remain in consideration when choosing a research designs at the start of the process. The two methods exist a quantitative and

Creswell, J. (2009). Research Design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. (3rd ed). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.

A quantitive-descriptive research study will be implemented for the process of the project. This would utilize simple surveys and measurements to obtain the data in the school that will be observed, defining this project as quasi-experimental. An explanatory theoretical framework would be preferable for this project because the goal is to try and change the issue of vegetable and legume consumption in young children. These changes will be slow as changing instilled behaviors of individuals can prove to be difficult. By using this framework, the researcher can use this to explain to parents, the pediatric participants, and involved individuals why the changes are desirable in the community and what kind of positive outcomes

Qualitative research describes the research that can produce observations and descriptions. If you were observing or interviewing someone, you would want to use qualitative research to ask questions such as "how" or "why".

Qualitative techniques are used at the time of collection of data and the analysis of the data. Qualitative research is used to gain an understanding of why things transpire and how they occur (Cooper & Schindler, 2014). Capella University has several technique that are pre-approved that learners can utilize for their dissertations such as descriptive case studies, descriptive phenomenology, and exploratory data analysis (Capella University, 2016). This discussion will describe the differences in the designs as they relate to the Unit 7 assignment scenario.

Qualitative research generates information that is very detailed and or originality. It is done in a normal social setting and gets to a better understanding of participants. The method used to collect data is by observation from interviews. Qualitative research is usually criticized for lacking scientific demands.

Creswell, J. W.(2003) Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches, 2th edition, Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publication

· The research design for this study was qualitative. The information gathered was collected through the use of interviews and surveys. It is a qualitative research study because it “does not introduce treatments or manipulate variables, or impose the researcher’s operational definitions of variables on the participants” (PPA n/d). I was additionally directed at getting a better comprehension of the subject through first hand, truthful reporting.

The type of study that was utilized is known as a qualitative study. A qualitative study is a study in which data is gathered without altering the surroundings. Within the area of human research, a qualitative study can present evidence about the health conditions, actions, and viewpoints that occur naturally in a particular group (research design, n.d). When researchers are required to interact with participants, surveys or interviews may be utilized to gather required data. In descriptive studies where the researcher does not communicate with the participant, observational studies of individuals in an environment, and studies containing data collection using current records are utilized (research design, n.d).

According to Kothari (2008) qualitative research is concerned with qualitative phenomena which are related to or involve quality or kind. Qualitative research engages the collection and analysis of non-numerical data obtained from experiments, interviews, observations, and other resources involving statements and arguments. Research is conducted into particular context and non-numerical interpretive approach is used to produce narrative description of research data. Unlike quantitative research, this type of research considers the underlying facts behind the establishment of particular behaviors and assumptions. It is commonly used in behavioural sciences where the aim of research is to discover underlying motives of human behaviour.

The qualitative research paradigm has its roots in cultural anthropology and American sociology (Crenshaw, 2014). The intent of the research is to understand a particular social situation, event, role, group, or interaction (Crenshaw, 2014). One of the assumptions that is made related to qualitative research is that the research occurs in natural settings, where human behavior and events occur (Crenshaw, 2014). The focus of the research will also document the participants’ perceptions and their experiences (Crenshaw, 2014).

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.