Quantitative And Qualitative Methodologies

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).

Qualitative and quantitative research methods are frequently used when conducting psychological research. However, each has a different objective and involve a different procedure. When an individual or researcher attempts to test their hypothesis, it is imperative that they know the difference in the two. Knowing the difference will help scientists

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.

Compare and contrast quantitative and qualitative methods on each of the elements listed. Please use scholarly, academic literature to support your response.

It is common for researchers to compare qualitative and quantitative research methods. Quantitative methods originate from positivist and post- positivist research paradigms. Also, the methods objectively examine statistical data to determine cause and affect and often use generalizable data. There are various methods used in quantitative research such as surveys,

In defining quantitative research the term can be dichotomized. Firstly, research refers to creative, systematic work with the intention to increase the knowledge of man and thereby devise new applications (OECD, 2002). In addition Gray (1997) stated that research should improve performance and that the results should be

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).

Both approaches use single, assorted, and longitudinal methods in the research design, but quantitative requires stringent consistency and also utilizes a cross-sectional approach, along with longitudinal, in order to acquire the most successful results. Quantitative research also maintains a clear distinction between facts and judgments (Cooper & Schindler, 2008).

By maintaining important research modalities - neutrality, transparency and empiricism - quantitative research can as be robust and valuable as its qualitative

Methods of quantitative research includes surveys and data, which is then presented as statistics. It is then collected by a big group such as the Census. The downfalls of quantitative methods of research include being that it offers less depth in information as they generally place emphasis on a much larger number of cases. The outcomes of quantitative research are more often than not, used to present findings to a wide or whole population (Punch, 1998). Qualitative methods of research is essentially gathering information and data, by creating focus groups, and conducting field research and intensive reviews.

The quantitative approach to research has numerous principles that make it unique compared to other approaches. In this paper, I will break down many of the

Examine the advantages and disadvantages of using both positivist and interpretivist methods of research (20)

I feel that the greatest strength of the quantitative approach is the degree of perceived reliability it provides (Pole, 2007, p.2). I have found that the majority of people suffer from some degree of math phobia or anxiety, therefore, they are hesitant to negatively critique quantitative approaches. I think that many people are of the mindset that if they don’t understand what is being presented it must be due to their limited statistical experiences. Unfortunately, these same individuals do not realize that just because the “numbers” are providing evidence, the data might only be telling part of the story or it could even be completely incorrect. Additional strengths of quantitative research include the ease of data collection, the ability to assess “cause-and-effect” relationships, and results are generally disconnected from researcher’s opinions ( Johnson & Onwuegbuzie, 2015, p. 19)

Quantitative research is used make inferences based on a certain experience by incorporating a large or wide number of participants that are measurable and that have objective hard data that will allow for a statistical control and generalizability across many populations. (Sheperis, Young, Daniels, 2010). This data will come from surveys and experimental methods and proves to be rather valuable.