Quantitative and Qualitative methods

Quantitative data is facts that are written in numerical form and then proven. The way Quantitative data is recorded is in numbers. An example of Quantitative data is 55%take bus, 25% take train, 10% walk and 10% car.

In research the two main used approaches are qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative research represents the study of perceptions, emotions and experiences in the direction of understanding the human behaviour therefore from a subjective perspective ( R). On the other side the quantitative research is expressed numerical, measurable, appropriate for statistics defined as being objective and can be used for general public (R). Another difference, according to Moule (2015) is that qualitative approach is usually using a smaller sampling size for the study than the quantitative approach. As the qualitative research is inductive, the process is orientated and using a holistic view, allows the researcher

Quantitative data can be described as measurable factual and accurate data, i.e. sales, volumes and costs. Can be developed with historic records. Quantative data is more objective rather than subjective focusing on key issues.

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

As Creswell (2002) has noted, quantitative research is the process of collecting, analysing, interpreting and writing the results of a study, while qualitative

This study was conducted using qualitative approach. With the aim to exploring patient’s and caregivers experience of gaining access to acute stroke care Harrison et al., (2012). Qualitative approach is appropriate as the study is therefore, concerned with exploring and understanding human experience as they occur and interpret in real life, (Cook, et al., 2013). It can be argued that qualitative research focuses on the credibility of the evidence presented as an authentic account and accurate interpretation of the respondent’s viewpoints in relation to the research question being explored (Burns, et al. (2015). However, the participant could be lying about their experience, therefore qualitative cannot be benchmarked as they depend on participant

Part 1 - All research activities begin with a question. Research, in its most basic form is the process of answering that question, or questions. Academic research, though, is a systematic process of collecting and analyzing information so that it increases the understanding of the phenomenon under study (Holton & Burnett, 2005). Regardless of the complexity or nature of the research project, there are at least eight characteristics that help define the process: 1) Research originates with a question or a problem; 2) Research requires a clear articulation of a goal; 3) Research follows a specific plan of procedure; 4) Research usually divides the principal problem into more manageable sub-problems; 5) Research is guided by the specific research problem, question, or hypothesis;6) Research accepts certain critical assumptions. These assumptions are underlying theories or ideas about how the world works; 7) Research requires the collection and interpretation of data in attempting to resolve the problem that initiated the research (Leedy & Ormrod, 2009).

Skinner, Tagg, and Holloway (2000) stressed that engaging in qualitative research demands an understanding of some of the drawbacks associated with doing this type of research. A number of common concerns related to qualitative research are found in the literature. The time and resources involved in collecting and analyzing qualitative data are mentioned frequently (e.g., Creswell, 1998; Skinner, Tagg, & Holloway, 2000). A related concern involves depending on others for access to documents such as diaries, logs, and other records.

This paper compares and contrasts three different approaches utilised in research on technology: quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research. A description of these three approaches is followed by a discussion of how the components of these three approaches differ. Philosophical assumptions, methods/types, purposes/goals, and data analysis are examined. In order to enhance the understanding of these different approaches, six mobile technology research projects are discussed with a focus on these components. Finally, critiques and lessons learned with each approach is presented.

Quantitative and qualitative research designs have many different points that lead them down different paths to achieve results. In this paper an argument will be presented to show a few of the differences among these designs. First the goal of investigation for both qualitative and quantitative research will be explained to give understanding of what the researcher hopes to find out. Then the data collection will be analyzed and compared to show the difference in results. Finally the focus the research of both designs will explain why they are effective and their downfalls in certain situations.

In research, there are mainly three approaches i.e. Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed methods. The importance of qualitative inquiry established first in Sociology (the work of Chicago school) and Anthropology (fieldwork of Malinowski and Radcliffe-Brown) in 1920s and 1930s. Qualitative research is primarily exploratory in nature and involves a variety of different approaches. It gives us understanding of underlying reasons, opinions and motivation. Qualitative research is a field of inquiry in which the observer studies a foreign setting other than his own culture, customs and habits. The existence of qualitative research was an issue in 1970s and 1980s. The paradigm war started for social justice that delegitimizes the assumptions of positivists. Critical and feminist theories were emerging which throws light upon poor, non-whites, marginalized and women. This paradigm war incapacitates the quantitative research in education. Qualitative research avoids or downplays quantitative methods.

There are many kinds of statistics being used out of which the most commonly used one is descriptive statistics which can be further sub-classified as numerical descriptive statistics and pictorial descriptive statistics.

In any sort of research, it is vital to have an excellent hypothetical platform. Such a platform forms the premise of the considerable number of phases of research. The three methods for examination include distinctive strategies. Thus, the speculative plans are distinctive for the three techniques. This paper looks to assess the particular hypothetical designs for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. The qualitative methods do not usually involve statistical analysis. Then again, the quantitative methods essentially include the statistical analysis. Every one of these perspectives might be inspected while defining the hypothetical design for the research.

When a business use statistics it allows them to make decisions based on the data that is collected whether it is good or bad for the company. Statistics is basely the numerical description of a sample population. We use statistics is part of our everyday lives especially in the work setting. For example, a survey was taken on my job, the findings were 90% of the employees have master’s degrees. But looking at the parameter it focused on the entire population. In order to work at Shelby County, every employee is required to hold a Bachelor’s degree. A researcher can use statistics with quantitative analysis by describing, summarizing and comparing the data. For example, a home health agency uses data for their program and policy and procedures. By grouping their clients by their age, demographics, and their race; each one can be formatted in separate columns, a defined variable. The data will be able to show the output (tables, graphs, and statistics) can be shown in a separate window. Statistics can be categorized as descriptive and inferential statistics.

This section of the study will outline the selected research methodology and the justification for these selections. The key aim of this chapter is to elucidate the various methods of research, the chosen one, the rationale of the chosen methodology and importantly how it appropriately suite the research. It is first essential to start the difference between qualitative and quantitative research to determine which method is best appropriate for this study. The data collection method will be properly outlined, clearly stating the advantages and drawbacks.