Week 1 RSCH 8300

Research, no matter what field, is often conducted and analysed in accordance with two basic approaches: quantitative and qualitative. The quantitative approach aims to test a hypothesis and examine the relationship through generating numerical data or other information that is than converted into numbers, whereas the qualitative approach is more exploratory, aiming to gain a deeper understanding of the research subject. Through breaking down and examining the key features in each of these approaches it is evident that although they both begin with a problem the researcher aims to understand they fundamentally differ. The table below shows side by side comparisons, highlighting the differences that can be used to differentiate these approaches, described broadly across three main categories.

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).

There has probably been more energy spent on debating the difference, advantages and limitations between qualitative and quantitative research methods, it can be said that this issue has been debated to death with many spending years proving which methods is the best.

The results of article two used the mixed methods of quantitative and qualitative data. “Mixed methods research is an approach to inquiry that combines or associates both qualitative and quantitative forms. It involves philosophical assumptions, the use of qualitative and quantitative approaches, and the mixing of both approaches in a study. Thus, it is more than simply collecting and analyzing both kinds of data; it also involves the use of both approaches in tandem so that the overall strength of a study is great than either qualitative or quantitative research.” (Creswell, 2007). The authors used their research to answer their research question;

This write appreciates facts and data mostly, thus would choose a quantitative method of research. They are concise, the sampling size can be larger and the limitations to human subjectivity usually are less. It is believed that the accuracy of the study is greater and more

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).

As stated before, most quantitative research studies are used to define or measure something. Many medical studies employ quantitative research to define the measurements of a specific issue. One article

The research began by Using the library database such as CINAHL, to six peer-reviewed research article, ensuring that they were both qualitative and Quantitative. Then the writer was given the opportunity to review one done by a quantitative and a qualitative method. The quantitative study

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

In order to carry out my research, there were two feasible arguments to using qualitative research and quantitative methods. Qualitative research is recording information that express information about feelings, values and attitudes using words, whereas quantitative research uses data that is expressed in numerical form using descriptive and inferential statistics (Lindlof & Taylor, 2002). Quantitative research is useful when measuring facts and is structured using characterised surveys and statistical reliability (Grossnickle & Raskin, 2002), in contrast qualitative research can be useful to explore areas which are difficult to define, for example, underlying motives for people’s views and attitudes and can offer a more humanitarian approach.

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.

Research A and B, are different methodological approaches, therefore they both included their own advantages and limitations. Quantitative approach

It is interesting to note that, one clear practical issue in combining both methods is the issue whether the combined methodologies are “genuinely integrated” (Bryman, 2007). Bryman further argued, to what extent do researchers who combined both methodologies analyse, interpret and write up their research in a way that both qualitative and quantitative components are mutually integrated. Moreover, when combining both methods often led to the issue of each qualitative and quantitative method are treated as separate domains instead of being treated as one method.

Quantitative research is considered to be the use of numbers. In the use of a quantitative study, the researcher test objective theories by examining the conjunction among variables. The variables used can be measured on instruments, so that numbered data can be used and analyzed (Creswell, 2008). Qualitative research is mainly used to explore and understand human or social problems. The process of qualitative studies includes questions and procedures; and the data is collected byway of participant’s settings. It allows the researcher to study an issue in great detail and depth, as well as not allowing data collection to be constrained by predetermined data. Mixed methods research combines quantitative and qualitative methods and it involves philosophical assumptions. This form of study includes collecting and analyzing data from a quantitative and qualitative perspective. It is believed that mixed methods research is a great method for practicing researchers who would like to bridge the schism between quantitative and qualitative research (Onwuegbuzie & Leech, 2004a). Even though these methods are different, they all involve philosophical assumptions and distinct methods or procedures (Cresswell, 2009).

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