qualitative and quantitative research methods

Quantitative research, although very reliable, is often criticized for the validity of its outcomes, and although qualitative research has good validity, it faces problems of repeatability and generality. (p. 569)

Quantitative research involves collecting data, which can be expressed numerically. The design is well structured with pre-determined outcomes. It frequently involves testing a hypothesis, which then can be analysed from the data deductively using statistical methods. Using numerical data is easier to analysis mathematical, so larger sample sizes can be utilised compared to qualitative research, therefore giving a better representative of the population; along with simplifying the process of making a generalisation. Another advantage is that studies can easily compare to similar findings (Kruger, 2003). The disadvantages are the results are limited and might not provide a proper understanding of the topic. Also, statistics and leading questions can be used to give a false representation of the data when summarising.

Qualitative research concerns with the collecting and analysing information in as many forms, mainly non-numeric form. It focuses on exploring in as much detail as possible, small number of examples or occurrences which are seen as being intriguing or illuminating, and aims to achieve ‘depth’ instead of ‘breadth’. On the other hand, Quantitative research as the term suggests concerns with the collection of data in numerical form. It tends to stress generally vast scale and delegate sets of information, and is frequently, dishonestly in our perspective, introduced or saw as being about the social event of `facts '. (Blaxter, Hughes and Tight, 1996:61)

‘Methodologies’ explains the theory of how the study will be done and concentrate on the philosophical way of collecting and using data. Regarding the topic chosen the methodology will try to answer in the best way the topic research in the best way, while it will also try to use the best methods to answer the goals of these dissertations.

There is a current dispute between qualitative and quantitative research methods. It is an international acuminous and there are elements of state-sponsored sp0rt in the west for a return to kind of neopositivist quantitative inquiry.(stronach 2006; 758)

The choice to conduct observational research is based on the questions we want to answer. This form of research needs to be approached with the knowledge in mind that this type of psychological observation is inferential in nature.

A researcher’s comfort with ontological, epistemological, axiological, rhetorical, and methodological assumptions of the quantitative paradigm

Different from quantitative research that collects and analyzes numerical data, qualitative research deals with non-numerical data such as interviews, participant observations, audio and visual images, field notes, reflexive journals, and document. Additionally, different from quantitative research that data are collected and interpreted based on large size of samples, qualitative research usually generate data from small-sized individuals or cases who are selected purposefully to help answer the specific research question(s). Therefore, information is gathered through in-depth study of the particular informants and conclusions are drawn from the particular cases studied.

The power of qualitative research is its capability to supply complicated definition of how people reacts about the research issue. It supplies data about the “human” side of a topic. Qualitative methods are also useful in labeling abstract factors, such as gender roles, religion and ethnicity. When work with quantitative methods, qualitative research can help to define and better explain the complicated matter of a given topic and the conclusions of quantitative data.

The difference between qualitative and quantitative research is basically a methodological issue and the researcher’s decision to choose a specific research approach should be based on its suitability to answer the established research questions (Bryman, 1992). A qualitative approach according to (Creswell, 2003) should be a logical subjective approach and should be able to describe experiences and

For many who are new to research, there is little difference between quantitative and qualitative research. Key words to define quantitative research include empirical and statistics, while words to denote qualitative include subjective and naturalistic. However, for many research scholars, the differences between the models are vast. Much of the debate centers around validity that surrounds the heterogeneous methods used to determine outcomes in qualitative research (Madill & Gough, 2008). Opposing views see use of a variety of methods in qualitative research as a context driven, useful approach, that contributes unique ideas to science (Madill & Gough, 2008). For those who keep the debate alive, Walsh (2012) makes the point that perhaps, the debate lies within the realm of ego or, “who is “right” and who is “wrong” (p. 10). Regardless, in truth the past twenty years has seen the convergence of research using both quantitative and qualitative data. All one needs to do is explore a database using the two methods as the search term; results abound showing integration. Integration has been allowed through the rigorous pursuit of empiricism through more standardized data collection and analysis in qualitative research (Madill & Gough, 2008). Qualitative research has come a long way toward understanding the need for standards of practice in methodology. Thus, combining each method toward a comprehensive approach is a more pragmatic way of studying phenomenon.

While Quantitative research as defined by Aliaga and Gunderson (2000) is “explaining phenomena by collecting numerical data that are analysed using mathematical methods”

First, what is research? Research was exploring the distinctions between qualitative and quantitative forms of research that we need to consider the different between ontological and epistemological questions we considered when discussing positivism, interpretive and critical paradigms. Qualitative as known as critical studies have generated insightful theories, concepts, and findings that can be explored further and advanced using quantitative approaches. Furthermore, qualitative research is used by anthropologies and sociologist as a method of inquiry in the early decades by 20 century. Besides that, qualitative research methods used are more subjective compare to quantitative research and furthermore do not include statistical analysis and empirical calculation in research.

Interviews allow the researcher to get more information about the study that observation alone will not achieve. Gay & Mills (2016) suggested, “Interviews provide information that is inaccessible through observation” (p. 550). During the interview, the researcher must take notes and/or record the verbal interaction taking place between the interviewer and interviewee. If the interview is recorded, one must have it transcribed in order to properly and easily collect important data necessary to the research.

Like many other authors, Hennink, Hutter & Bailey (2011) elaborate in their book about the key differences between qualitative and quantitative research. This paper is based on, but not limited to, their findings.