Question

What are the key differences between quantitative and qualitative research? Why would you choose to develop a research project that is quantitative instead of qualitative, or vice versa? What are some considerations to be made when deciding between quantitative and qualitative research?

Answer 1

Quantitative research

Qualitative research

It is an objective approach to search precise measurement in numerical form. In this type variables are clearly defind in advance by researcher. Quantitative data is easier to collect,facillitate the testing of hypothesis but may miss contexutual details. Tools used in quantitative research include questionaires,opinion polls etc. Research design include experimental,quasiexperimental and non experimental. This type of studies are conducted on large representive samples to generalize the research findings. In this analysis of data through descriptive and inferential statistics. In this study problem is deductively reasoned which is not change over the course of study.

It is a subjective approach to search in depth description in narrative form. In this type researcher only have rough idea about the variables in advance. Qualitative data is time consuming and less generalizable. Tools used in quantitative research include in depth interviews,group discussions etc. Research design include phenomenology,grounded theory,ethnography,case study. This type of studies are in depth and have small size samples so generalization is not possible. In this analysis of data like words,pictures through descriptive coding,narrations,thematic analysis and integrative diagrams. In this study research problem is inductively reasoned and is reformulated during the course of study.

*Reason for choosing a quantitative or qualitative research.

             * Selection of quantitative or qualitative reseach based on purpose of conducting

                research.

             * If the aim or objective of research is analysis of numerical data then the researcher use

                a quantitative research approach.

             * If the objective of research is a in depth study of human behaviour or data collected in a

                descriptive form then the researcher use a qualitative approach.

* Considerations to be made when deciding quantitative and qualitative research.

            * Researcher should know about the type of outcomes expected (numerical or descriptive)

              at the end of research in advance.

            * Identify type of tools needed for conducting a particular research.

            * Confirm about which approach meet the objectives of research study.

            * Identify a research design appropriate for conducting the study.

            * Considerations in sample size is important before selection of a type of research approach.