Question

State whether Qualitative or Quantitative Data be gathered from the following:

Questioneers

Interviews

Participant Observation

Focus Groups

Surveys

Answer 1

First let us define qualitative and quantitative data.

Qualitative: Qualitative data is defined as non numeric data, which includes descriptions, opinions or beliefs about something and cannot be quantified and used in a numeric analysis.

Quantitative: Quantitative data are measures or count of data. It can be quantified in numeric terms and used in statistical analysis.

Based on this defination, the followin can be said about the methods of data collection.

Questionnaire: Primarily quantitative. Questionnaires usually contain close ended questions with limited choice of response. The response is usually quantified either as a binary yes or no, or on spectrum of very good to very bad, or strongly agree to strongly disagree. This questions are mass produced for a wide group of people and can be easily quantified and used in statistical analysis. It is used to understand the average user response to a product, service or event, and rate various aspects of it.

Interviews: Primarily qualitative. Interview are conducted on one on one basis. The questions are more open ended and has a wider scope for response. This method is primarily concerned with deciphering user opinions, feelings or beliefs and less concerned with quantifying them.

Participant observation: ​​​​​​​Primarily qualitative. Participant observation occurs when researchers actively observe and engage with participants during an activity to understand their approach and attitude. None of those parameters can be quantified.

Focus groups: ​​​​​​​Primarily qualitative. Similar to interviews, focus groups are also used to research user opinions and therefore contain more open ended questions with a wider scope of response.

Surveys: ​​​​​​​Primarily quantitative. Like questionnaires, surveys are also conducted on a mass basis by various methods, such as online, face to face, telephonic etc. They try to quantify user response with rigid, preformed question with limited scope of answering.