Question

The theoretical foundations of qualitative and quantitative methods are very different, but many researchers believe both methods should be used in the research study to increase validity and reliability. What advantages or disadvantages do you see in using both types of methods in a nursing study? Support your answer with current evidence-based literature.

Answer 1

Advantages of qualitative study

*it simulates individual experience

*provides depth and detailed information

*create openness by encouraging people to expand on their responses can open up new topic areas not initially considered

*attempts to avoid pre-judgement if used alongside quantitative data collection, it can explain y a particular response was given

Disadvantages of qualitative study

*uses fewer people for study

*less easy to generalize

*difficult to make systematic comparison

*dependent on skills of the researcher

Advantages of quantitative study

*findings can be generalized

*easy to analyze

*data can be very consistent, precise and reliable

Disadvantages of quantitative study

*difficult to understand context of a phenomenon

*data may not be enough to explain complex issues

*related secondary data is sometimes not available or accessing available data is difficult or impossible