Quantitative_vs_Qualitative[1]

Qualitative vs Quantitative Research:

Qualitative vs Quantitative Research By srinivash

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Quantitative research Collection of (statistically) large samples of quantitative data and usually some from statistical analysis. Quantitative research is often used to substantiate the findings from qualitative research. Qualitative research Involves the use of unstructured exploratory techniques such as group discussions and in depth interviews that are based on systematically small samples in order to understand a problem further.

What is to be observed:

What is to be observed Quantities Scales Trends Quantitative Qualitative Qualities Behaviour Complexities

Type of Questions Asked:

Type of Questions Asked How many? What? Quantitative Qualitative Why? How?

How the questions are put (Methods):

How the questions are put (Methods) Application Forms Questionnaires IQ Tests Measurements Quantitative Qualitative Document Review Participant Observation Interviews Focus Groups Workshops

How the results are interpreted (analysis):

How the results are interpreted (analysis) Describe, measure, predict data Statistical tables and charts Universal: applicable to all Quantitative Qualitative Explore, explain, understand Narrative Particular: applicable to particular people or circumstances

How the results are interpreted (analysis):

How the results are interpreted (analysis) Mainly deductive reasoning: everything is known before conclusions can be drawn Deductive inquiry: gather data to test a theory or hypothesis Quantitative Qualitative Mainly inductive reasoning: conclusions can be drawn from the evidence no matter how incomplete Inductive inquiry: develop a theory from the data gathered

Positions on the nature of reality:

Positions on the nature of reality Positivist: that which is observable and measurable is real Absolute truth: facts, statements are either true or false Quantitative Qualitative Constructivist: reality is socially constructed Relativism: truth is relative to the person’s or group’s beliefs and values or to the circumstances in which it is applied

Positions on the nature of reality:

Positions on the nature of reality Assumes that access to information is a right Objective: an object occupies space, can be observed and the research is unaffected by personal emotion or prejudice Quantitative Qualitative Assumes that access to information is a negotiated privilege Subjective: reality seen through the lens of personal emotion and bias