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Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches in Social Science Research: 

Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches in Social Science Research Dr.Kalpana Sarathy and Dr. E.Kanagaraj Department of Social Work School of Social Sciences Mizoram University 0 2/13/2012 1

Structure of Discussion: 

Structure of Discussion What is social science research? What is qualitative approach? What is quantitative approach? How are they different? Choice of paradigm Is it possible to combine them? 2/13/2012 2

What is Social Science Research?: 

What is Social Science Research? Perennial human quest for knowledge Various ways of knowing Scientific systematic enquiry search Human social phenomena Description, understanding, explaining, prediction, control 2/13/2012 3

Approaches, Modes or Paradigms: 

Approaches, Modes or Paradigms Choice of topic Not merely methods but paradigm or approach a worldview, a framework of beliefs, values and methods Quantitative and Qualitative 2/13/2012 4

Qualitative Research : 

Qualitative Research Cresswell (1994) “Qualitative research is an inquiry process of understanding based on distinct methodological traditions of inquiry that explore a social or human problem. The researcher builds a complex, holistic picture, analyses words, reports detailed views of informants, and conducts the study in a natural setting”. 2/13/2012 5

Characteristics of Qualitative Research : 

Characteristics of Qualitative Research An exploratory and descriptive focus Emergent design Data collection in the natural setting Emphasis on ‘human-as-instrument’ Qualitative methods of data collection Early and On-going inductive analysis 2/13/2012 6

Qualitative Methods of Data Collection : 

Qualitative Methods of Data Collection People’s words and actions Rich data Observation In-depth interviews Group Interviews(FGDs) R elevant documents Photographs and Video Tapes 2/13/2012 7

Qualitative Approaches : 

Qualitative Approaches Many approaches Biography, Phenomenology, Grounded Theory, Ethnography Case Study 2/13/2012 8

Quantitative Research : 

Quantitative Research Cresswell (1994) “a quantitative study, consistent with the quantitative paradigm, is an inquiry into a social or human problem, based on testing a theory composed of variables, measured with numbers, and analysed with statistical procedures, in order to determine whether the predictive generalizations of the theory hold true" 2/13/2012 9

Characteristics of Quantitative Research : 

Characteristics of Quantitative Research G oal: verify the predictions of a theory Q uantification of concepts into variables Q uantification the association between them. U se of formal structured instruments in data collection Application of statistical theory & techniques 2/13/2012 10

Quantitative Methods : 

Quantitative Methods Data - numbers Observations: Non participant - Structured Experiments: True Vs Quasi Social Surveys Questionnaires or Interview Schedules Cross-sectional and Longitudinal 2/13/2012 11

Paradigms: Assumptions: 

Paradigms: Assumptions 2/13/2012 12 Assumption Question Quantitative Qualitative Ontological Nature of reality Single, tangible, and fragmentable, objective Multiple, constructed, and holistic Epistemological Relationship of knower to the known Independent Interactive, inseparable. Axiological Role of values Value-free Value laden

Paradigms: Methodological Assumptions: 

Paradigms: Methodological Assumptions 2/13/2012 13 Question Quantitative Qualitative Research process Deductive Inductive Causal Linkages Real causes Impossible to distinguish causes from effects. Nature of Design Static design Emerging design Generalization Time- and context-free Nomothetic prediction, explanation Only time-and context-bound working hypotheses idiographic

Paradigms: Rhetorical Assumptions: 

Paradigms: Rhetorical Assumptions 2/13/2012 14 Question Quantitative Qualitative Language of research Formal, Based on set definitions, Impersonal voice, Use of accepted quantitative words Informal Evolving decisions Personal voice, Accepted qualitative words

Qualitative and Quantitative Research Questions : 

Qualitative and Quantitative Research Questions 2/13/2012 15 Research with Subjects (Quantitative) Research with Informants (Qualitative) What do I know about a problem that will allow me to formulate and test a hypothesis? What do my informants know about their culture that I can discover? How can I operationally define these concepts? How do my informants define these concepts? What scientific theory can explain the data What folk theory do my informants use to explain their experience? How can I interpret the results and report them in the language of my colleagues? How can I translate the cultural knowledge of my informants into a cultural description my colleagues will understand?

Choice of Approach: 

Choice of Approach Single paradigm cost effective, easy Nature of the problem Researchers psychological attributes Training and experience of the researcher Researcher’s worldview Audience of research 2/13/2012 16

Compatibility and Combination: 

Compatibility and Combination Paradigms not combatable but methods are Any one approach suitable Combination with one predominant approach Breaking research problem into components Using methods in different stages of research Triangulation 2/13/2012 17

Questions Please: 

Questions Please Thank you 2/13/2012 18