Qualitative and quantitative are the two types of data collection and analysis processes in research. Fundamentally understanding the difference between the types of data is very important for every researcher. In this article, iLovePhD provides significant differences between Quantitative Vs Qualitative Research.
Quantitative Vs Qualitative Research
Qualitative research
Qualitative research is multimethod in focus, involving an interpretive, naturalistic approach to its subject matter. This means that qualitative researchers study things in their natural settings, attempting to make sense of, or interpret, phenomena in terms of the meanings people bring to them.
Silverman, D. ed., 2016. Qualitative research. Sage.
Quantitative Research
Quantitative research gathers data in a numerical form which can be put into categories, or in rank order, or measured in units of measurement. This type of data can be used to construct graphs and tables of raw data.
Muijs, D., 2010. Doing quantitative research in education with SPSS. Sage.
Examples of Qualitative Research and Quantitative Research
Qualitative data takes the form of words, pictures, and objects.
Quantitative data is numerical data, which focuses on classification, statistical models, and binary information.
Qualitative data collection processes are reviews, group discussions, case studies, and interviews.
The quantitative data collection process involves observations, experiments, and surveys.
Qualitative data is used to understand the concept of a particular state.
Quantitative data used to test a theory or hypothesis
Questions in qualitative information concerning opinions, attitudes, and ideas.
Questions in Quantitative data cover people’s ages, work positions, gender, income, and so on.
When Mixed Methods Study is Appropriate?
Questin based on Study Purpose
Question: Will I use data to attempt to triangulate, complement, develop, initiate, or expand findings?
Answer: If YES, Mixed Method is the option.
If the answer is NO, Consider using a quantitative or qualitative approach.
Hope this information helps you to know the major differences between the quantitative and qualitative research data.
Question-based on Research Methods
Question: Is a mixed-methods approach necessary to answer my research questions?
Answer: If Yes, If YES, Mixed Method is the option.
If the answer is NO, Consider using a quantitative or qualitative approach.
Question: Can I more effectively conduct this study using a singular method?
If the answer is YES, Consider using a quantitative or qualitative approach.
If the answer is NO, Mixed methods are the option.
Question-based on Ability
Question: Do I have the skills, abilities, and resources needed to effectively conduct a mixed-methods study?
Answer: Is YES, Consider using a mixed-methods approach.
If the answer is NO: Consider using a quantitative or qualitative approach; become more proficient in quantitative and/or qualitative approaches.
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