Qualitative and Quantitative Research Approaches

Research is one of the different ways of gaining and expanding the stock of knowledge and using the gained knowledge to device new applications. The process is designed to collect, analyse, interpret and use data.  Besides expansion of knowledge, research reaffirms the results of previous work as well as establishing and confirming facts. Additionally, it aids in developing new theories and in solving new or existing problems. Research is categorised into many different ways but this paper intends to major on the quantitative and qualitative research approaches. The sections below goes further to distinguish between qualitative and quantitative research approaches.

Considering type of data used, qualitative research deals with words or statements that are documented to serve as evidence rather than numerical facts. However, Silverman stipulates that in case of numerical facts they have to be tabulated to identify deviant cases but not to lead statistical correlations (2015). Mertens in exploration of the reasons why researchers use qualitative method states that; transformative researchers particularly use qualitative research to capture the lived experiences of those marginalized or the systemic oppression dynamics in the society (2014). To explain, the experiences in normal lifestyle include, emotions and general behaviour of people which can be best researched using no other method than qualitative. On the other hand, quantitative research uses numeric facts and quantifiable data (Silverman, 2015). The numeric figures collected lead statistical correlations or test unlike in qualitative analysis.

Qualitative analysis is based in experiences and in the construction of meaning. The researchers focuses on the interviewing a samples of survivors rather than healthcare providers (Kupper & Lingard, 2008). It enhances contact with people in the field through the interviews and face to face conversations since the data collected in qualitative analysis is always in a natural field with natural behaviour unlike quantitative which can amount to lead to fixed field leading to less or no contact with people at all. Moreover, nothing is overlooked or taken for granted in qualitative research. Everything is noted including gestures, tone of voice, and style of dress amongst others (Atkins & Wallace, 2012). Contrarily, in quantitative research there is generalization which leads to omission of some data that would otherwise be helpful in enriching data.

In analyzation of data, qualitative researchers inductively perform the process to disapprove or approve hypotheses. This is as a result of the nature of the theory that emerges as a piece of art that is yet to be created, rather than a puzzle whose image is already known. The information provided by the survivor of a domestic violence for instance, is also kept confidential to ensure protection against victimization. (Atkins & Wallace, 2012). Additionally, there is no one agreed way to analyse your data. Multiples research models exist such as naturalism and constructionism thus the different ways to analyse data (Silverman, 2015).

 On the contrary, quantitative researchers employ statistical procedures to analyse numbered data. The data collected from measurement of variables is analysed and thus, the results are used to approve or disapprove a hypothesis. Lastly, qualitative researchers are much concerned with the procedures unlikely their counterparts who are majorly interested in mere simple outcomes.

In sum, both quantitative and qualitative research are key ways in finding out knowledge and approving and disapproving hypotheses. Quantitative method does best than no other method when dealing with human behaviour since it uses words and statements in collection of its data. On the other hand in hypotheses that require approval or disapproval through numerical facts then none can do better than quantitative.

References 

Mertens, D. M. (2014). Research and evaluation in education and psychology: Integrating diversity with quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. Sage publications.

Kuper, A., Lingard, L., & Levinson, W. (2008). Qualitative Research: Critically Appraising Qualitative Research. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 337(7671), 687-689. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/20510884

Silverman, D. (2015). Interpreting qualitative data. Sage.

Atkins, L., & Wallace, S. (2012). Qualitative research in education. SAGE publications.