essay about quantitative and qualitative research

Essay on Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research

Both qualitative and quantitative researches are valued in the research world and are often used together under a single project. This is despite the fact that they have significant differences in terms of their theoretical, epistemological, and methodological formations. Qualitative research is usually in form of words while quantitative research takes the numerical approach. This paper discusses the similarities, differences, advantages, and disadvantages of qualitative and quantitative research and provides a personal stand.

Similarities

Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches begin with a problem on which scholars seek to find answers. Without a research problem or question, there would be no reason for carrying out the study. Once a problem is formulated, researchers at their own discretion and depending on the nature of the question choose the appropriate type of research to employ. Just like in qualitative research, data obtained from quantitative analysis need to be analyzed (Miles & Huberman, 1994). This step is crucial for helping researchers to gain a deeper understanding of the issue under investigation. The findings of any research enjoy confirmability after undergoing a thorough examination and auditing process (Miles & Huberman, 1994).

Both types of research approaches require a concise plan before they are carried out. Once researchers formulate the study question, they must come up with a plan for investigating the matter (Yilmaz, 2013). Such plans include deciding the appropriate research technique to implement, estimating budgets, and deciding on the study areas. Failure to plan before embarking on the research project may compromise the research findings. In addition, both qualitative and quantitative research are dependent on each other and can be used for a single research project (Miles & Huberman, 1994). Quantitative data helps the qualitative research in finding a representative study sample and obtaining the background data. In the same way, qualitative research provides the quantitative side with the conceptual development and instrumentation (Miles & Huberman, 1994).

Differences

Qualitative research seeks to explain why things are the way they seem to be. It provides well-grounded descriptions and explanations of processes in identifiable local contexts (Miles & Huberman, 1994). Researchers use qualitative research to dig deeper into the problem and develop a relevant hypothesis for potential quantitative research. On the other hand, Quantitative research uses numerical data to state and quantify the problem (Yilmaz, 2013). Researchers in quantitative research use measurable data in formulating facts and uncovering the research pattern.

Quantitative research approach involves a larger number of participants for the purpose of gathering as much information as possible to summarize characteristics across large groups. This makes it a very expensive research approach. On the contrary, qualitative research approach describes a phenomenon in a more comprehensive manner. A relatively small number of participants take part in this type of research. This makes the overall process cheaper and time friendly.

Data collection methods differ significantly in the two research approaches. In quantitative research, scholars use surveys, questionnaires, and systematic measurements that involve numbers (Yilmaz, 2013). Moreover, they report their findings in impersonal third person prose by using numbers. This is different from the qualitative approach where only the participants’ observation and deep document analysis is necessary for conclusions to be drawn. Findings are disseminated in the first person’s narrative with sufficient quotations from the participants.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Qualitative Research

Qualitative data is based on human observations. Respondent’s observations connect the researcher to the most basic human experiences (Rahman, 2016). It gives a detailed production of participants’ opinions and feelings and helps in efficient interpretation of their actions (Miles & Huberman, 1994). Moreover, this research approach is interdisciplinary and entails a wide range of research techniques and epistemological viewpoints. Data collection methods in qualitative approach are both detailed and subjective (Rahman, 2016). Direct observations, unstructured interviews, and participant observation are the most common techniques employed in this type of research. Researchers have the opportunity to mingle directly with the respondents and obtain first-hand information.

On the negative side, the smaller population sample used in qualitative research raises credibility concerns (Rahman, 2016). The views of a small group of respondents may not necessarily reflect those of the entire population. Moreover, conducting this type of research on certain aspects such as the performance of students may be more challenging. In such instances, researchers prefer to use the quantitative approach instead (Rahman, 2016). Data analysis and interpretation in qualitative research is a more complex process. It is long, has elusive data, and has very stringent requirements for analysis (Rahman, 2016). In addition, developing a research question in this approach is a challenging task as the refining question mostly becomes continuous throughout the research process.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Quantitative Research

The findings of a quantitative research can be generalized to a whole population as it involves larger samples that are randomly selected by researchers (Rahman, 2016). Moreover, the methods used allows for use of statistical software in test taking (Rahman, 2016). This makes the approach time effective and efficient for tackling complex research questions. Quantitative research allows for objectivity and accuracy of the study results. This approach is well designed to provide essential information that supports generalization of a phenomenon under study. It involves few variables and many cases that guarantee the validity and credibility of the study results.

This research approach, however, has some limitations. There is a limited direct connection between the researcher and respondents. Scholars who adopt this approach measure variables at specific moments in time and disregards the past experiences of the respondents (Rahman, 2016). As a result, deep information is often ignored and only the overall picture of the variables is represented. The quantitative approach uses standard questions set and administered by researchers (Rahman, 2016). This might lead to structural bias by respondents and false representation. In some instances, data may only reflect the views of the sample under study instead of revealing the real situation. Moreover, preset questions and answers limit the freedom of expression by the respondents.

Preferred Method

I would prefer quantitative research method over the qualitative approach. Data management in this technique is much familiar and more accessible to researchers’ contexts (Miles & Huberman, 1994). It is a more scientific process that involves the collection, analysis, and interpretation of large amounts of data. Researchers have more control of the manner in which data is collected. Unlike qualitative data that requires descriptions, quantitative approach majors on numerical data (Yilmaz, 2013). With this type of data, I can use the various available software for classification and analyzes. Moreover, researchers are more flexible and free to interact with respondents. This gives an opportunity for obtaining first-hand information and learning more about other behavioral aspects of the population under study.

As highlighted above, qualitative and quantitative techniques are the two research approaches. Both seek to dig deeper into a particular problem, analyze the responses of a selected sample and make viable conclusions. However, qualitative research is much concerned with the description of peoples’ opinions, motivations, and reasons for a particular phenomenon. On the other hand, Quantitative research uses numerical data to state and explain research findings. Use of numerical data allows for objectivity and accuracy of the research results. However structural biases are common in this approach. Data collection and sampling in qualitative research is more detailed and subjective. Considering the different advantages and disadvantages of the two research approaches, I would go for the quantitative over qualitative research.

Miles, M., & Huberman, A. (1994).  Qualitative data analysis  (2nd Ed.). Beverly Hills: Sage.

Rahman, M. (2016). The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches and Methods in Language “Testing and Assessment” Research: A Literature Review.  Journal of Education and Learning , 6(1), 102.

Yilmaz, K. (2013). Comparison of Quantitative and Qualitative Research Traditions: epistemological, theoretical, and methodological differences.  European Journal of Education , 48(2), 311-325.

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Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research in Psychology

Anabelle Bernard Fournier is a researcher of sexual and reproductive health at the University of Victoria as well as a freelance writer on various health topics.

Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell.

• Key Differences

Quantitative Research Methods

Qualitative research methods.

• How They Relate

In psychology and other social sciences, researchers are faced with an unresolved question: Can we measure concepts like love or racism the same way we can measure temperature or the weight of a star? Social phenomena⁠—things that happen because of and through human behavior⁠—are especially difficult to grasp with typical scientific models.

At a Glance

Psychologists rely on quantitative and quantitative research to better understand human thought and behavior.

• Qualitative research involves collecting and evaluating non-numerical data in order to understand concepts or subjective opinions.
• Quantitative research involves collecting and evaluating numerical data. 

This article discusses what qualitative and quantitative research are, how they are different, and how they are used in psychology research.

Qualitative Research vs. Quantitative Research

In order to understand qualitative and quantitative psychology research, it can be helpful to look at the methods that are used and when each type is most appropriate.

Psychologists rely on a few methods to measure behavior, attitudes, and feelings. These include:

• Self-reports , like surveys or questionnaires
• Observation (often used in experiments or fieldwork)
• Implicit attitude tests that measure timing in responding to prompts

Most of these are quantitative methods. The result is a number that can be used to assess differences between groups.

However, most of these methods are static, inflexible (you can't change a question because a participant doesn't understand it), and provide a "what" answer rather than a "why" answer.

Sometimes, researchers are more interested in the "why" and the "how." That's where qualitative methods come in.

Qualitative research is about speaking to people directly and hearing their words. It is grounded in the philosophy that the social world is ultimately unmeasurable, that no measure is truly ever "objective," and that how humans make meaning is just as important as how much they score on a standardized test.

Used to develop theories

Takes a broad, complex approach

Answers "why" and "how" questions

Explores patterns and themes

Used to test theories

Takes a narrow, specific approach

Answers "what" questions

Explores statistical relationships

Quantitative methods have existed ever since people have been able to count things. But it is only with the positivist philosophy of Auguste Comte (which maintains that factual knowledge obtained by observation is trustworthy) that it became a "scientific method."

The scientific method follows this general process. A researcher must:

• Generate a theory or hypothesis (i.e., predict what might happen in an experiment) and determine the variables needed to answer their question
• Develop instruments to measure the phenomenon (such as a survey, a thermometer, etc.)
• Develop experiments to manipulate the variables
• Collect empirical (measured) data
• Analyze data

Quantitative methods are about measuring phenomena, not explaining them.

Quantitative research compares two groups of people. There are all sorts of variables you could measure, and many kinds of experiments to run using quantitative methods.

These comparisons are generally explained using graphs, pie charts, and other visual representations that give the researcher a sense of how the various data points relate to one another.

Basic Assumptions

Quantitative methods assume:

• That the world is measurable
• That humans can observe objectively
• That we can know things for certain about the world from observation

In some fields, these assumptions hold true. Whether you measure the size of the sun 2000 years ago or now, it will always be the same. But when it comes to human behavior, it is not so simple.

As decades of cultural and social research have shown, people behave differently (and even think differently) based on historical context, cultural context, social context, and even identity-based contexts like gender , social class, or sexual orientation .

Therefore, quantitative methods applied to human behavior (as used in psychology and some areas of sociology) should always be rooted in their particular context. In other words: there are no, or very few, human universals.

Statistical information is the primary form of quantitative data used in human and social quantitative research. Statistics provide lots of information about tendencies across large groups of people, but they can never describe every case or every experience. In other words, there are always outliers.

Correlation and Causation

A basic principle of statistics is that correlation is not causation. Researchers can only claim a cause-and-effect relationship under certain conditions:

• The study was a true experiment.
• The independent variable can be manipulated (for example, researchers cannot manipulate gender, but they can change the primer a study subject sees, such as a picture of nature or of a building).
• The dependent variable can be measured through a ratio or a scale.

So when you read a report that "gender was linked to" something (like a behavior or an attitude), remember that gender is NOT a cause of the behavior or attitude. There is an apparent relationship, but the true cause of the difference is hidden.

Pitfalls of Quantitative Research

Quantitative methods are one way to approach the measurement and understanding of human and social phenomena. But what's missing from this picture?

As noted above, statistics do not tell us about personal, individual experiences and meanings. While surveys can give a general idea, respondents have to choose between only a few responses. This can make it difficult to understand the subtleties of different experiences.

Quantitative methods can be helpful when making objective comparisons between groups or when looking for relationships between variables. They can be analyzed statistically, which can be helpful when looking for patterns and relationships.

Qualitative data are not made out of numbers but rather of descriptions, metaphors, symbols, quotes, analysis, concepts, and characteristics. This approach uses interviews, written texts, art, photos, and other materials to make sense of human experiences and to understand what these experiences mean to people.

While quantitative methods ask "what" and "how much," qualitative methods ask "why" and "how."

Qualitative methods are about describing and analyzing phenomena from a human perspective. There are many different philosophical views on qualitative methods, but in general, they agree that some questions are too complex or impossible to answer with standardized instruments.

These methods also accept that it is impossible to be completely objective in observing phenomena. Researchers have their own thoughts, attitudes, experiences, and beliefs, and these always color how people interpret results.

Qualitative Approaches

There are many different approaches to qualitative research, with their own philosophical bases. Different approaches are best for different kinds of projects. For example:

• Case studies and narrative studies are best for single individuals. These involve studying every aspect of a person's life in great depth.
• Phenomenology aims to explain experiences. This type of work aims to describe and explore different events as they are consciously and subjectively experienced.
• Grounded theory develops models and describes processes. This approach allows researchers to construct a theory based on data that is collected, analyzed, and compared to reach new discoveries.
• Ethnography describes cultural groups. In this approach, researchers immerse themselves in a community or group in order to observe behavior.

Qualitative researchers must be aware of several different methods and know each thoroughly enough to produce valuable research.

Some researchers specialize in a single method, but others specialize in a topic or content area and use many different methods to explore the topic, providing different information and a variety of points of view.

There is not a single model or method that can be used for every qualitative project. Depending on the research question, the people participating, and the kind of information they want to produce, researchers will choose the appropriate approach.

Interpretation

Qualitative research does not look into causal relationships between variables, but rather into themes, values, interpretations, and meanings. As a rule, then, qualitative research is not generalizable (cannot be applied to people outside the research participants).

The insights gained from qualitative research can extend to other groups with proper attention to specific historical and social contexts.

Relationship Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research

It might sound like quantitative and qualitative research do not play well together. They have different philosophies, different data, and different outputs. However, this could not be further from the truth.

These two general methods complement each other. By using both, researchers can gain a fuller, more comprehensive understanding of a phenomenon.

For example, a psychologist wanting to develop a new survey instrument about sexuality might and ask a few dozen people questions about their sexual experiences (this is qualitative research). This gives the researcher some information to begin developing questions for their survey (which is a quantitative method).

After the survey, the same or other researchers might want to dig deeper into issues brought up by its data. Follow-up questions like "how does it feel when...?" or "what does this mean to you?" or "how did you experience this?" can only be answered by qualitative research.

By using both quantitative and qualitative data, researchers have a more holistic, well-rounded understanding of a particular topic or phenomenon.

Qualitative and quantitative methods both play an important role in psychology. Where quantitative methods can help answer questions about what is happening in a group and to what degree, qualitative methods can dig deeper into the reasons behind why it is happening. By using both strategies, psychology researchers can learn more about human thought and behavior.

Gough B, Madill A. Subjectivity in psychological science: From problem to prospect . Psychol Methods . 2012;17(3):374-384. doi:10.1037/a0029313

Pearce T. “Science organized”: Positivism and the metaphysical club, 1865–1875 . J Hist Ideas . 2015;76(3):441-465.

Adams G. Context in person, person in context: A cultural psychology approach to social-personality psychology . In: Deaux K, Snyder M, eds. The Oxford Handbook of Personality and Social Psychology . Oxford University Press; 2012:182-208.

Brady HE. Causation and explanation in social science . In: Goodin RE, ed. The Oxford Handbook of Political Science. Oxford University Press; 2011. doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199604456.013.0049

Chun Tie Y, Birks M, Francis K. Grounded theory research: A design framework for novice researchers .  SAGE Open Med . 2019;7:2050312118822927. doi:10.1177/2050312118822927

Reeves S, Peller J, Goldman J, Kitto S. Ethnography in qualitative educational research: AMEE Guide No. 80 . Medical Teacher . 2013;35(8):e1365-e1379. doi:10.3109/0142159X.2013.804977

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Shaughnessy JJ, Zechmeister EB, Zechmeister JS.  Research Methods in Psychology . McGraw Hill Education.

By Anabelle Bernard Fournier Anabelle Bernard Fournier is a researcher of sexual and reproductive health at the University of Victoria as well as a freelance writer on various health topics.

Educational resources and simple solutions for your research journey

Qualitative vs Quantitative Research: Differences, Examples, and Methods

There are two broad kinds of research approaches: qualitative and quantitative research that are used to study and analyze phenomena in various fields such as natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Whether you have realized it or not, your research must have followed either or both research types. In this article we will discuss what qualitative vs quantitative research is, their applications, pros and cons, and when to use qualitative vs quantitative research . Before we get into the details, it is important to understand the differences between the qualitative and quantitative research.     

Table of Contents

Qualitative v s Quantitative Research  

Quantitative research deals with quantity, hence, this research type is concerned with numbers and statistics to prove or disapprove theories or hypothesis. In contrast, qualitative research is all about quality – characteristics, unquantifiable features, and meanings to seek deeper understanding of behavior and phenomenon. These two methodologies serve complementary roles in the research process, each offering unique insights and methods suited to different research questions and objectives.    

Qualitative and quantitative research approaches have their own unique characteristics, drawbacks, advantages, and uses. Where quantitative research is mostly employed to validate theories or assumptions with the goal of generalizing facts to the larger population, qualitative research is used to study concepts, thoughts, or experiences for the purpose of gaining the underlying reasons, motivations, and meanings behind human behavior .   

What Are the Differences Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research  

Qualitative and quantitative research differs in terms of the methods they employ to conduct, collect, and analyze data. For example, qualitative research usually relies on interviews, observations, and textual analysis to explore subjective experiences and diverse perspectives. While quantitative data collection methods include surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis to gather and analyze numerical data. The differences between the two research approaches across various aspects are listed in the table below.    

Data Collection Methods  

There are differences between qualitative and quantitative research when it comes to data collection as they deal with different types of data. Qualitative research is concerned with personal or descriptive accounts to understand human behavior within society. Quantitative research deals with numerical or measurable data to delineate relations among variables. Hence, the qualitative data collection methods differ significantly from quantitative data collection methods due to the nature of data being collected and the research objectives. Below is the list of data collection methods for each research approach:    

Qualitative Research Data Collection  

• Interviews  
• Focus g roups  
• Content a nalysis  
• Literature review  
• Observation  
• Ethnography  

Qualitative research data collection can involve one-on-one group interviews to capture in-depth perspectives of participants using open-ended questions. These interviews could be structured, semi-structured or unstructured depending upon the nature of the study. Focus groups can be used to explore specific topics and generate rich data through discussions among participants. Another qualitative data collection method is content analysis, which involves systematically analyzing text documents, audio, and video files or visual content to uncover patterns, themes, and meanings. This can be done through coding and categorization of raw data to draw meaningful insights. Data can be collected through observation studies where the goal is to simply observe and document behaviors, interaction, and phenomena in natural settings without interference. Lastly, ethnography allows one to immerse themselves in the culture or environment under study for a prolonged period to gain a deep understanding of the social phenomena.   

Quantitative Research Data Collection  

• Surveys/ q uestionnaires  
• Experiments
• Secondary data analysis  
• Structured o bservations  
• Case studies   
• Tests and a ssessments  

Quantitative research data collection approaches comprise of fundamental methods for generating numerical data that can be analyzed using statistical or mathematical tools. The most common quantitative data collection approach is the usage of structured surveys with close-ended questions to collect quantifiable data from a large sample of participants. These can be conducted online, over the phone, or in person.   

Performing experiments is another important data collection approach, in which variables are manipulated under controlled conditions to observe their effects on dependent variables. This often involves random assignment of participants to different conditions or groups. Such experimental settings are employed to gauge cause-and-effect relationships and understand a complex phenomenon. At times, instead of acquiring original data, researchers may deal with secondary data, which is the dataset curated by others, such as government agencies, research organizations, or academic institute. With structured observations, subjects in a natural environment can be studied by controlling the variables which aids in understanding the relationship among various variables. The secondary data is then analyzed to identify patterns and relationships among variables. Observational studies provide a means to systematically observe and record behaviors or phenomena as they occur in controlled environments. Case studies form an interesting study methodology in which a researcher studies a single entity or a small number of entities (individuals or organizations) in detail to understand complex phenomena within a specific context.   

Qualitative vs Quantitative Research Outcomes  

Qualitative research and quantitative research lead to varied research outcomes, each with its own strengths and limitations. For example, qualitative research outcomes provide deep descriptive accounts of human experiences, motivations, and perspectives that allow us to identify themes or narratives and context in which behavior, attitudes, or phenomena occurs.  Quantitative research outcomes on the other hand produce numerical data that is analyzed statistically to establish patterns and relationships objectively, to form generalizations about the larger population and make predictions. This numerical data can be presented in the form of graphs, tables, or charts. Both approaches offer valuable perspectives on complex phenomena, with qualitative research focusing on depth and interpretation, while quantitative research emphasizes numerical analysis and objectivity.  

When to Use Qualitative vs Quantitative Research Approach  

The decision to choose between qualitative and quantitative research depends on various factors, such as the research question, objectives, whether you are taking an inductive or deductive approach, available resources, practical considerations such as time and money, and the nature of the phenomenon under investigation. To simplify, quantitative research can be used if the aim of the research is to prove or test a hypothesis, while qualitative research should be used if the research question is more exploratory and an in-depth understanding of the concepts, behavior, or experiences is needed.     

Qualitative research approach  

Qualitative research approach is used under following scenarios:   

• To study complex phenomena: When the research requires understanding the depth, complexity, and context of a phenomenon.  
• Collecting participant perspectives: When the goal is to understand the why behind a certain behavior, and a need to capture subjective experiences and perceptions of participants.  
• Generating hypotheses or theories: When generating hypotheses, theories, or conceptual frameworks based on exploratory research.  

Example: If you have a research question “What obstacles do expatriate students encounter when acquiring a new language in their host country?”  

This research question can be addressed using the qualitative research approach by conducting in-depth interviews with 15-25 expatriate university students. Ask open-ended questions such as “What are the major challenges you face while attempting to learn the new language?”, “Do you find it difficult to learn the language as an adult?”, and “Do you feel practicing with a native friend or colleague helps the learning process”?  

Based on the findings of these answers, a follow-up questionnaire can be planned to clarify things. Next step will be to transcribe all interviews using transcription software and identify themes and patterns.   

Quantitative research approach  

Quantitative research approach is used under following scenarios:   

• Testing hypotheses or proving theories: When aiming to test hypotheses, establish relationships, or examine cause-and-effect relationships.   
• Generalizability: When needing findings that can be generalized to broader populations using large, representative samples.  
• Statistical analysis: When requiring rigorous statistical analysis to quantify relationships, patterns, or trends in data.   

Example : Considering the above example, you can conduct a survey of 200-300 expatriate university students and ask them specific questions such as: “On a scale of 1-10 how difficult is it to learn a new language?”  

Next, statistical analysis can be performed on the responses to draw conclusions like, on an average expatriate students rated the difficulty of learning a language 6.5 on the scale of 10.    

Mixed methods approach  

In many cases, researchers may opt for a mixed methods approach , combining qualitative and quantitative methods to leverage the strengths of both approaches. Researchers may use qualitative data to explore phenomena in-depth and generate hypotheses, while quantitative data can be used to test these hypotheses and generalize findings to broader populations.  

Example: Both qualitative and quantitative research methods can be used in combination to address the above research question. Through open-ended questions you can gain insights about different perspectives and experiences while quantitative research allows you to test that knowledge and prove/disprove your hypothesis.   

How to Analyze Qualitative and Quantitative Data  

When it comes to analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, the focus is on identifying patterns in the data to highlight the relationship between elements. The best research method for any given study should be chosen based on the study aim. A few methods to analyze qualitative and quantitative data are listed below.  

Analyzing qualitative data  

Qualitative data analysis is challenging as it is not expressed in numbers and consists majorly of texts, images, or videos. Hence, care must be taken while using any analytical approach. Some common approaches to analyze qualitative data include:  

• Organization: The first step is data (transcripts or notes) organization into different categories with similar concepts, themes, and patterns to find inter-relationships.  
• Coding: Data can be arranged in categories based on themes/concepts using coding.  
• Theme development: Utilize higher-level organization to group related codes into broader themes.  
• Interpretation: Explore the meaning behind different emerging themes to understand connections. Use different perspectives like culture, environment, and status to evaluate emerging themes.  
• Reporting: Present findings with quotes or excerpts to illustrate key themes.   

Analyzing quantitative data  

Quantitative data analysis is more direct compared to qualitative data as it primarily deals with numbers. Data can be evaluated using simple math or advanced statistics (descriptive or inferential). Some common approaches to analyze quantitative data include:  

• Processing raw data: Check missing values, outliers, or inconsistencies in raw data.  
• Descriptive statistics: Summarize data with means, standard deviations, or standard error using programs such as Excel, SPSS, or R language.  
• Exploratory data analysis: Usage of visuals to deduce patterns and trends.  
• Hypothesis testing: Apply statistical tests to find significance and test hypothesis (Student’s t-test or ANOVA).  
• Interpretation: Analyze results considering significance and practical implications.  
• Validation: Data validation through replication or literature review.  
• Reporting: Present findings by means of tables, figures, or graphs.   

Benefits and limitations of qualitative vs quantitative research  

There are significant differences between qualitative and quantitative research; we have listed the benefits and limitations of both methods below:  

Benefits of qualitative research  

• Rich insights: As qualitative research often produces information-rich data, it aids in gaining in-depth insights into complex phenomena, allowing researchers to explore nuances and meanings of the topic of study.  
• Flexibility: One of the most important benefits of qualitative research is flexibility in acquiring and analyzing data that allows researchers to adapt to the context and explore more unconventional aspects.  
• Contextual understanding: With descriptive and comprehensive data, understanding the context in which behaviors or phenomena occur becomes accessible.   
• Capturing different perspectives: Qualitative research allows for capturing different participant perspectives with open-ended question formats that further enrich data.   
• Hypothesis/theory generation: Qualitative research is often the first step in generating theory/hypothesis, which leads to future investigation thereby contributing to the field of research.

Limitations of qualitative research  

• Subjectivity: It is difficult to have objective interpretation with qualitative research, as research findings might be influenced by the expertise of researchers. The risk of researcher bias or interpretations affects the reliability and validity of the results.   
• Limited generalizability: Due to the presence of small, non-representative samples, the qualitative data cannot be used to make generalizations to a broader population.  
• Cost and time intensive: Qualitative data collection can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, therefore, it requires strategic planning and commitment.   
• Complex analysis: Analyzing qualitative data needs specialized skills and techniques, hence, it’s challenging for researchers without sufficient training or experience.   
• Potential misinterpretation: There is a risk of sampling bias and misinterpretation in data collection and analysis if researchers lack cultural or contextual understanding.   

Benefits of quantitative research  

• Objectivity: A key benefit of quantitative research approach, this objectivity reduces researcher bias and subjectivity, enhancing the reliability and validity of findings.   
• Generalizability: For quantitative research, the sample size must be large and representative enough to allow for generalization to broader populations.   
• Statistical analysis: Quantitative research enables rigorous statistical analysis (increasing power of the analysis), aiding hypothesis testing and finding patterns or relationship among variables.   
• Efficiency: Quantitative data collection and analysis is usually more efficient compared to the qualitative methods, especially when dealing with large datasets.   
• Clarity and Precision: The findings are usually clear and precise, making it easier to present them as graphs, tables, and figures to convey them to a larger audience.  

Limitations of quantitative research  

• Lacks depth and details: Due to its objective nature, quantitative research might lack the depth and richness of qualitative approaches, potentially overlooking important contextual factors or nuances.   
• Limited exploration: By not considering the subjective experiences of participants in depth , there’s a limited chance to study complex phenomenon in detail.   
• Potential oversimplification: Quantitative research may oversimplify complex phenomena by boiling them down to numbers, which might ignore key nuances.   
• Inflexibility: Quantitative research deals with predecided varibales and measures , which limits the ability of researchers to explore unexpected findings or adjust the research design as new findings become available .  
• Ethical consideration: Quantitative research may raise ethical concerns especially regarding privacy, informed consent, and the potential for harm, when dealing with sensitive topics or vulnerable populations.   

Frequently asked questions  

• What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative research? 

Quantitative methods use numerical data and statistical analysis for objective measurement and hypothesis testing, emphasizing generalizability. Qualitative methods gather non-numerical data to explore subjective experiences and contexts, providing rich, nuanced insights.  

• What are the types of qualitative research? 

Qualitative research methods include interviews, observations, focus groups, and case studies. They provide rich insights into participants’ perspectives and behaviors within their contexts, enabling exploration of complex phenomena.  

• What are the types of quantitative research? 

Quantitative research methods include surveys, experiments, observations, correlational studies, and longitudinal research. They gather numerical data for statistical analysis, aiming for objectivity and generalizability.  

• Can you give me examples for qualitative and quantitative research? 

Qualitative Research Example: 

Research Question: What are the experiences of parents with autistic children in accessing support services?  

Method: Conducting in-depth interviews with parents to explore their perspectives, challenges, and needs.  

Quantitative Research Example: 

Research Question: What is the correlation between sleep duration and academic performance in college students?  

Method: Distributing surveys to a large sample of college students to collect data on their sleep habits and academic performance, then analyzing the data statistically to determine any correlations.  

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• Qualitative vs Quantitative Research | Examples & Methods

Qualitative vs Quantitative Research | Examples & Methods

Published on 4 April 2022 by Raimo Streefkerk . Revised on 8 May 2023.

When collecting and analysing data, quantitative research deals with numbers and statistics, while qualitative research  deals with words and meanings. Both are important for gaining different kinds of knowledge.

Common quantitative methods include experiments, observations recorded as numbers, and surveys with closed-ended questions. Qualitative research Qualitative research is expressed in words . It is used to understand concepts, thoughts or experiences. This type of research enables you to gather in-depth insights on topics that are not well understood.

Table of contents

The differences between quantitative and qualitative research, data collection methods, when to use qualitative vs quantitative research, how to analyse qualitative and quantitative data, frequently asked questions about qualitative and quantitative research.

Quantitative and qualitative research use different research methods to collect and analyse data, and they allow you to answer different kinds of research questions.

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Quantitative and qualitative data can be collected using various methods. It is important to use a data collection method that will help answer your research question(s).

Many data collection methods can be either qualitative or quantitative. For example, in surveys, observations or case studies , your data can be represented as numbers (e.g. using rating scales or counting frequencies) or as words (e.g. with open-ended questions or descriptions of what you observe).

However, some methods are more commonly used in one type or the other.

Quantitative data collection methods

• Surveys :  List of closed or multiple choice questions that is distributed to a sample (online, in person, or over the phone).
• Experiments : Situation in which variables are controlled and manipulated to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
• Observations: Observing subjects in a natural environment where variables can’t be controlled.

Qualitative data collection methods

• Interviews : Asking open-ended questions verbally to respondents.
• Focus groups: Discussion among a group of people about a topic to gather opinions that can be used for further research.
• Ethnography : Participating in a community or organisation for an extended period of time to closely observe culture and behavior.
• Literature review : Survey of published works by other authors.

A rule of thumb for deciding whether to use qualitative or quantitative data is:

• Use quantitative research if you want to confirm or test something (a theory or hypothesis)
• Use qualitative research if you want to understand something (concepts, thoughts, experiences)

For most research topics you can choose a qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods approach . Which type you choose depends on, among other things, whether you’re taking an inductive vs deductive research approach ; your research question(s) ; whether you’re doing experimental , correlational , or descriptive research ; and practical considerations such as time, money, availability of data, and access to respondents.

Quantitative research approach

You survey 300 students at your university and ask them questions such as: ‘on a scale from 1-5, how satisfied are your with your professors?’

You can perform statistical analysis on the data and draw conclusions such as: ‘on average students rated their professors 4.4’.

Qualitative research approach

You conduct in-depth interviews with 15 students and ask them open-ended questions such as: ‘How satisfied are you with your studies?’, ‘What is the most positive aspect of your study program?’ and ‘What can be done to improve the study program?’

Based on the answers you get you can ask follow-up questions to clarify things. You transcribe all interviews using transcription software and try to find commonalities and patterns.

Mixed methods approach

You conduct interviews to find out how satisfied students are with their studies. Through open-ended questions you learn things you never thought about before and gain new insights. Later, you use a survey to test these insights on a larger scale.

It’s also possible to start with a survey to find out the overall trends, followed by interviews to better understand the reasons behind the trends.

Qualitative or quantitative data by itself can’t prove or demonstrate anything, but has to be analysed to show its meaning in relation to the research questions. The method of analysis differs for each type of data.

Analysing quantitative data

Quantitative data is based on numbers. Simple maths or more advanced statistical analysis is used to discover commonalities or patterns in the data. The results are often reported in graphs and tables.

Applications such as Excel, SPSS, or R can be used to calculate things like:

• Average scores
• The number of times a particular answer was given
• The correlation or causation between two or more variables
• The reliability and validity of the results

Analysing qualitative data

Qualitative data is more difficult to analyse than quantitative data. It consists of text, images or videos instead of numbers.

Some common approaches to analysing qualitative data include:

• Qualitative content analysis : Tracking the occurrence, position and meaning of words or phrases
• Thematic analysis : Closely examining the data to identify the main themes and patterns
• Discourse analysis : Studying how communication works in social contexts

Quantitative research deals with numbers and statistics, while qualitative research deals with words and meanings.

Quantitative methods allow you to test a hypothesis by systematically collecting and analysing data, while qualitative methods allow you to explore ideas and experiences in depth.

In mixed methods research , you use both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods to answer your research question .

The research methods you use depend on the type of data you need to answer your research question .

• If you want to measure something or test a hypothesis , use quantitative methods . If you want to explore ideas, thoughts, and meanings, use qualitative methods .
• If you want to analyse a large amount of readily available data, use secondary data. If you want data specific to your purposes with control over how they are generated, collect primary data.
• If you want to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables , use experimental methods. If you want to understand the characteristics of a research subject, use descriptive methods.

Data collection is the systematic process by which observations or measurements are gathered in research. It is used in many different contexts by academics, governments, businesses, and other organisations.

There are various approaches to qualitative data analysis , but they all share five steps in common:

• Prepare and organise your data.
• Review and explore your data.
• Develop a data coding system.
• Assign codes to the data.
• Identify recurring themes.

The specifics of each step depend on the focus of the analysis. Some common approaches include textual analysis , thematic analysis , and discourse analysis .

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Qualitative and Quantitative Research — Explore the differences

In the research arena, there are two main approaches that researchers can take —  qualitative and quantitative research. Understanding the fundamentals of these two methods is crucial for conducting effective research and obtaining accurate results.

This article provides insights into the differences between qualitative and quantitative research and we also discuss how to develop research questions for qualitative and quantitative studies, and how to gather and analyze data using these research approaches. Furthermore, we will examine how to interpret findings from qualitative and quantitative research, as well as identify ethical considerations.

By the end of this comprehensive article, readers will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to apply qualitative and quantitative research to advance knowledge in their respective fields.

What is Qualitative and Quantitative Research?

Qualitative research aims to understand complex phenomena by exploring the subjective experiences and perspectives of individuals. It focuses on gathering in-depth data through techniques such as interviews, observations, and open-ended surveys. This approach allows researchers to delve into the intricacies of the topic, uncovering unique insights that may not be captured through quantitative methods alone.

For example, imagine a study on the impact of social media on mental health. Qualitative research would involve conducting interviews with individuals who have experienced negative effects from excessive social media use. Through these interviews, researchers can gain a deep understanding of the participants' experiences, emotions, and thoughts. They can explore the nuances of how social media affects different aspects of mental health, such as self-esteem, body image, and social comparison.

Conversely, quantitative research involves collecting numerical data and analyzing it using statistical methods to identify patterns, trends, and relationships. This approach allows researchers to generalize their findings to a larger population and calculate statistically significant results. It relies on structured surveys, experiments, and other data collection methods that provide standardized data for analysis.

Continuing with the example of social media and mental health, quantitative research would involve administering surveys to a large sample of individuals. The surveys would include questions that measure various aspects of mental health, such as anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction. By collecting numerical data from a large and diverse sample, researchers can identify trends and relationships between social media use and mental health outcomes.

Both qualitative and quantitative research have their strengths and weaknesses. Qualitative research allows for a deep understanding of the topic, providing rich insights and capturing the context of the participants' experiences. It allows researchers to uncover unique perspectives and shed light on subjective experiences.

On the other hand, quantitative research entails a structured and systematic approach to data collection and analysis, allowing for comparisons and generalizations across different groups and contexts.

However, it is crucial to emphasize that qualitative and quantitative research are not mutually exclusive. They frequently serve as a complement to one another within the realm of research studies. Researchers may use qualitative methods to explore a topic in-depth and generate hypotheses, which can then be tested using quantitative methods. This combination of approaches, known as mixed methods research, allows for a more comprehensive understanding of complex phenomena.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Research Method

Qualitative research offers the advantage of generating detailed and nuanced data. It allows researchers to explore complex issues and gain a deeper understanding of participants' thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. However, qualitative research can be time-consuming, and data analysis may be subjective.

In contrast, quantitative research provides objective and quantifiable data, making it easier to draw conclusions and establish causation. It enables researchers to collect data from large samples, increasing the generalizability of findings. Nevertheless, quantitative research may overlook important contextual information and fail to capture the complexities of human experiences. Additionally, it requires a solid understanding of statistical techniques for accurate analysis.

When to Use Qualitative or Quantitative Research?

The choice between qualitative and quantitative research depends on the research questions and objectives. Qualitative research is appropriate when exploring new or complex phenomena, seeking in-depth insights, or generating hypotheses for further investigation. It is particularly useful in social sciences and humanities. On the other hand, quantitative research is suitable when aiming to establish causal relationships, generalize findings to a larger population, or measure phenomena systematically and objectively. It is commonly employed in sciences such as psychology, economics, and medicine.

By considering the nature of the research question, the available resources, and the desired outcomes, researchers can make an informed decision on the appropriate research approach.

How to develop research Questions for Qualitative and Quantitative Studies?

A well-defined research question is essential for conducting meaningful research. In qualitative studies, research questions are exploratory and aim to understand the experiences, perceptions, and meanings of participants. These questions should be open-ended and allow for in-depth exploration of the phenomenon under investigation.

In quantitative research, research questions are often formulated to test hypotheses or examine relationships between variables. These questions should be clear, specific, and measurable to guide data collection and analysis.

Regardless of the research approach, it is crucial to develop research questions that align with the research objectives, is feasible to investigate and contribute to existing knowledge in the field.

Gathering and Analyzing Data

Qualitative research involves collecting data through various techniques, such as interviews, focus groups, and observations. Researchers must establish rapport with participants to encourage open and honest responses. The data collected is then analyzed using methods like thematic analysis and constant comparison to identify patterns, themes, and categories. In quantitative research, data is collected using surveys, experiments, or other structured methods. Researchers aim to obtain a representative sample and ensure the reliability and validity of the data. Statistical analysis techniques, such as descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression, are then applied to conclude.

Regardless of the research approach, it is essential to document the data collection and analysis process thoroughly to ensure transparency and reproducibility.

Interpreting Findings

Interpreting findings from qualitative research involves carefully analyzing the patterns, themes, and categories identified during data analysis. Researchers aim to understand the overarching meaning of the data and draw conclusions based on the participants' experiences and perspectives. The findings are often supported by direct quotes or examples from the data. In quantitative research, findings are interpreted by analyzing statistical results and examining the significance of relationships or differences. Researchers must carefully consider the limitations of the study and the generalizability of the findings. The results are often presented using tables, charts, and graphs for clarity.

Irrespective of the research approach, it is crucial to avoid generalizing beyond the scope of the data and to consider alternative interpretations.

Identifying Ethical Considerations in Qualitative and Quantitative Research

Both qualitative and quantitative research must adhere to ethical guidelines to protect the rights and well-being of participants. Researchers should obtain informed consent, ensure confidentiality, and prevent harm. In qualitative research, building trust and maintaining participant anonymity is crucial. In quantitative research, privacy and data protection are paramount.

Additionally, researchers must consider the potential biases, power dynamics, and conflicts of interest that may influence the research process and findings. Being aware of these ethical considerations helps ensure the integrity and reliability of the research.

How to Write a Research Report Based on Qualitative or Quantitative Data

When writing a research report, it is essential to structure it clearly and concisely. In qualitative research, the report typically includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, findings, discussion, and conclusion. The findings section focuses on the themes and patterns identified during analysis and is supported by quotes or examples from the data.

In quantitative research, the report generally consists of an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. The results section presents the statistical analysis and findings in a clear and organized manner, often using tables, charts, and graphs.

The report should be written in a scholarly tone, provide sufficient details, and communicate the research findings and implications.

Assessing Reliability and Validity of Qualitative and Quantitative Results

Reliability and validity are crucial considerations in research. In qualitative research, researchers can enhance reliability by using multiple researchers to analyze the data and compare their interpretations. Validity can be strengthened by employing rigorous data collection methods, establishing trustworthiness, and including participant validation.

In quantitative research, reliability can be assessed through test-retest reliability or inter-rater reliability. Validity can be evaluated by examining internal validity, external validity, and construct validity. Additionally, researchers should carefully consider potential confounding variables and ensure proper control measures are in place.

By assessing reliability and validity, researchers can enhance the credibility and trustworthiness of their research findings.

Qualitative and quantitative research are distinct yet complementary approaches to conducting research. Understanding when to use each method, developing appropriate research questions, gathering and analyzing data, interpreting findings, and addressing ethical considerations are all critical aspects of conducting valuable research. By embracing these methodologies and applying them appropriately, researchers can contribute to the advancement of knowledge and make meaningful contributions to their respective fields.

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Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research: Comparing the Methods and Strategies for Education Research

No matter the field of study, all research can be divided into two distinct methodologies: qualitative and quantitative research. Both methodologies offer education researchers important insights.

Education research assesses problems in policy, practices, and curriculum design, and it helps administrators identify solutions. Researchers can conduct small-scale studies to learn more about topics related to instruction or larger-scale ones to gain insight into school systems and investigate how to improve student outcomes.

Education research often relies on the quantitative methodology. Quantitative research in education provides numerical data that can prove or disprove a theory, and administrators can easily share the number-based results with other schools and districts. And while the research may speak to a relatively small sample size, educators and researchers can scale the results from quantifiable data to predict outcomes in larger student populations and groups.

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research in Education: Definitions

Although there are many overlaps in the objectives of qualitative and quantitative research in education, researchers must understand the fundamental functions of each methodology in order to design and carry out an impactful research study. In addition, they must understand the differences that set qualitative and quantitative research apart in order to determine which methodology is better suited to specific education research topics.

Generate Hypotheses with Qualitative Research

Qualitative research focuses on thoughts, concepts, or experiences. The data collected often comes in narrative form and concentrates on unearthing insights that can lead to testable hypotheses. Educators use qualitative research in a study’s exploratory stages to uncover patterns or new angles.

Form Strong Conclusions with Quantitative Research

Quantitative research in education and other fields of inquiry is expressed in numbers and measurements. This type of research aims to find data to confirm or test a hypothesis.

Differences in Data Collection Methods

Keeping in mind the main distinction in qualitative vs. quantitative research—gathering descriptive information as opposed to numerical data—it stands to reason that there are different ways to acquire data for each research methodology. While certain approaches do overlap, the way researchers apply these collection techniques depends on their goal.

Interviews, for example, are common in both modes of research. An interview with students that features open-ended questions intended to reveal ideas and beliefs around attendance will provide qualitative data. This data may reveal a problem among students, such as a lack of access to transportation, that schools can help address.

An interview can also include questions posed to receive numerical answers. A case in point: how many days a week do students have trouble getting to school, and of those days, how often is a transportation-related issue the cause? In this example, qualitative and quantitative methodologies can lead to similar conclusions, but the research will differ in intent, design, and form.

Taking a look at behavioral observation, another common method used for both qualitative and quantitative research, qualitative data may consider a variety of factors, such as facial expressions, verbal responses, and body language.

On the other hand, a quantitative approach will create a coding scheme for certain predetermined behaviors and observe these in a quantifiable manner.

Qualitative Research Methods

• Case Studies : Researchers conduct in-depth investigations into an individual, group, event, or community, typically gathering data through observation and interviews.
• Focus Groups : A moderator (or researcher) guides conversation around a specific topic among a group of participants.
• Ethnography : Researchers interact with and observe a specific societal or ethnic group in their real-life environment.
• Interviews : Researchers ask participants questions to learn about their perspectives on a particular subject.

Quantitative Research Methods

• Questionnaires and Surveys : Participants receive a list of questions, either closed-ended or multiple choice, which are directed around a particular topic.
• Experiments : Researchers control and test variables to demonstrate cause-and-effect relationships.
• Observations : Researchers look at quantifiable patterns and behavior.
• Structured Interviews : Using a predetermined structure, researchers ask participants a fixed set of questions to acquire numerical data.

Choosing a Research Strategy

When choosing which research strategy to employ for a project or study, a number of considerations apply. One key piece of information to help determine whether to use a qualitative vs. quantitative research method is which phase of development the study is in.

For example, if a project is in its early stages and requires more research to find a testable hypothesis, qualitative research methods might prove most helpful. On the other hand, if the research team has already established a hypothesis or theory, quantitative research methods will provide data that can validate the theory or refine it for further testing.

It’s also important to understand a project’s research goals. For instance, do researchers aim to produce findings that reveal how to best encourage student engagement in math? Or is the goal to determine how many students are passing geometry? These two scenarios require distinct sets of data, which will determine the best methodology to employ.

In some situations, studies will benefit from a mixed-methods approach. Using the goals in the above example, one set of data could find the percentage of students passing geometry, which would be quantitative. The research team could also lead a focus group with the students achieving success to discuss which techniques and teaching practices they find most helpful, which would produce qualitative data.

Learn How to Put Education Research into Action

Those with an interest in learning how to harness research to develop innovative ideas to improve education systems may want to consider pursuing a doctoral degree. American University’s School of Education online offers a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Education Policy and Leadership that prepares future educators, school administrators, and other education professionals to become leaders who effect positive changes in schools. Courses such as Applied Research Methods I: Enacting Critical Research provides students with the techniques and research skills needed to begin conducting research exploring new ways to enhance education. Learn more about American’ University’s EdD in Education Policy and Leadership .

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EdD vs. PhD in Education: Requirements, Career Outlook, and Salary

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American University, EdD in Education Policy and Leadership

Edutopia, “2019 Education Research Highlights”

Formplus, “Qualitative vs. Quantitative Data: 15 Key Differences and Similarities”

iMotion, “Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research: What Is What?”

Scribbr, “Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research”

Simply Psychology, “What’s the Difference Between Quantitative and Qualitative Research?”

Typeform, “A Simple Guide to Qualitative and Quantitative Research”

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How to use and assess qualitative research methods

Loraine busetto.

1 Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany

Wolfgang Wick

2 Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuro-Oncology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany

Christoph Gumbinger

Associated data.

Not applicable.

This paper aims to provide an overview of the use and assessment of qualitative research methods in the health sciences. Qualitative research can be defined as the study of the nature of phenomena and is especially appropriate for answering questions of why something is (not) observed, assessing complex multi-component interventions, and focussing on intervention improvement. The most common methods of data collection are document study, (non-) participant observations, semi-structured interviews and focus groups. For data analysis, field-notes and audio-recordings are transcribed into protocols and transcripts, and coded using qualitative data management software. Criteria such as checklists, reflexivity, sampling strategies, piloting, co-coding, member-checking and stakeholder involvement can be used to enhance and assess the quality of the research conducted. Using qualitative in addition to quantitative designs will equip us with better tools to address a greater range of research problems, and to fill in blind spots in current neurological research and practice.

The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of qualitative research methods, including hands-on information on how they can be used, reported and assessed. This article is intended for beginning qualitative researchers in the health sciences as well as experienced quantitative researchers who wish to broaden their understanding of qualitative research.

What is qualitative research?

Qualitative research is defined as “the study of the nature of phenomena”, including “their quality, different manifestations, the context in which they appear or the perspectives from which they can be perceived” , but excluding “their range, frequency and place in an objectively determined chain of cause and effect” [ 1 ]. This formal definition can be complemented with a more pragmatic rule of thumb: qualitative research generally includes data in form of words rather than numbers [ 2 ].

Why conduct qualitative research?

Because some research questions cannot be answered using (only) quantitative methods. For example, one Australian study addressed the issue of why patients from Aboriginal communities often present late or not at all to specialist services offered by tertiary care hospitals. Using qualitative interviews with patients and staff, it found one of the most significant access barriers to be transportation problems, including some towns and communities simply not having a bus service to the hospital [ 3 ]. A quantitative study could have measured the number of patients over time or even looked at possible explanatory factors – but only those previously known or suspected to be of relevance. To discover reasons for observed patterns, especially the invisible or surprising ones, qualitative designs are needed.

While qualitative research is common in other fields, it is still relatively underrepresented in health services research. The latter field is more traditionally rooted in the evidence-based-medicine paradigm, as seen in " research that involves testing the effectiveness of various strategies to achieve changes in clinical practice, preferably applying randomised controlled trial study designs (...) " [ 4 ]. This focus on quantitative research and specifically randomised controlled trials (RCT) is visible in the idea of a hierarchy of research evidence which assumes that some research designs are objectively better than others, and that choosing a "lesser" design is only acceptable when the better ones are not practically or ethically feasible [ 5 , 6 ]. Others, however, argue that an objective hierarchy does not exist, and that, instead, the research design and methods should be chosen to fit the specific research question at hand – "questions before methods" [ 2 , 7 – 9 ]. This means that even when an RCT is possible, some research problems require a different design that is better suited to addressing them. Arguing in JAMA, Berwick uses the example of rapid response teams in hospitals, which he describes as " a complex, multicomponent intervention – essentially a process of social change" susceptible to a range of different context factors including leadership or organisation history. According to him, "[in] such complex terrain, the RCT is an impoverished way to learn. Critics who use it as a truth standard in this context are incorrect" [ 8 ] . Instead of limiting oneself to RCTs, Berwick recommends embracing a wider range of methods , including qualitative ones, which for "these specific applications, (...) are not compromises in learning how to improve; they are superior" [ 8 ].

Research problems that can be approached particularly well using qualitative methods include assessing complex multi-component interventions or systems (of change), addressing questions beyond “what works”, towards “what works for whom when, how and why”, and focussing on intervention improvement rather than accreditation [ 7 , 9 – 12 ]. Using qualitative methods can also help shed light on the “softer” side of medical treatment. For example, while quantitative trials can measure the costs and benefits of neuro-oncological treatment in terms of survival rates or adverse effects, qualitative research can help provide a better understanding of patient or caregiver stress, visibility of illness or out-of-pocket expenses.

How to conduct qualitative research?

Given that qualitative research is characterised by flexibility, openness and responsivity to context, the steps of data collection and analysis are not as separate and consecutive as they tend to be in quantitative research [ 13 , 14 ]. As Fossey puts it : “sampling, data collection, analysis and interpretation are related to each other in a cyclical (iterative) manner, rather than following one after another in a stepwise approach” [ 15 ]. The researcher can make educated decisions with regard to the choice of method, how they are implemented, and to which and how many units they are applied [ 13 ]. As shown in Fig.  1 , this can involve several back-and-forth steps between data collection and analysis where new insights and experiences can lead to adaption and expansion of the original plan. Some insights may also necessitate a revision of the research question and/or the research design as a whole. The process ends when saturation is achieved, i.e. when no relevant new information can be found (see also below: sampling and saturation). For reasons of transparency, it is essential for all decisions as well as the underlying reasoning to be well-documented.

Iterative research process

While it is not always explicitly addressed, qualitative methods reflect a different underlying research paradigm than quantitative research (e.g. constructivism or interpretivism as opposed to positivism). The choice of methods can be based on the respective underlying substantive theory or theoretical framework used by the researcher [ 2 ].

Data collection

The methods of qualitative data collection most commonly used in health research are document study, observations, semi-structured interviews and focus groups [ 1 , 14 , 16 , 17 ].

Document study

Document study (also called document analysis) refers to the review by the researcher of written materials [ 14 ]. These can include personal and non-personal documents such as archives, annual reports, guidelines, policy documents, diaries or letters.

Observations

Observations are particularly useful to gain insights into a certain setting and actual behaviour – as opposed to reported behaviour or opinions [ 13 ]. Qualitative observations can be either participant or non-participant in nature. In participant observations, the observer is part of the observed setting, for example a nurse working in an intensive care unit [ 18 ]. In non-participant observations, the observer is “on the outside looking in”, i.e. present in but not part of the situation, trying not to influence the setting by their presence. Observations can be planned (e.g. for 3 h during the day or night shift) or ad hoc (e.g. as soon as a stroke patient arrives at the emergency room). During the observation, the observer takes notes on everything or certain pre-determined parts of what is happening around them, for example focusing on physician-patient interactions or communication between different professional groups. Written notes can be taken during or after the observations, depending on feasibility (which is usually lower during participant observations) and acceptability (e.g. when the observer is perceived to be judging the observed). Afterwards, these field notes are transcribed into observation protocols. If more than one observer was involved, field notes are taken independently, but notes can be consolidated into one protocol after discussions. Advantages of conducting observations include minimising the distance between the researcher and the researched, the potential discovery of topics that the researcher did not realise were relevant and gaining deeper insights into the real-world dimensions of the research problem at hand [ 18 ].

Semi-structured interviews

Hijmans & Kuyper describe qualitative interviews as “an exchange with an informal character, a conversation with a goal” [ 19 ]. Interviews are used to gain insights into a person’s subjective experiences, opinions and motivations – as opposed to facts or behaviours [ 13 ]. Interviews can be distinguished by the degree to which they are structured (i.e. a questionnaire), open (e.g. free conversation or autobiographical interviews) or semi-structured [ 2 , 13 ]. Semi-structured interviews are characterized by open-ended questions and the use of an interview guide (or topic guide/list) in which the broad areas of interest, sometimes including sub-questions, are defined [ 19 ]. The pre-defined topics in the interview guide can be derived from the literature, previous research or a preliminary method of data collection, e.g. document study or observations. The topic list is usually adapted and improved at the start of the data collection process as the interviewer learns more about the field [ 20 ]. Across interviews the focus on the different (blocks of) questions may differ and some questions may be skipped altogether (e.g. if the interviewee is not able or willing to answer the questions or for concerns about the total length of the interview) [ 20 ]. Qualitative interviews are usually not conducted in written format as it impedes on the interactive component of the method [ 20 ]. In comparison to written surveys, qualitative interviews have the advantage of being interactive and allowing for unexpected topics to emerge and to be taken up by the researcher. This can also help overcome a provider or researcher-centred bias often found in written surveys, which by nature, can only measure what is already known or expected to be of relevance to the researcher. Interviews can be audio- or video-taped; but sometimes it is only feasible or acceptable for the interviewer to take written notes [ 14 , 16 , 20 ].

Focus groups

Focus groups are group interviews to explore participants’ expertise and experiences, including explorations of how and why people behave in certain ways [ 1 ]. Focus groups usually consist of 6–8 people and are led by an experienced moderator following a topic guide or “script” [ 21 ]. They can involve an observer who takes note of the non-verbal aspects of the situation, possibly using an observation guide [ 21 ]. Depending on researchers’ and participants’ preferences, the discussions can be audio- or video-taped and transcribed afterwards [ 21 ]. Focus groups are useful for bringing together homogeneous (to a lesser extent heterogeneous) groups of participants with relevant expertise and experience on a given topic on which they can share detailed information [ 21 ]. Focus groups are a relatively easy, fast and inexpensive method to gain access to information on interactions in a given group, i.e. “the sharing and comparing” among participants [ 21 ]. Disadvantages include less control over the process and a lesser extent to which each individual may participate. Moreover, focus group moderators need experience, as do those tasked with the analysis of the resulting data. Focus groups can be less appropriate for discussing sensitive topics that participants might be reluctant to disclose in a group setting [ 13 ]. Moreover, attention must be paid to the emergence of “groupthink” as well as possible power dynamics within the group, e.g. when patients are awed or intimidated by health professionals.

Choosing the “right” method

As explained above, the school of thought underlying qualitative research assumes no objective hierarchy of evidence and methods. This means that each choice of single or combined methods has to be based on the research question that needs to be answered and a critical assessment with regard to whether or to what extent the chosen method can accomplish this – i.e. the “fit” between question and method [ 14 ]. It is necessary for these decisions to be documented when they are being made, and to be critically discussed when reporting methods and results.

Let us assume that our research aim is to examine the (clinical) processes around acute endovascular treatment (EVT), from the patient’s arrival at the emergency room to recanalization, with the aim to identify possible causes for delay and/or other causes for sub-optimal treatment outcome. As a first step, we could conduct a document study of the relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs) for this phase of care – are they up-to-date and in line with current guidelines? Do they contain any mistakes, irregularities or uncertainties that could cause delays or other problems? Regardless of the answers to these questions, the results have to be interpreted based on what they are: a written outline of what care processes in this hospital should look like. If we want to know what they actually look like in practice, we can conduct observations of the processes described in the SOPs. These results can (and should) be analysed in themselves, but also in comparison to the results of the document analysis, especially as regards relevant discrepancies. Do the SOPs outline specific tests for which no equipment can be observed or tasks to be performed by specialized nurses who are not present during the observation? It might also be possible that the written SOP is outdated, but the actual care provided is in line with current best practice. In order to find out why these discrepancies exist, it can be useful to conduct interviews. Are the physicians simply not aware of the SOPs (because their existence is limited to the hospital’s intranet) or do they actively disagree with them or does the infrastructure make it impossible to provide the care as described? Another rationale for adding interviews is that some situations (or all of their possible variations for different patient groups or the day, night or weekend shift) cannot practically or ethically be observed. In this case, it is possible to ask those involved to report on their actions – being aware that this is not the same as the actual observation. A senior physician’s or hospital manager’s description of certain situations might differ from a nurse’s or junior physician’s one, maybe because they intentionally misrepresent facts or maybe because different aspects of the process are visible or important to them. In some cases, it can also be relevant to consider to whom the interviewee is disclosing this information – someone they trust, someone they are otherwise not connected to, or someone they suspect or are aware of being in a potentially “dangerous” power relationship to them. Lastly, a focus group could be conducted with representatives of the relevant professional groups to explore how and why exactly they provide care around EVT. The discussion might reveal discrepancies (between SOPs and actual care or between different physicians) and motivations to the researchers as well as to the focus group members that they might not have been aware of themselves. For the focus group to deliver relevant information, attention has to be paid to its composition and conduct, for example, to make sure that all participants feel safe to disclose sensitive or potentially problematic information or that the discussion is not dominated by (senior) physicians only. The resulting combination of data collection methods is shown in Fig.  2 .

Possible combination of data collection methods

Attributions for icons: “Book” by Serhii Smirnov, “Interview” by Adrien Coquet, FR, “Magnifying Glass” by anggun, ID, “Business communication” by Vectors Market; all from the Noun Project

The combination of multiple data source as described for this example can be referred to as “triangulation”, in which multiple measurements are carried out from different angles to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon under study [ 22 , 23 ].

Data analysis

To analyse the data collected through observations, interviews and focus groups these need to be transcribed into protocols and transcripts (see Fig.  3 ). Interviews and focus groups can be transcribed verbatim , with or without annotations for behaviour (e.g. laughing, crying, pausing) and with or without phonetic transcription of dialects and filler words, depending on what is expected or known to be relevant for the analysis. In the next step, the protocols and transcripts are coded , that is, marked (or tagged, labelled) with one or more short descriptors of the content of a sentence or paragraph [ 2 , 15 , 23 ]. Jansen describes coding as “connecting the raw data with “theoretical” terms” [ 20 ]. In a more practical sense, coding makes raw data sortable. This makes it possible to extract and examine all segments describing, say, a tele-neurology consultation from multiple data sources (e.g. SOPs, emergency room observations, staff and patient interview). In a process of synthesis and abstraction, the codes are then grouped, summarised and/or categorised [ 15 , 20 ]. The end product of the coding or analysis process is a descriptive theory of the behavioural pattern under investigation [ 20 ]. The coding process is performed using qualitative data management software, the most common ones being InVivo, MaxQDA and Atlas.ti. It should be noted that these are data management tools which support the analysis performed by the researcher(s) [ 14 ].

From data collection to data analysis

Attributions for icons: see Fig. ​ Fig.2, 2 , also “Speech to text” by Trevor Dsouza, “Field Notes” by Mike O’Brien, US, “Voice Record” by ProSymbols, US, “Inspection” by Made, AU, and “Cloud” by Graphic Tigers; all from the Noun Project

How to report qualitative research?

Protocols of qualitative research can be published separately and in advance of the study results. However, the aim is not the same as in RCT protocols, i.e. to pre-define and set in stone the research questions and primary or secondary endpoints. Rather, it is a way to describe the research methods in detail, which might not be possible in the results paper given journals’ word limits. Qualitative research papers are usually longer than their quantitative counterparts to allow for deep understanding and so-called “thick description”. In the methods section, the focus is on transparency of the methods used, including why, how and by whom they were implemented in the specific study setting, so as to enable a discussion of whether and how this may have influenced data collection, analysis and interpretation. The results section usually starts with a paragraph outlining the main findings, followed by more detailed descriptions of, for example, the commonalities, discrepancies or exceptions per category [ 20 ]. Here it is important to support main findings by relevant quotations, which may add information, context, emphasis or real-life examples [ 20 , 23 ]. It is subject to debate in the field whether it is relevant to state the exact number or percentage of respondents supporting a certain statement (e.g. “Five interviewees expressed negative feelings towards XYZ”) [ 21 ].

How to combine qualitative with quantitative research?

Qualitative methods can be combined with other methods in multi- or mixed methods designs, which “[employ] two or more different methods [ …] within the same study or research program rather than confining the research to one single method” [ 24 ]. Reasons for combining methods can be diverse, including triangulation for corroboration of findings, complementarity for illustration and clarification of results, expansion to extend the breadth and range of the study, explanation of (unexpected) results generated with one method with the help of another, or offsetting the weakness of one method with the strength of another [ 1 , 17 , 24 – 26 ]. The resulting designs can be classified according to when, why and how the different quantitative and/or qualitative data strands are combined. The three most common types of mixed method designs are the convergent parallel design , the explanatory sequential design and the exploratory sequential design. The designs with examples are shown in Fig.  4 .

Three common mixed methods designs

In the convergent parallel design, a qualitative study is conducted in parallel to and independently of a quantitative study, and the results of both studies are compared and combined at the stage of interpretation of results. Using the above example of EVT provision, this could entail setting up a quantitative EVT registry to measure process times and patient outcomes in parallel to conducting the qualitative research outlined above, and then comparing results. Amongst other things, this would make it possible to assess whether interview respondents’ subjective impressions of patients receiving good care match modified Rankin Scores at follow-up, or whether observed delays in care provision are exceptions or the rule when compared to door-to-needle times as documented in the registry. In the explanatory sequential design, a quantitative study is carried out first, followed by a qualitative study to help explain the results from the quantitative study. This would be an appropriate design if the registry alone had revealed relevant delays in door-to-needle times and the qualitative study would be used to understand where and why these occurred, and how they could be improved. In the exploratory design, the qualitative study is carried out first and its results help informing and building the quantitative study in the next step [ 26 ]. If the qualitative study around EVT provision had shown a high level of dissatisfaction among the staff members involved, a quantitative questionnaire investigating staff satisfaction could be set up in the next step, informed by the qualitative study on which topics dissatisfaction had been expressed. Amongst other things, the questionnaire design would make it possible to widen the reach of the research to more respondents from different (types of) hospitals, regions, countries or settings, and to conduct sub-group analyses for different professional groups.

How to assess qualitative research?

A variety of assessment criteria and lists have been developed for qualitative research, ranging in their focus and comprehensiveness [ 14 , 17 , 27 ]. However, none of these has been elevated to the “gold standard” in the field. In the following, we therefore focus on a set of commonly used assessment criteria that, from a practical standpoint, a researcher can look for when assessing a qualitative research report or paper.

Assessors should check the authors’ use of and adherence to the relevant reporting checklists (e.g. Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR)) to make sure all items that are relevant for this type of research are addressed [ 23 , 28 ]. Discussions of quantitative measures in addition to or instead of these qualitative measures can be a sign of lower quality of the research (paper). Providing and adhering to a checklist for qualitative research contributes to an important quality criterion for qualitative research, namely transparency [ 15 , 17 , 23 ].

Reflexivity

While methodological transparency and complete reporting is relevant for all types of research, some additional criteria must be taken into account for qualitative research. This includes what is called reflexivity, i.e. sensitivity to the relationship between the researcher and the researched, including how contact was established and maintained, or the background and experience of the researcher(s) involved in data collection and analysis. Depending on the research question and population to be researched this can be limited to professional experience, but it may also include gender, age or ethnicity [ 17 , 27 ]. These details are relevant because in qualitative research, as opposed to quantitative research, the researcher as a person cannot be isolated from the research process [ 23 ]. It may influence the conversation when an interviewed patient speaks to an interviewer who is a physician, or when an interviewee is asked to discuss a gynaecological procedure with a male interviewer, and therefore the reader must be made aware of these details [ 19 ].

Sampling and saturation

The aim of qualitative sampling is for all variants of the objects of observation that are deemed relevant for the study to be present in the sample “ to see the issue and its meanings from as many angles as possible” [ 1 , 16 , 19 , 20 , 27 ] , and to ensure “information-richness [ 15 ]. An iterative sampling approach is advised, in which data collection (e.g. five interviews) is followed by data analysis, followed by more data collection to find variants that are lacking in the current sample. This process continues until no new (relevant) information can be found and further sampling becomes redundant – which is called saturation [ 1 , 15 ] . In other words: qualitative data collection finds its end point not a priori , but when the research team determines that saturation has been reached [ 29 , 30 ].

This is also the reason why most qualitative studies use deliberate instead of random sampling strategies. This is generally referred to as “ purposive sampling” , in which researchers pre-define which types of participants or cases they need to include so as to cover all variations that are expected to be of relevance, based on the literature, previous experience or theory (i.e. theoretical sampling) [ 14 , 20 ]. Other types of purposive sampling include (but are not limited to) maximum variation sampling, critical case sampling or extreme or deviant case sampling [ 2 ]. In the above EVT example, a purposive sample could include all relevant professional groups and/or all relevant stakeholders (patients, relatives) and/or all relevant times of observation (day, night and weekend shift).

Assessors of qualitative research should check whether the considerations underlying the sampling strategy were sound and whether or how researchers tried to adapt and improve their strategies in stepwise or cyclical approaches between data collection and analysis to achieve saturation [ 14 ].

Good qualitative research is iterative in nature, i.e. it goes back and forth between data collection and analysis, revising and improving the approach where necessary. One example of this are pilot interviews, where different aspects of the interview (especially the interview guide, but also, for example, the site of the interview or whether the interview can be audio-recorded) are tested with a small number of respondents, evaluated and revised [ 19 ]. In doing so, the interviewer learns which wording or types of questions work best, or which is the best length of an interview with patients who have trouble concentrating for an extended time. Of course, the same reasoning applies to observations or focus groups which can also be piloted.

Ideally, coding should be performed by at least two researchers, especially at the beginning of the coding process when a common approach must be defined, including the establishment of a useful coding list (or tree), and when a common meaning of individual codes must be established [ 23 ]. An initial sub-set or all transcripts can be coded independently by the coders and then compared and consolidated after regular discussions in the research team. This is to make sure that codes are applied consistently to the research data.

Member checking

Member checking, also called respondent validation , refers to the practice of checking back with study respondents to see if the research is in line with their views [ 14 , 27 ]. This can happen after data collection or analysis or when first results are available [ 23 ]. For example, interviewees can be provided with (summaries of) their transcripts and asked whether they believe this to be a complete representation of their views or whether they would like to clarify or elaborate on their responses [ 17 ]. Respondents’ feedback on these issues then becomes part of the data collection and analysis [ 27 ].

Stakeholder involvement

In those niches where qualitative approaches have been able to evolve and grow, a new trend has seen the inclusion of patients and their representatives not only as study participants (i.e. “members”, see above) but as consultants to and active participants in the broader research process [ 31 – 33 ]. The underlying assumption is that patients and other stakeholders hold unique perspectives and experiences that add value beyond their own single story, making the research more relevant and beneficial to researchers, study participants and (future) patients alike [ 34 , 35 ]. Using the example of patients on or nearing dialysis, a recent scoping review found that 80% of clinical research did not address the top 10 research priorities identified by patients and caregivers [ 32 , 36 ]. In this sense, the involvement of the relevant stakeholders, especially patients and relatives, is increasingly being seen as a quality indicator in and of itself.

How not to assess qualitative research

The above overview does not include certain items that are routine in assessments of quantitative research. What follows is a non-exhaustive, non-representative, experience-based list of the quantitative criteria often applied to the assessment of qualitative research, as well as an explanation of the limited usefulness of these endeavours.

Protocol adherence

Given the openness and flexibility of qualitative research, it should not be assessed by how well it adheres to pre-determined and fixed strategies – in other words: its rigidity. Instead, the assessor should look for signs of adaptation and refinement based on lessons learned from earlier steps in the research process.

Sample size

For the reasons explained above, qualitative research does not require specific sample sizes, nor does it require that the sample size be determined a priori [ 1 , 14 , 27 , 37 – 39 ]. Sample size can only be a useful quality indicator when related to the research purpose, the chosen methodology and the composition of the sample, i.e. who was included and why.

Randomisation

While some authors argue that randomisation can be used in qualitative research, this is not commonly the case, as neither its feasibility nor its necessity or usefulness has been convincingly established for qualitative research [ 13 , 27 ]. Relevant disadvantages include the negative impact of a too large sample size as well as the possibility (or probability) of selecting “ quiet, uncooperative or inarticulate individuals ” [ 17 ]. Qualitative studies do not use control groups, either.

Interrater reliability, variability and other “objectivity checks”

The concept of “interrater reliability” is sometimes used in qualitative research to assess to which extent the coding approach overlaps between the two co-coders. However, it is not clear what this measure tells us about the quality of the analysis [ 23 ]. This means that these scores can be included in qualitative research reports, preferably with some additional information on what the score means for the analysis, but it is not a requirement. Relatedly, it is not relevant for the quality or “objectivity” of qualitative research to separate those who recruited the study participants and collected and analysed the data. Experiences even show that it might be better to have the same person or team perform all of these tasks [ 20 ]. First, when researchers introduce themselves during recruitment this can enhance trust when the interview takes place days or weeks later with the same researcher. Second, when the audio-recording is transcribed for analysis, the researcher conducting the interviews will usually remember the interviewee and the specific interview situation during data analysis. This might be helpful in providing additional context information for interpretation of data, e.g. on whether something might have been meant as a joke [ 18 ].

Not being quantitative research

Being qualitative research instead of quantitative research should not be used as an assessment criterion if it is used irrespectively of the research problem at hand. Similarly, qualitative research should not be required to be combined with quantitative research per se – unless mixed methods research is judged as inherently better than single-method research. In this case, the same criterion should be applied for quantitative studies without a qualitative component.

The main take-away points of this paper are summarised in Table ​ Table1. 1 . We aimed to show that, if conducted well, qualitative research can answer specific research questions that cannot to be adequately answered using (only) quantitative designs. Seeing qualitative and quantitative methods as equal will help us become more aware and critical of the “fit” between the research problem and our chosen methods: I can conduct an RCT to determine the reasons for transportation delays of acute stroke patients – but should I? It also provides us with a greater range of tools to tackle a greater range of research problems more appropriately and successfully, filling in the blind spots on one half of the methodological spectrum to better address the whole complexity of neurological research and practice.

Take-away-points

Acknowledgements

Abbreviations, authors’ contributions.

LB drafted the manuscript; WW and CG revised the manuscript; all authors approved the final versions.

no external funding.

Availability of data and materials

Ethics approval and consent to participate, consent for publication, competing interests.

The authors declare no competing interests.

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Quantitative and Qualitative Research

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Quantitative methodology is the dominant research framework in the social sciences. It refers to a set of strategies, techniques and assumptions used to study psychological, social and economic processes through the exploration of numeric patterns . Quantitative research gathers a range of numeric data. Some of the numeric data is intrinsically quantitative (e.g. personal income), while in other cases the numeric structure is  imposed (e.g. ‘On a scale from 1 to 10, how depressed did you feel last week?’). The collection of quantitative information allows researchers to conduct simple to extremely sophisticated statistical analyses that aggregate the data (e.g. averages, percentages), show relationships among the data (e.g. ‘Students with lower grade point averages tend to score lower on a depression scale’) or compare across aggregated data (e.g. the USA has a higher gross domestic product than Spain). Quantitative research includes methodologies such as questionnaires, structured observations or experiments and stands in contrast to qualitative research. Qualitative research involves the collection and analysis of narratives and/or open-ended observations through methodologies such as interviews, focus groups or ethnographies.

Coghlan, D., Brydon-Miller, M. (2014).  The SAGE encyclopedia of action research  (Vols. 1-2). London, : SAGE Publications Ltd doi: 10.4135/9781446294406

What is the purpose of quantitative research?

The purpose of quantitative research is to generate knowledge and create understanding about the social world. Quantitative research is used by social scientists, including communication researchers, to observe phenomena or occurrences affecting individuals. Social scientists are concerned with the study of people. Quantitative research is a way to learn about a particular group of people, known as a sample population. Using scientific inquiry, quantitative research relies on data that are observed or measured to examine questions about the sample population.

Allen, M. (2017).  The SAGE encyclopedia of communication research methods  (Vols. 1-4). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc doi: 10.4135/9781483381411

How do I know if the study is a quantitative design?  What type of quantitative study is it?

Quantitative Research Designs: Descriptive non-experimental, Quasi-experimental or Experimental?

Studies do not always explicitly state what kind of research design is being used.  You will need to know how to decipher which design type is used.  The following video will help you determine the quantitative design type.

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Essay on Qualitative and Quantitative Research

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Qualitative and Quantitative study designs both can be beneficial in research design. They both provide valuable options for researchers in the field. These techniques can either be used separately in a research study or they can be combined to achieve maximum information. This paper will define the terms qualitative and quantitative; describe the similarities and differences between each; discuss how qualitative and/or quantitative research designs or techniques could be used in the evaluation of my proposed research ; and discuss why linking analysis to study design is important. Quantitative studies are primarily numbers based. They deal with large cohort groups as well as analyze large amounts of data. “A quantitative …show more content…

When both research designs are used together, more information can be gathered. Mixed methodology uses the numerical portion of the quantitative study design in combination with the descriptive aspect of the qualitative study. There are many similarities between these two designs, which make them compatible with each other. “Whilst quantitative research may be mostly used for testing theory it can also be used for exploring an area and generating hypotheses and theory. Similarly qualitative research can be used for testing hypotheses and theories even though it is mostly used for theory generation” (Hughes, 2006). Both of these designs may be similar with testing theory, they are also similar in the tools that they use and how the data is analyzed. “Qualitative data often includes quantification (eg statements such as more than, less than, most as well as specific numbers). Quantitative (ie questionnaire) approaches can collect qualitative data through open ended questions” (Hughes, 2006). These similarities are what make these two study designs compatible for each other. There are also some differences between these study designs, which may cause some problems for the inexperienced researcher. “Quantitative research is objective; qualitative research is subjective. Quantitative research seeks explanatory laws; qualitative research aims at

Quantitative Vs. Qualitative

According to Yin (2003), there are two types of research approach. This includes quantitative research approach and qualitative research approach. A quantitative research emphasizes on transforming the data to numbers, quantities and statistics to formulate facts and to uncover patterns in a research. It addresses research purposes through empirical analysis that involve numerical measurement, the relationship between variables and analysis approaches (Zikmund et al., 2010). The sample size being investigated is typically large (Anderson, 2006). Quantitative research mainly uses questionnaires, surveys and other equipment to collect numerical or measurable data (Anderson, 2006). On the other hand, a qualitative research typically emphasizes words more than numbers

The Pros And Cons Of Quantitative Research

This paper primarily concerns qualitative research, but we were asked to compare both qualitative and quantitative methods. During comparison, there are many noted differences in both study designs, but not many similarities. Qualitative research uses a subjective approach with a large sample population. It collects non-statistical data, using an unstructured or semi-structured technique (Nieswiadomy & Bailey, 2018). Quantitative research uses an objective approach and large, random, sampling to ask opinions in a structured way. The findings of quantitative studies are conclusive and used to recommend a final course of action (Nieswiadomy & Bailey, 2018). While it is hard to see similarities between the two, both methods aim to find a solution to a problem or question, the researcher doing the study may affect the outcome and an analysis of the collected data must be done (Souza, 2017). What many don’t realize is the connection amongst the two. You can say, both types of research build upon one another, meaning quantitative studies can quantify results found in qualitative research (Souza, 2017).

Qualitative And Quantitative Research Methods

Qualitative and quantitative research methods are two alternative applications for research methods. Both are very different in how data is collected, what data is collected, and how data is measured. Both of these research methods are utilized amongst the major areas of psychology and the social sciences. This paper will provide a brief description of qualitative and quantitative methods, provide the differences between the two approaches along with the terminology used for both; I will also refer to my article of choice from week one and specify which research method is used in that particular study; and finally, I will determine whether that same research study is non-experimental or experimental.

Examine the Fields of Qualitative and Quantitative Research and the Advantages and Limitation of Each Paradigm.

For quite a while there has been some discussion around which method of distinctions between Qualitative research and quantitative research. This has been fired in later years with some thinking that a combination of the two is best practice especially in social

Dance Of The Call Bells Essay

A qualitative study addresses the complexity of human experience, focusing on the big picture (Rebar & Gersch, 2015); while a quantitative study breaks a problem down into small pieces and focuses on specific parts to see how they all relate (Rebar & Gersch, 2015). Qualitative methods focus on subjective information, and never try to predict or control the phenomenon of interest (Rebar & Gersch, 2015); on the other hand, quantitative methods focus on statistics and objective information, and can yield predictions and control (Rebar & Gersch, 2015).

Results and Conclusions Hcs 465

The key distinctions between qualitative and quantitative data are qualitative data is subjective, ask What?, Why?, literature review may be done after study is complete, develops theory, focus is complex, facts are biased and values are involved, qualitative data is about discovery, describing, understanding, sharing results to who are concerned about the study. Basic with analysis is part of, the researcher conducting the study is part of the process, and participants are involved, reasoning is dialectic and inductive, describes the meaning of what was discovered in the study conducted, uses communication and observation, and strives for trends and theories easy to understand. Study conducted has a flexible approach in a natural setting, provides information worth counting (Anderson, 2006). Quantitative data provides objectives, ask questions how many?, literature review must be done early in the study, tests theory, focus is

Methodology Involves Qualitative Research

Research methodology generally involves qualitative research or quantitative research, or a mixture of both. A quantitative research methodology involves the analysis of data collected from a large number of surveys or interviews. On the other hand, methodologies for qualitative research often involve using surveys or interviews to collect information about people — their attitudes, experiences and behaviors.

Qualitative Strategies

I will explain how quantitative and qualitative strategies and methods/procedures are similar and different. In qualitative strategies, there is a focus on "data collection, analysis and writing" (p. 176). In qualitative strategies usually may fall in line with survey designs and experiments. The strategies followed the same general format such as purpose, data collection, data analysis and conclusion. The differences between the two for methods and procedures is the following: for quantitative methods they tend to be used in a pretest and posttest control group designs. This is done by following six steps which include administering measures of the dependent variable, assign the participants to pairs, randomly assign members to the control group or experimental group, expose the experimental group, administer measures of dependent variables and finally the performance. For

Purchasing Firearms from Walmart

The Research Design Determine the most appropriate research design. Why two research design were selected and why two were not selected? What data collections instruments will be used? Survey? Interview? Other? I may select a qualitative and quantitative design only because the two together address different parts of the problem and together provide a richer, more multi-faceted response than either alone would. The qualitative aspect would give me an in-depth, rich perspective and allow me to plumb one aspect further whilst the quantitative investigation would base the investigation on a scientific, objective purview.

Examples Of Critiquing Qualitative

Researchers will gain insight on numerical, statistical data when studying quantitative studies (Polit & Beck, 2017). Whereas, qualitative research will show human behaviors and experiences (Polit & Beck, 2017).

Research Methods Of Quantitative Research Essay

There are two types of research methods, which are qualitative, and quantitative each of which is focused towards diverse aspect. It is noticed that qualitative research method is used for the studies that are dependent on the use of theoretical data or content instead of collecting statistical or empirical evidence to support the discussion. The aim of this method is to consider the use of general data or theories to make sure that research aim and objectives are evaluated specifically (Taylor et al., 2015). While on the other hand, quantitative research method is used by the studies that are reliant on the utilisation of facts and figures in the numerical or statistical format in order to support the arguments or discussion. In this considered, the quantitative research method is emphasised as it will consider using numerical or empirical evidence to support the discussion. This depicts the fact that nature of the study is quantitative (Scruggs & Mastropieri, 2006).

Qualitative Research or Quantitative Research - Which is better and why?

Both qualitative and quantitative research methods have their specific qualities which make them useful to a researcher, however in the course of this short essay I will explain why, for several reasons, qualitative research is better. As both methods operate within different assumptions, it is important to stem criticism for each method 's respective theoretical base in order to adequately judge them. In the course of this essay I will highlight each method 's theoretical assumptions and then I will assess each method by pointing out their positive and negative factors.

The Randomized Controlled Trial

Both of approaches have pros and cons, it is difficult to decide which research approach is appropriate for a specific research task. Excepting the selection of methods, the background information and the subjective consciousness of participants are main aspects to decide the quality of a given piece of research. Researchers should seriously consider the specific situation of the research. Meanwhile, researchers should synthesize the advantages between quantitative and qualitative research so as to effectively achieve the research aim by a mixed methodology.

Applying the Results and Conclusion of the Research Process to Problems in Health Care

The key distinction between quantitative and qualitative research data in a nutshell is that quantitative research produces measurements and numerical results; quantitative research develops information or numerical data that can be translated into numbers and convey statistical conclusions while qualitative research generates non-numerical data; qualitative generates hypothesis or questions and are normally in the beginning of the research (Murphy, 2007).

Evaluation Of A Social Or Human Problem Based On Testing A Theory

According to Naoum (2013) quantitative research is “enquiry into a social or human problem based on testing a hypothesis or a theory composed of variables, measured with numbers and analysed with statistical procedures in order to determine whether the hypothesis or the theory hold true”(Naoum 2013,p.39). The approach is objective in nature and not abstract. It is associated with tangible, measurable and numerical data that may be analysed to produce conclusive and generalized answer. It is mostly applied when researchers want to prove or disprove a set of hypothesis and when enquiring realities about the theory, query or attributes (Saunders et al. 2012) by using primary collected data (Fellows 2003). Quantitative research is more structured and well defined that allow the researcher to do extensive planning before the actual research starts. In most cases the actual work tends to be consistent with the predetermined research question and conceptual framework (Bell 2014). This allows for easy forecast of ethical challenge and a plan on how to handle the challenges can be put in place before the actual work begins. It may be carried out by survey, structured interview or observation (Saunders et al. 2012).

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• Qualitative research
• Scientific method
• Quantitative research

Quantitative Vs Qualitative Research Essay

Show More There are two main types of research that can be utilized when conducting a study such as qualitative and quantitative research. Quantitative research involves the collection of numerical data, which is analyzed to prove a hypothesis. Qualitative research is used to gather insight and understanding of a problem and does not focus on numerical data. There are numerous differences between the two methods that can be explored. The qualitative research method is more open and flexible, than quantitative research and focuses on the context of research (Verhoeven & Baal, 2008, p. 112). The difference with quantitative research is its rigidity and use of measureable objectives. For the purpose of the research that will be conducted in the spring regarding alcohol use in college students and parental support …show more content… There are different types of surveys that can be utilized such as Likert scales, mail surveys, telephone surveys, conducting face to face surveys, internet surveys, and panel surveys (Verhoeven & Baal, 2008, p. 99). The student will use a Likert scale to gauge alcohol use and dependence in college students. A survey will also be used to collect the data on perceived parental support. Qualitative data uses face to face methods so the researcher can observe the reactions of the participants. The researcher relies on the ability to explore the nature of the participant’s response in order to interpret the data (Verhoeven & Baal, 2008, p. 112). Qualitative research would be useful in gauging the reactions of the participants versus the surveys, which is a quantitative technique that will be given to the participants who will be self-reading so there will be no discussion into their feelings or understanding of how they reached their conclusions regarding parental support. In each research method the research is trying to reach a conclusion whether it is via inductive reasoning or deductive reasoning Quantitative research

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Creswell, J. W. (2012). Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

has been cited by the following article:

TITLE: Assessment for Intervention of Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Perspectives of Classroom Teachers, Administrators, Caregivers, and Allied Professionals

KEYWORDS: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders; Assessment; Intervention; Supports and Resources; Children; Focus Group

JOURNAL NAME: Psychology , Vol.4 No.3A , March 28, 2013

ABSTRACT: The present study begins to address the need for evidence-based approaches for guiding the psychological assessment of children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). This project represents an important step toward increasing links between research and practice in the communication and use of assessment results for informing intervention decisions. Using a qualitative research approach, the current study contributes to knowledge about concerns with current psychological assessment practices and offers suggestions for optimization based on conversations with teachers, administrators, caregivers and allied professionals. Thematic analysis of 11 focus groups and 3 interviews (N = 60) yielded 3 major findings: the need to focus on the whole child, the necessity of an assessment process that is responsive, and building capacity in the school. This study increases the links between research and practice as we move toward a model of assessment for intervention. Such a model has a strong potential for optimizing assessment practices to better meet the needs of children with FASDs as it promotes a shift that focuses on successful child outcomes regardless of diagnosis.

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A qualitative simulation checking approach of programmed grounded theory and its application in workers’ involvement: extending Corbin and Struss’ grounded theory checking mechanism

• Published: 29 April 2024

Cite this article

• Haoran Wang 1 ,
• Bin Hu 1 &
• Yanting Duan 1  

The validity and reliability of a grounded theory research based on interpretivism involves four dimensions: credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. In order to enhance the credibility of a qualitative study, the findings of the grounded theory need to be checked for consistency with reality. Traditional checking approaches lack universal applicability and are difficult for researchers to implement. This paper proposes a qualitative simulation checking approach for programmed grounded theory research, which can enhance the validity and reliability of programmed grounded theory research in terms of credibility, transferability, and dependability dimensions. This approach is not only a more generally applicable checking approach, but also provides a virtual experiment platform for qualitative research. To overcome the deficiencies caused by following a single approach, a checking framework that integrates programmed grounded theory, qualitative simulation checking, and member checking was proposed. The methodology of this paper is validated by applying to a case of sanitation workers’ involvement in the Internet of Things environment.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the participants in the study discussed in this paper as well as the managers of the sanitation work in Shenzhen, China.

This work was supported by the [National Natural Science Foundation of China] (grant number [72371110], [71971093], [72132001]) and the [Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities] (grant number [2023WKZDJC007]).

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All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by HW, BH and YD. The first draft of the manuscript was written by HW and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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The study does not include any procedure which involves danger, harm, distress or discomfort to research participants. Participants requested anonymity, and we only required the identification of their job type as well as their position in our study. We used codes to identify individuals. All participants gave verbal consent for us to disclose the codes representing their personal information and the results of this study.

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Wang, H., Hu, B. & Duan, Y. A qualitative simulation checking approach of programmed grounded theory and its application in workers’ involvement: extending Corbin and Struss’ grounded theory checking mechanism. Qual Quant (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-024-01864-3

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• Subjects: Sociological Issues Sociology
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Impact of Gambling on the Bahamian Economy

• Subjects: Economics Influences on Political Economy
• Words: 3871

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• Subjects: Business Financial Marketing
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• Subjects: Health & Medicine Healthcare Institution

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• Subjects: Business Company Missions