Qualitative and Quantitative Research Design

Qualitative and quantitative research designs are two different types of data. They both have specific differences that could easily be mistaken for the other. Qualitative research has to do a lot with data that is descriptive and takes into regard a phenomenon that can be observed but not measured, like language, for example (McLeod, 2019).  Quantitative has to do with information about quantities, like numbers for example (McLeod, 2019).

Qualitative research uses a multi method approach (McLeod, 2019). This means that multiple methods can be used to acquire data in regard to a research study. Qualitative research also involves the use of a type of naturalistic and interpretive approach (McLeod, 2019). For example, a group of people that really enjoy using the qualitative research method  are psychologists. The reason why psychologists prefer the use of qualitative research is to understand the social reality of individuals, groups, and cultures in the same way that these individuals feel it or live it (McLeod, 2019). The goal psychologists strive for with qualitative research is to explore and find an explanation to the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of a particular phenomenon or behavior that is occurring in a particular context (McLeod, 2019). 

According to the University of Utah, qualitative research is “a process of naturalistic inquiry that seeks in-depth understanding of a social phenomena that is within their natural setting (“Understanding Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research,” 2019). 

Quantitative research has a much more different approach and goal than qualitative research does. Quantitative research places an emphasis on the statistical, numerical, and mathematical analysis of data or information that is collected through the use of questionnaires, surveys, polls, or through the manipulation of pre-existing statistical data by using computational techniques (“Understanding Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research,” 2019).  Quantitative research aims to measure or test a theory of the attitudes of the targeted audience in response to a specific research goal or objective (“Understanding Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research,” 2019). 

In regard to quantitative research, research and data that previously existed must be retained if manipulation were to take place. When it comes to the manipulation of pre-existing data, the researcher must take the retention of the collection of text, writings, and research into consideration when new data is to be added (“Understanding Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research,” 2019).  Nowadays, in order for this to happen, quantitative research is done frequently online in order to reach a wider audience that is more likely to participate in providing an accurate representation of the views of the targeted population (“Understanding Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research,” 2019). With the technology that we have nowadays, surveys can be conducted easily and more quickly, just in case there is a time constraint in which the research needs to be completed (“Understanding Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research,” 2019).

Before conducting any research, one must consider what type of research would be best for their study. Choosing the type of research approach will greatly affect the type of insights that will be generated at the end of the research study (“Understanding Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research,” 2019). To get a more accurate and concise result, it is best to use the combinations of both qualitative and quantitative research study methods (“Understanding Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research,” 2019).

References

FlexMR. (2019, April 17). Understanding Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research. Retrieved October 28, 2020, from https://medium.com/@FlexMR/understanding-quantitative-vs-qualitative-research-8f7cbf748765FlexMR. (2019, April 17). Understanding Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research. Retrieved October 28, 2020, from https://medium.com/@FlexMR/understanding-quantitative-vs-qualitative-research-8f7cbf748765

McLeod, S. (2019). Qualitative vs Quantitative Research: Simply Psychology. Retrieved October 28, 2020, from https://www.simplypsychology.org/qualitative-quantitative.html

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