Differences between Qualitative and Quantitative Research

Differences mingled with qualitative and three-figure searchDIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATITVE investigate METHODSWhat is the difference between denary and qualitative look for? In a nutshell, quantitative query generates numerical data or information that can be converted into numbers. Qualitative explore on the other hand generates non-numerical data.Many times those that undertake a research project often find they are notaware of the differences between Qualitative Researchand Quantitative Research methods. Many mistakenly count the two terms can be used interchangeably.So what is the difference between Qualitative Research and Quantitative Research?Qualitative Research is primarily exploratory research. It is used to gain an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations. It provides insights into the problem or eases to develop ideas or hypotheses for potential quantitative research. Qualitative Research is also used to uncover trends in thought and opinions, and dive deeper into the problem. Qualitative data collection methods vary use unstructured or semi-structured techniques. Some common methods include focus groups (group discussions), individual interviews, and participation/observations. The sample size is typically small, and respondents are selected to fulfill a given quota.Quantitative Research is used to quantify the problem by way of generating numerical data or data that can be transformed into usable statistics. It is used to quantify attitudes, opinions, bearings, and other defined variables and generalize results from a larger sample population. Quantitative Research uses mensural data to formulate facts and uncover patterns in research. Quantitative data collection methods are much more structured than Qualitative data collection methods. Quantitative data collection methods include various forms of surveys online surveys, paper surveys, mobile surveys and kiosk surveys, face-to-face inter views, telephone interviews, longitudinal studies, website interceptors, online polls, and systematic observations.Snap Survey Software is the ideal solution for a Quantitative Research tool where structured techniques such as large numbers of respondents and descriptive findings are required. Snap Survey Software has many robust features that will help your organization effectively gather and disassemble quantitative dataQuantitative vs. Qualitative Research MethodsThe similarities and differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods can be confusing. Here is a simplified explanation.In quantitative research, you generally end up with data reduced to numbers, which are analyzed using statistics. Frequently, quantitative research is used to support or expand a theory that already exists.In qualitative research, you usually dont end up with numbers. Instead, you will describe and analyze a phenomenon using words. Sometimes, qualitative research is used to develop ne w theory that didnt exist before.The first thing to do in any research project is conceive, clarify and write a research question. After composing the research question, you compose a research plan, which includes the research method or methods you think would be best in answering the question.Quantitative and Qualitative ResearchWhat is the difference between quantitative and qualitative research? In a nutshell, quantitative research generates numerical data or information that can be converted into numbers. Qualitative Research on the other hand generates non-numerical data.Only measurable data are being gathered and analyzed in quantitative research.Qualitative research focuses on gathering of mainly verbal data quite than measurements. Gathered information is then analyzed in an interpretative manner, subjective, impressionistic or even diagnostic.Heres a more detailed point-by-point comparison between the two types of research1. Goal or Aim of the ResearchQuantitative Researc h on the other hand focuses more in numerate and classifying features and constructing statistical models and figures to explain what is observed.QualitativeQuantitativeHypothesisBroadNarrowDescriptionWhole pictureFocusedType of ResearchExploratory determinate2. UsageQualitative Research is ideal for earlier phases of research projects while for the latter part of the research project, Quantitative Research is highly recommended. Quantitative Research provides the researcher a clearer picture of what to expect in his research compared to Qualitative Research.QualitativeQuantitativePhaseEarlyLate3. Data Gathering shaftThe researcher serves as the primary data gathering instrument in Qualitative Research. Here, the researcher employs various data-gathering strategies, depending upon the thrust or approach of his research. Examples of data-gathering strategies used in Qualitative Research are individual in-depth interviews, structured and non-structured interviews, focus groups, narr atives, content or documentary analysis, participant observation and archival research.On the other hand, Quantitative Research makes use of tools such as questionnaires, surveys, measurements and other equipment to collect numerical or measurable data.4. Type of DataThe presentation of data in a Qualitative Research is in the form of words (from interviews) and images (videos) or objects (such as artifacts). If you are conducting a Qualitative Research what will most likely wait in your discussion are figures in the form of graphs. However, if you are conducting a Quantitative Research, what will most likely appear in your discussion are tables containing data in the form of numbers and statistics.5. ApproachQualitative Research is primarily subjective in approach as it seeks to understand human behavior and reasons that govern such behavior. Researchers have the ladderency to become subjectively immersed in the subject matter in this type of research method.In Quantitative Resea rch, researchers tend to remain objectively separated from the subject matter. This is because Quantitative Research is objective in approach in the sense that it only seeks precise measurements and analysis of keister concepts to answer his enquiry.Determining Which Method Should Be UsedDebates have been ongoing, tackling which method is better than the other. The reason why this remains unresolved until now is that, each has its throw strengths and weaknesses which actually vary depending upon the topic the researcher wants to discuss. This then leads us to the question Which method should be used?If your study aims to find out the answer to an inquiry through numerical evidence, then you should make use of the Quantitative Research. However, if in your study you wish to explain further why this particular event happened, or why this particular phenomenon is the case, then you should make use of Qualitative Research.Some studies make use of both Quantitative and Qualitative Rese arch, letting the two balance each other. If your study aims to find out, for example, what the dominant human behavior is towards a particular object or event and at the same time aims to judge why this is the case, it is then ideal to make use of both methods.