Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research
The most searched question by students writing their thesis and dissertations. Well, we have brought you concise, to the point information regarding the difference between qualitative vs quantitative research which will surely clear your concepts
Quantitative Research
Statistics and graphs represent the results of quantitative study. It is used to verify or disprove assumptions and beliefs. These findings may also be used to draw conclusions about a topic that can be generalized.
Experiments, observations in the form of numbers, and surveys with closed-ended questions are among the most common quantitative approaches.
Qualitative Research
Words are used to express qualitative study findings. It’s a tool for making sense of ideas, perceptions, and personal experience. Using this form of study, you can gain a deeper understanding of subjects that aren’t well-known.
Qualitative research methods commonly used are interviews with open-ended questions, written descriptions of observations, and readings of literature that investigate concepts and hypotheses.
When to use qualitative vs. quantitative research?
When selecting whether to employ qualitative or quantitative data, you should refer to this tip:
You should do quantitative research if you are trying to verify or test an idea or notion (a theory or hypothesis)
Use qualitative research if you want to get to the bottom of a question or issue (concepts, thoughts, and experiences)
Quantitative data collection methods
Surveys: A list of questions that are sent to a random group of people (online, in person, or over the phone).
Experiments: Variables are controlled and altered in experiments in order to demonstrate cause-and-effect correlations.
Observations: Subjects are observed in their native habitats, where factors cannot be manipulated.
Qualitative data collection methods
Interview: The verbal exchange of open-ended questions with the respondent Discussions among a group of individuals on a topic in order to collect opinions that may be useful in later study.
Focus Group: Discussions among a group of individuals on a topic in order to collect opinions that may be useful in later study.
Ethnography: Involvement in a group or community for a prolonged length of time in order to observe closely the culture and behavior of the members.
Literature review: Study of written articles by other authors.