...The difference between Quantitative Research and Qualitative Research Quantitative Research is based on the quantitative measurements of some characteristics. It is applicable to phenomena that can be measures in terms of quantities. Early forms of research originated in the natural sciences such as biology, chemistry, physics, geology etc and is concerned with investigating things that could be observed and measured. Such observations and measurements can be made objectively and repeated by other researchers. This type of research tells us how often or how many people behave in a certain way. Quantitative Research is a more logical and detailed approach which provides a measure of what people think from a statistical and numerical point of view. It can gather a large amount of data that can be easily organised and manipulated into reports for analysis. Qualitative Research on the other hand is concerned with qualitative phenomena i.e. phenomena relating to or involving quality or kind. It is especially important in the behavioural sciences like psychology, sociology, anthropology etc where the aim is to discover the underlying motives of human behaviour. This type of research aims at discovering the underlying motives and desires. Qualitative research attempts to increase our understanding of why things are the way they are in our social world and why people act the way they do. Its aim is to help us understand the world in which we live and why things are the way they...
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...Since time immemorial, research has been part of human life. There have been several research methods that have been used in conducting different research projects. Due, to different aims and objectives various researchers pick on different research methods in doing research. This essay seeks to look at two major research methods namely quantitative research and qualitative research method. The purpose of this essay is to analyze four main differences between quantitative and qualitative research. Amongst the key points to be examined in this essay include the difference in the data format, difference in their analytical objectives and flexibility in their study design. To fully understand, the foregoing essay there is need to define the term Research. Leedy and Ormrod (2001), define research as the process of collecting, analyzing and interpreting data in order to understand a phenomenon. Allaga and Gunderson (2000), defines Quantitative Research as explaining phenomena by collecting numerical data that are analyzed using mathematically based (in particular statistics). Creswell (2002), posits that Quantitative research uses mathematical models as methodology of data analysis, he further asserts that if there are no numbers involved, then it’s not quantitative. Qualitative research is an unfolding model that occurs in the natural setting that enables the researcher to a level of detail from high involvement in the actual experiences, Creswell (2003). Bryman (2008) asserts...
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...Qualitative and Quantitative research There are numerous differences between qualitative and quantitative measurement. Quantitative Research Quantitative Research options have been predetermined and a large number of respondents are involved. By definition, measurement must be objective, quantitative and statistically valid. Simply put, it’s about numbers, objective hard data. The sample size for a survey is calculated by statisticians using formulas to determine how large a sample size will be needed from a given population in order to achieve findings with an acceptable degree of accuracy. Generally, researchers seek sample sizes which yield findings with at least a 95% confidence interval (which means that if you repeat the survey 100 times, 95 times out of a hundred, you would get the same response), plus/minus a margin error of 5 percentage points. Many surveys are designed to produce a smaller margin of error. Qualitative Research Qualitative Research is collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data by observing what people do and say. Whereas, quantitative research refers to counts and measures of things, qualitative research refers to the meanings, concepts, definitions, characteristics, metaphors, symbols, and descriptions of things. Qualitative research is much more subjective than quantitative research and uses very different methods of collecting information, mainly individual, in-depth interviews and focus groups. The nature of this type of research is exploratory...
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...Quantitative Vs. Qualitative Research Name University Affiliation Course Tutor Date Quantitative research is a logically observed examination of observable phenomena through the mathematical and statistical approach. The quantitative research goal is to formulate and employ mathematical theories, hypotheses and mathematical models relating to the phenomena. Quantitative research central process is measurement as it offers the essential linkage involving relationships. The research has data that is in numerical terms like percentages and statistics. The researcher evaluates the data with the aid of statistics hoping the number will yield an impartial outcome that can be used in generalizing a huge population (Patten, 2009). Quantitative research is applicable in the studies interested in establishing the impact of a hand-washing curriculum on grade school children. It applies to such example because quantitative research tests theory, its cause and the effect of the theory correlation. Quantitative research is an outstanding approach to finalizing outcomes and attesting an assumption. The method is standard across numerous scientific field and discipline because its structure has not changed. The approach leads to a comprehensive solution that can be discussed and published subsequent to a statistical examination of results. The design experiments filter out exterior factors when appropriately structured leading to acquiring...
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...evidence-based practice has improved patient outcomes. State the study and its impact on patient care. How have these findings changed your nursing practice? Please support your response with a minimum of two supporting peer reviewed articles. NRS-433V Module 1 DQ 2 What similarities and differences can you identify between the nursing process and the research process? NRS-433V Module 2 DQ 1 The theoretical foundations of qualitative and quantitative methods are very different, but many researchers believe both methods should be used in the research study to increase validity and reliability. What advantages or disadvantages do you see in using both types of methods in a nursing study? Support your answer with current evidence-based literature. NRS-433V Module 2 DQ 2 Nursing research is used to study a dilemma or a problem in nursing. Examine a problem you have seen in nursing. Why should it be studied? Justify your rationale. NRS-433V Module 3 DQ 1 The three types of qualitative research are phenomenological, grounded theory, and ethnographic research. What are the differences and similarities between two of the three types of studies? NRS-433V Module 3 DQ 2 Qualitative data has been described as voluminous and sometimes overwhelming to the researcher. In what ways could a researcher manage and organize the data? NRS-433V Module 4 DQ 1 Extraneous variables may have an influence on the dependent variable. In what ways do researchers attempt to control extraneous...
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...Differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods Source: SEEP-AIMS 2000 Learning from Clients: Assessment Tools for microfinance practitioners. Washington, DC: AIMS/Management Systems International () Quantitative and Qualitative Methods As outlined in the previous chapter, the AIMS/SEEP approach to impact assessment by and for practitioners combines quantitative and qualitative techniques. The Impact Survey and Client Exit Survey are categorized as quantitative tools because they collect standardized information by asking exactly the same questions to clients and organizing their answers into quantifiable response categories. The individual Loan Use Strategies Over Time and Client Empowerment interviews and the Client Satisfaction focus group discussions are qualitative instruments that gather more detailed information through a more flexible, in-depth dialogue with clients. AIMS believes that these two categories of tools are complementary, each providing different types of information that enable evaluators to gain a more complete, richer picture of impact than would be possible with only one. This chapter's overview to quantitative and qualitative approaches presents the differences between the two techniques and provides general guidelines for their application. The interviewers' roles and responsibilities for both quantitative and qualitative techniques outlined here apply to all the corresponding tools presented in this manual. Quantitative? Qualitative...
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...Quantitative and Qualitative Research Most of the people who are conducting a research are not aware of the difference between qualitative and quantitative method, these two terms are the most important element in a research. Many mistakes are made since most people think that they can use both elements interchangeably. Both methods have their own explanation, although two of them are used in a research but they can’t be used together in one research. Catherine M. Castellan (2010, Vol. 2, No. 2, p. 4) assumes that “quantitative and qualitative research programs claim different philosophical perspectives, and correspondingly, work with different underlying assumptions.” A research of “Qualitative versus Quantitative Methods: Understanding Why Qualitative Methods are superior for Criminology and Criminal Justice” is made by Richard Tewksbury, University of Louisville on a Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Criminology, Vol. 1 (1) 2009. In this research of criminology and criminal justice, Richard Tewksbury (2009, Vol. 1) stated that “because of the unique contributions – depth of understandings being primary -- that qualitative methods can provide it is argued that such approaches should be used more frequently, be more frequently and strongly valued and seen as unique, often superior approaches to the creation of criminological and criminal justice knowledge.” A quantitative research is an explanatory research that’s mainly used to identify a problem in a research by...
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... | |Quantitative Research |-Requires the collection, analysis, and |-Research is deductive, logical or | | |reporting of data. |reasonable. | | |-Reporting data consist of supplying |-A hypothesis is needed to begin research. | | |readers with participant information, data |- The researcher is ideally an objective | | |patterns, recognition of biases, and |observer that neither participates in nor | | |further research to be conducted |did influence what is being study (Barnes, | | |surrounding the topic. |2005). | |Qualitative Research |-Requires the collection, analysis, and |-Research is inductive, leading on or | ...
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...Business Research Design The design is the backbone of almost any endeavor. It provides direction and systematizes the research. Different types of research designs have different advantages and disadvantages. The method chosen will affect the results as well as how any findings are to be concluded. There are two main approaches to a research problem; quantitative research and qualitative research. Which one a business owner chooses to use is dependent on the aims of the research as well as the nature of the problem. Quantitative Research is defined as the precise count of some behavior, knowledge, opinion, or attitude. Qualitative Research is defined as interpretive techniques that seek to describe, decode, translate, and otherwise come to terms with the meaning not the frequency of certain phenomena (Cooper & Schindler, 2011). Quantitative research tells a manager what happens and how often, it focuses on describing, explaining and predicting. It also studies a large sample size and provides objective and precise information. Qualitative research, on the other hand, studies a small sample size, builds but rarely tests theory, and it is more subjective; it tells a manager how things happen and why. "Qualitative research aims to achieve an in-depth understanding of a situation" (Cooper & Schindler, 2011, Chapter 7). Maybe the business pressure to find quick resolutions to problems forced managers to rely on quantitative research more than qualitative. However; an increasing...
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...they work. Data can also be collected for the purpose of process control. Numerous manufacturing processes use feedback data to adjust an input, such as temperature, in order to keep the output at the desired level. Feedback data from quality control activities can be used to make adjustments that result in more products meeting their requirements (Burrill, Ledolter, p.381). Data can also be used to improve processes with the intent of increasing productivity. ‘Data is nothing, unless interpreted and turned into useful information.’ Data are usually collected through qualitative and quantitative methods (Hawe, Degeling, Hall, 1990). The purpose of this paper is to explore the variety of methods of data collection used in both qualitative and quantitative research. More specifically, to discuss the process of identifying research questions and selecting appropriate methodologies, understanding the difference between...
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...Qualitative and Quantitative Abstract Quantitative and qualitative research designs have many different points that lead them down different paths to achieve results. In this paper an argument will be presented to show a few of the differences among these designs. First the goal of investigation for both qualitative and quantitative research will be explained to give understanding of what the researcher hopes to find out. Then the data collection will be analyzed and compared to show the difference in results. Finally the focus the research of both designs will explain why they are effective and their downfalls in certain situations. Introduction Qualitative and qualitative research designs are respectably different in comparison along with the type of results found. Although qualitative research is rooted in the social sciences it is “research conducted in a natural setting that seeks to understand a complex human behavior by developing a complete narrative description of that behavior” (Davis & Smith, 2010, pp.50). Quantitative research on the other hand “is to determine the relationship between one thing (an independent variable) and another (a dependent or outcome variable) in a population” (Hopkins, W. G, 2008, pp.1). This paper will analyze the goal of the investigation, data collection, and focus of research on both qualitative and quantitative designs. These three issues concerning both research designs will be defined, compared...
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...INTRODUCTION TO QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS This chapter introduces the fundamental elements of qualitative research methods, beginning with a definition of qualitative of research, followed by discussion on the evolution of qualitative research methods and how it is different from quantitative research methods. Also discussed is the importance of ethical considerations when doing qualitative research. Just like all research, qualitative research is a type of research that seeks answers to a question; is systematically conducted and involves the collection of evidence. However, the uniqueness of qualitative research is that you may produce findings that were not determined in advance and also the findings may be applicable beyond the immediate boundaries of the study. It is especially effective if you want to obtain culturally specific information about the subjects involved; i.e. the values, behaviours, and opinions of a particular population. However, the term qualitative research is a general definition that includes many different methods used in understanding and explaining social phenomena. The following are some definitions by prominent scholars in the field: • According to Denzin and Lincoln (1994), qualitative research focuses on interpretation of phenomena in their natural settings to make sense in terms of the meanings people bring to these settings. Qualitative research involves collecting...
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...INTRODUCTION TO QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS This chapter introduces the fundamental elements of qualitative research methods, beginning with a definition of qualitative of research, followed by discussion on the evolution of qualitative research methods and how it is different from quantitative research methods. Also discussed is the importance of ethical considerations when doing qualitative research. Just like all research, qualitative research is a type of research that seeks answers to a question; is systematically conducted and involves the collection of evidence. However, the uniqueness of qualitative research is that you may produce findings that were not determined in advance and also the findings may be applicable beyond the immediate boundaries of the study. It is especially effective if you want to obtain culturally specific information about the subjects involved; i.e. the values, behaviours, and opinions of a particular population. However, the term qualitative research is a general definition that includes many different methods used in understanding and explaining social phenomena. The following are some definitions by prominent scholars in the field: • According to Denzin and Lincoln (1994), qualitative research focuses on interpretation of phenomena in their natural settings to make sense in terms of the meanings people bring to these settings. Qualitative research involves collecting...
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...In this Discussion board I will discuss the differences between quantitative and qualitative research. You will be given the difference between a hypothesis and a null hypothesis, as well as the research method that uses the uses a hypothesis. I will explain the key elements needed to develop a well written set of hypotheses. You will be able to identify what I believe are the key elements of a well written set of hypotheses and research question. A definition of the term research question will be given. Do know the major differences between qualitative and quantitative research? After reading my post you will have a better understanding. Quantitative researchers seek to “explain the causes of changes in social facts, primarily through objective measurement and quantitative analysis” (Firestone, 1987, p. 16). Quantitative researchers use numbers to study the phenomenon or occurrence. A hypothesis is a tentative explanation based on theory to predict a casual relationship between variables (Course Materials, 2013). Whatever the hypothesis is predicting, the null hypothesis is proving the complete opposite. In my opinion a well-written hypothesis must contain key elements. First a hypothesis has to be developed. At development, research must be carried out. The research results will prove or disprove the hypothesis. However, to show that your data was not produced by random chance, the results of the hypothesis must be compared to the opposite of what is trying to be proved...
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...Joshua West Reflections Week Four Learning Team E The objectives for week four reflections are: Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative methods of research. Explain commonly used qualitative research designs and quantitative research designs. Select the appropriate type of research design in a given business situation. Team member Mandy discussed that qualitative research is a systematic subjective approach used to describe life experiences and give them meaning. This includes focus groups, in-depth interviews, and reviews of documents for types of themes. This most commonly used in Health Care. Quantitative research is a formal, objective, systematic process for obtaining the precise measurement of something. This includes surveys, structural interviews and observation, reviews of records or documents for numeric information. This is commonly used in Education research. If a clothing company sells blue jeans and they want to measure the impact of the company by changing the product from blue jeans to black jeans, this would be a causal research design. Further discussion within the subject by team member Joann consisted of the importance to understand the difference between qualitative and quantitative methods of research. In qualitative method of research is designed to know more about the subject’s feelings. This would be a type of research that could be used in determining how to motivate employees and increase production because it focus on information...
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