2.4) Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research

Numerical data can be collected through

machines, surveys, inventories and more.

Qualitative research is also called descriptive research

because its purpose is to describe social occurrences. It can be conducted in focus groups, interviews or simple observation of social events as they happen in real life.

disadvantages to quantitative methods

they can't explain why social phenomena occur - they just quantify the fact that they do. They don't take into account the emotions, motives, imagination, beliefs, etc. of the subject.

Qualitative Research

based on data that cannot be measured or counted, but can be collected and interpreted through observation. This type of research focuses on why and how social phenomena occur. the data is in the form of descriptive words that can be examined for patterns or meaning.

Quantitative Research

based on numerical data, which can be analyzed using statistics. This type of research focuses on pinpointing what, where, when, how often and how long social phenomena occur.

advantages of quantitative research

we can use statistics to extrapolate the data collected in order to predict how people will behave in the future. Many researchers prefer quantitative methods because they provide objective, hard facts. Variables are easy to identify and results can be generalized to larger populations.

In summary

research in the social sciences occurs in many different forms and can be divided into two basic types: quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative research is based on numerical data, which can be analyzed using statistics. This type of research focuses on pinpointing what, where, when, how often and how long social phenomena occur. In contrast, qualitative research, also called descriptive research, is based on data that cannot be measured or counted, but can be collected and interpreted through observation. This type of research focuses on why and how social phenomena occur. There are advantages and disadvantages for each type of research. Quantitative research can use statistics to extrapolate data and predict how people will behave in the future. Many researchers prefer quantitative methods because they provide objective, hard facts. Variables are easy to identify and results can be generalized to larger populations. However, they can't explain why social phenomena occur - they just quantify the fact that they do. They don't take into account the emotions, motives, imagination, beliefs, etc. of the subject. Qualitative research does do this and often incites empathetic understanding. It can provide a wealth of in-depth information and even explain findings from a quantitative study. However, it's common for qualitative research to include bias. Due to the personal involvement of the researcher, it's practically impossible to stay impartial.

disadvantages of qualitative research

the data collection is bound to be subjective and can even include bias. Due to the personal involvement of the researcher, it's practically impossible to stay impartial.

advantages of qualitative research

the researcher can gain an empathetic understanding of the behavior of others, can provide a wealth of in-depth information and even explain findings from a quantitative study