Research methodologies: Quantitative vs qualitative

Quantitative research - Major characteristics 2

"Systematic investigation into a social phenomena via statistical, mathematical or computational techniques" (Given, 2008) This type of research generates statistics Usually starts with generation of a hypothesis (tentative answer to a question generally based upon prior research) Common methods include: Questionnaires/surveys, Structured interviews, Experiments Quantitative research: reaches more people; contact with subjects is quicker than with qualitative research

2 different combined designs and their uses

1. Mixed methods- combining quant & qualit data to understand & explain a research problem better. 2. Action Research- using quant & qualit data for individuals to study problems that they face in their setting

Quant & Qualit research - General differences

1. Quant data collection is more closed-ended; Qual is more open-ended 2. Quant data analysis is numerical, based on statistics; Qual is based on text, words or image analysis

Qualitative research - Major characteristics 1

1. explore a problem, attitudes, behaviour and experiences by obtaining a detailed understanding of a central idea / theme 2. have literature justify problem & play a minor role 3. state purpose & research questions in a general, open-ended way (there are no hypotheses in qualitative research) 4. collects mostly word data from a small number of participants (small sample size). Common qualitative data collection methods: Observation, Interview, Focus group, Field notes, Ethnography, Action research. Researchers spend more time with participants. The goal is to get in-depth (deep) opinions from participants. 5. analyze the data using text analysis to obtain detailed descriptions & themes 6. write the research report using flexible & emerging structures & incorporating the researchers' subjective reflexivity & bias

Quantitative research - Major characteristics 1

1.describe a research problem through trends & relationships 2. provide a major role for literature to suggest questions & justify research problem 3. create purpose statements, research questions, & hypotheses that are specific, narrow, measurable, & observable. Starts with generation of a hypothesis (tentative answer to a question generally based upon prior research) 4. collect numerical data from a large number of people using instruments 5. analyze data for trends, group comparisons, & relationships among variables 6. write research report using standard, fixed structures & an objective, unbiased approach

Quant & Qualit research - General similarities

Both qual & quant research: 1. follow the 6 steps in the process of research 2. have introductions that establish the importance of the research problem 3. use interviews & observations

Quant or qual - which one is better?

In the past, researchers preferred quantitative as they felt it was more rigorous Nowadays both methodologies are recognized as equal but different. They each have strengths and weaknesses Neither is better, they are both different

Qualitative research - Major characteristics 2

Qualitative research is descriptive. Qualitative research is concerned with process more than with outcomes or products. Asks broad questions and collects word data from participants Researcher looks for themes Data analysis - No hypotheses are generated/proven or disproven. Theory develops from the collected data - This bottom up approach is called grounded theory

Quant & Qualit differences 1. Identifying research problem

Quant- description & explanation Qualit- exploring, describing and understanding in depth

Quant & Qualit differences 2. Reviewing literature

Quant- major role; justification for research problem; specifies need for the study Qualit- minor role; justification for research problem

Quant & Qualit differences 4. Collecting Data

Quant- predetermined instruments; numerical data; larger number of respondents. Qual- general emerging form; text or image data; smaller number of participants

Quant & Qualit differences 3. Specifying a purpose/aim - methodology

Quant- specific, narrow, measurable, observable data Qualit- general & broad; participant's experiences

Quant & Qualit differences 6. Reporting & Evaluating Research

Quant- standard & fixed; objective Qualit- flexible & emerging

Quant & Qualit differences 5. Analyzing & Interpreting Data

Quant- statistical analysis; describe trends, compare groups or relationships among variables; compare results with predictions & past studies. Prove / disprove hypothesis Qualit- text analysis; description, identify and develop themes. No hypothesis testing.

Mixed methods

Researchers can combine both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies When this occurs it is called: 1. Mixed methods research 2. Triangulation

What is a research methodology?

The overall philosophy or general principle which guides the research. Choice of: - quantitative (numerical) - qualitative (in-depth - words).

What are research methods?

The tools you use to gather your data. Also called research design, or research tools? Examples: Surveys, Observation, Experiments, Case Studies, Interviews, Focus groups, Ethnographies, etc.