QUALITATIVE RESEARCH QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH TYPE OF INFORMATION SOUGHT RESEARCH

These are the two forms of research paradigms (Leedy, 1997) which are qualitative and quantitative These paradigms determine the  Research approach  Methods of data collection  Forms of data analysis  Methods of data presentations

Qualitative Research Qualitative research can be defined as ‘multi-method in focus, involving an interpretive, naturalistic approach to its subject matter’ Denzin and Lincoln, 1994) Qualitative research attempts to understand meanings that people give to their deeds or to social phenomena

In other words researchers see people from the inside Analytical induction s a major logic of qualitative research. The rule is ‘take one case and develop a working hypothesis to explain it. After that, you take another case and examine whether the hypothesis can explain the new case.

If it fails, you should revise the hypothesis to explain both cases. Qualitative research is a way of approaching the empirical world. It is inductive-researchers developed concepts, insights and understandings from patterns in the data rather than collecting data assess hypothesis, models or theories

Ways of data collection vary in qualitative research. Three classic methods of collecting qualitative data according to Guba and Lincolin (1994) are  Interviews  Participatory observation  Documentary analysis

Qualitative data analysis moves from description of an event or social setting to a more general interpretation of its meaning It involves handling multiple forms of data Qualitative reports contain rich descriptions and at times thick descriptions that contain colourful and unusual data or characters

Qualitative research involves documenting real events, recording what people say with words, gestures, observing speech behaviour, studying written documents or examining visual images. One major thrust of qualitative research is that it can be an empowering exercise that helps people to grow and take charge of their lives and engage in social change.

In qualitative research one must be familiar with the research concerns, theoretical underpinnings of the qualitative approach and ability to ask questions. Qualitative research focuses on subjective meanings, definitions, metaphors, symbols and descriptions of specific cases.

Quantitative research Involves making useful descriptions of observed phenomena and explaining the possible relationships between descriptive surveys, longitudinal developments, correlational and ex post factors research designs (Leedy, 1997). Descriptive research method is described by Gall Borg and Gall (1996) as the most basic of quantitative research methods.

Advocates of quantitative methods argue that only by using such methods can social sciences become truly scientific. Descriptive surveys measures the characteristics of a sample at one point in time. Longitudinal research investigates changes in a sample over a period of time

Correlational studies build on the knowledge gained from descriptive studies to explore potential relationships between phenomena. Ex post facto also called casual-comparative research describes relationship between something that occurred in the past (after the fact) and subsequent responses.

Quantitative research is generally an iterative process where by evidence is evaluated, theories and hypothesis are refined and tested. Statistics is the most widely used branch of mathematics in quantitative research A fundamental principle is that correlation does not imply causation.

This principle follows from the fact that it is always possible a spurious relationship exists for variables between which covariance is found in some degree (Cohen et al., 1996). Associations may be examined between any combination of continuous and categorical variables using methods of statistics.

Measurement is often regarded as being only a means by which observations are expressed numerically in order to investigate casual relations or associations. Statistical tables and graphs are often used to present results.

Comparison between quantitative and qualitative research Basically quantitative research is objective while qualitative is subjective. Quantitative research seeks explanatory laws and qualitative research aims at in-depth description. Qualitative measures what it assumes to be static reality in hopes of developing universal laws

Qualitative research is an exploration of what is assumed to be dynamic reality. It does not claim that what is discovered in the process is universal

QUANTITATIVE Objective “Hard” Science Research questions: How many? Strength of association? Literature review must be done early in study QUALITATIVE Subjective “Soft” science Research question: What? Why? Literature review may be done as study progress or afterwards

Test theory One reality: focus is concise and narrow Facts are value free and unbiased. Reduction, control and precision Develops theory Multiple realities: focus is complex Facts are value-laden and biased Discovery, description, understanding, shared and interpretation

Measurable Mechanistic: parts equal the whole Report statistical analysis Basic element of analysis is numbers Interpretive Organismic: whole is greater than parts Report rich, narrative, individual, interpretation. Basic element of analysis is words/ideas

Researcher is separate Subjects Context free Hypothesis Reasoning s logistic and deductive Establishes relationships, causation Researcher is part of process Participants Context dependent Research questions Reasoning s dialectic and inductive Describes meaning, discovery

Uses in instruments Strives for generalisation Generalisation leading to prediction, explanation and understanding Uses communications and observation Strives for uniqueness Patterns and theories developed for understanding

Highly controlled setting: Experimental setting (Outcome oriented) Sample size n is require (should be representative) ‘Counts the beans’ Flexible approach: natural setting (process oriented) Sample size is not a concern; seeks informal rich sample Provides information as to ‘which beans are worth counting’

In general, qualitative research generates rich, detailed and valid (process) data that contribute to in-depth understanding of the context. Quantitative research generates reliable population based and generalised data and is well suited to establish cause and effect relationships

Whether to choose quantitative or qualitative design depend on the  nature of the project,  the type of information needed,  the context of the study and  the availability of resources (time, money and human)