Qualitative and Quantitative Research Designs

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the differences between quantifiable and qualitative research methodologies in psychology and the social sciences and examines their advantages and disadvantages. The author describes that qualitative methods tend to focus on meaning or discovery in the research design; whereas quantitative methods concentrate on establishing verifiable generalizations and correlations between predetermined variables. The author also discusses advantages and disadvantages of these methods and the numerous methods and methodologies that are used in each of the research designs. In addition, the paper gives examples of instances in which each research methodology was used.

Contents:
Qualitative and Quantitative Research Designs
Introduction
Comparing Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methodology
General Overview
A Brief Comparison of Research Designs
Analysis and Conclusion
References

From the Paper:

"It is not the purpose of this paper to deal with the competing theories and their relationship to research methodologies but rather to focus on the different reasons for choosing between quantifiable and qualitative methodologies in psychology and the social sciences in terms of their advantages and disadvantages. However, the underlying theoretical preferences and beliefs play an important part in the choice of the different research methodologies and thus should be kept in mind throughout the following discussion."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Conn J. and Gerdes D. ( 2001) A user-friendly look at qualitative research methods. Physical Educator; December 22, 2001. Retrieved May 16, 2008, from http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-81564918.html
• Epistemological orientation. Retrieved May 16, 2008, from http://bottomup.wordpress.com/research-methodology/epistemological-orientation/
• Ethnographic Research. May 16, 2008, from http://www2.chass.ncsu.edu/garson/pa765/ethno.htm
• Glazer, S. (2000). Postmodern Nursing. Public Interest 3. Retrieved May 16, 2008, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001766022
• Haugh, Helen, and Lorna Mckee. ( 2004) "The Cultural Paradigm of the Smaller Firm." Journal of Small Business Management, 42 (4), pp. 377+.

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