Abstract
The paper critically assesses two differing research methodologies; quantitative and qualitative as both form an important part of sociological examination although fundamental differences exist between them. The paper provides an outline of each method and the manner in which it is employed followed by an examination of the inherent differences between the two methodologies. The paper concludes with an assessment as to what advantages can be attained when the two opposite approaches are used in conjunction with one another.

From the Paper
"Therefore, from such a basis it is possible to see how the two different methods employ differing criteria when examining social phenomena. Quantitative methodology relies heavily on measurable scientific data (Phillips, 1976; p. 102). As such, wide ranging data collection is a consistent feature of the quantitative approach. This would include data collection methods such as surveys and questionnaires. Interviews could also play an important role in quantitative research but such interviews would be heavily structured. A clear and unambiguous structure is vital to the methodology employed so that clearly definable scientific results can be offered. Given this, the quantitative approach requires as a prerequisite that the individual researcher or interviewer adopts an impartial and detached stance toward the research. (Bailey 1994; p. 136). Becoming heavily and directly involved in the research process could impact on the mathematical result and therefore negatively affect the reliability of the data."

Tags:qualitative, analysis, observational, techniques, statistics

Abstract
This paper explores the way that qualitative methods can be effective in the nursing situation and in research, with a focus on diabetes management in older people. The paper provides an overview of qualitative and quantifiable research techniques, including the use of an interview, the case study and the ethnographic method. The paper also demonstrates how certain qualitative methods are more appropriate in certain situations.

Outline:
Introduction
Qualities Research Techniques: Brief Overview
Diabetes Management and Qualitative Methodologies
Conclusion

From the Paper
"As will be discussed, external and self-management in the case of elderly diabetes is an issue that requires insight into subjective and not only objective aspects. In other words, the nurse has to be aware not only of the clinical data but also have insight into aspects such as whether the subject or patient has acquired the necessary knowledge and understanding of the disease to manage his or her situation adequately. This implies that a qualitative and more subjective approach is in certain cases and situations a more effective method of understanding the problems and implementing interventions and management protocols than quantitative research can provide."

Tags:interview, case, study, ethnographic, method

Abstract
This paper describes the four basic approaches of qualitative research: Ethnographic Studies, Phenomenology, Field Research and Grounded Theory. The paper identifies three approaches, Phenomenology, Field Research and Grounded Theory, that were used to guide the collection of data necessary to identify the factors that make a home visit more effective in helping the patient cope with cancer. The paper describes the qualitative semi-structure interviews used in gathering the data and the analytic methods that include open, axial and selective coding.

From the Paper
"In the analysis process, the main strategy employed is the coding method. Open coding was used to identify the concepts of the phenomenon, which were then grouped into categories. More specific open coding is evident in the content of the semi-structured interviews, such as the benefits of home visits, confidentiality issues, issues to be taken up during home visits and "patients' reasons for participating in this type of home intervention." "

Tags:ethnographic, phenomenology, field, grounded, theory, semi-structure, interviews, analytic, coding, processing

Abstract
This paper looks at the definitions and methods of qualitative and quantitative, their strengths and weaknesses and the merged mixed method approach. Next, the author relates a literature review highlighting research in the area of education, the complex research requirements of the "No Child Left Behind Act of 2001" (NCLB) and the problems it faces in terms of methodology and the mixed research design used in a case study. The paper urges that researchers receive additional training in merging quantitative and qualitative methods especially for research in the field of education. Footnotes and many tables and figures are included in the paper.

Table of Contents:
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Definition
Overview of Research Methods
Qualitative Research
Quantitative Research
Comparison/Contrast
Strengths/Weaknesses
Mixed Methods
Literature Review
Research for NCLB
Study Definition and Issues
Current Trends/Problem Correction
Use of Research on AYP Ratings
Case Studies and Examples
Overview
Case Study - "Recruiting and Retaining High-Quality Teachers in Rural Areas"
Conclusions and Recommendations

From the Paper
"Being a social science, education has generally been studied by qualitative methods. The reason for this is that human beings are not an exact science, and facts have to be derived by an inductive rather than deductive approach. Best practice could therefore best be determined by making value judgments rather than drawing quantitative conclusions. It has however been recognized that the social sciences can also be studied from an objective rather than subjective viewpoint. According to Hara, quantitative research can be used in education in order to discover existing facts by means of isolating human reality from the researcher's subjectivity. The data obtained in this way can then be presented in a numerical, objective way, in order to derive universally applicable conclusions. The value of such research is that it exists independently from values such as time, place and culture. Hence the conclusions can be applied to any educational setting.
"Hara cites two reasons for the use of quantitative research in education; the first is that the concepts behind quantitative research, as well as its methods and purposes, were appropriate to education research, and the second that it could provide logical standards for the study of education."

Tags:paradigm, data interpretation, cultural complexity, relationship extrapolation

Abstract
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."

Tags:theoretical, preferences, methodologies, beliefs

Abstract
The paper relates that according to King, Iacono, and McGue (2004), deviant behaviors, such as violence and vandalism, are strong positive predictors of substance abuse among young males. The paper relates that deviant behavior often precedes the onset of substance abuse and evidence suggests that the casual direction of influence flows primarily from deviance to substance abuse (Mason & Windle, 2002). The paper explains that these findings are all consistent with Erikson's developmental theory, which claims that deviance and antisocial behavior provides an important pathway leading to the development of substance abuse and dependence during the developmental stage of adolescence, which then leads to drug abuse in young adulthood.

From the Paper
"According to King, Iacono, and McGue (2004), deviant behaviors, such as violence and vandalism, are strong positive predictors of substance abuse among young males. Deviant behavior often precedes the onset of substance abuse and evidence suggests that the casual direction of influence flows primarily from deviance to substance abuse (Mason & Windle, 2002). These findings are all consistent with Erikson's developmental theory, which claims that deviance and antisocial behavior provides an important pathway leading to the development of substance abuse and dependence during the..."

Tags:research, qualitative, method

Abstract
This paper examines quantitative and qualitative research approaches, noting that quantitative research speaks from a positivist perspective and language while qualitative research approaches inquiry from a phenomenological perspective and language. Several articles pertaining to field research utilizing quantitative and qualitative research methodologies are incorporated into this review.

From the Paper
" This document discusses quantitative and qualitative research. The observation is made that quantitative research speaks from a positivist perspective and language while qualitative research approaches inquiry from a phenomenological perspective and language. Several articles pertaining to field research utilizing quantitative and qualitative research methodologies are incorporated into this review. Quantitative v. Qualitative Research Methodologies Quantitative and qualitative research methods approach research from diametrically opposite spectrums. Where the language of quantitative..."

Tags:quantitative, qualitative, research

Abstract
This research paper proposes three different qualitative research methodologies to address the problem statement; two of these are interpretive methodologies and one is a critical methodology. The paper does not seek to answer the question of whether Type 1 diabetes is directly linked to the behavior and lifestyle choices of a child's parents, but seeks to generate strategies that can best explore these themes. The rationale of this paper is to demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical and methodological principles that underpin qualitative research.

From the Paper
"Research into diabetes in children is a health care issue, a family care issue, and can emerge into a social issue if the child's status as a diabetic affects his or her personal health outcomes (Neumark-Sztainer et al, 2002; American Diabetes Association, 2006; Becker & Goldfine, 2006; Eppens et al, 2006). Incidences of Type 2 diabetes have increased dramatically over the last three decades due to environmental factors that predispose adults, adolescents, and children to acquire a disease..."

Tags:nursing, healthcare, research

Abstract
This paper defines qualitative methods and quantitative methods. The author differentiates their uses. The paper assesses their suitability for use in human relations studies.

From the Paper
"Research data may be evaluated through the application of either quantitative or qualitative analytical procedures. Quantitative approaches are more easily defined than are qualitative procedures because qualitative research may refer to either the way data are measured or the way such data are evaluated. A quantitative variable is one than can be measured numerically such as annual income. Quantitative data are produced by ordinal interval and ratio scales; while qualitative data are produced by nominal scales. Quantitative data ..."

Tags:Qualitative, methods, Quantitative, methods

Abstract
This paper discusses the issue of divorce and examines the research methodologies used in order to provide accurate divorce rates. The author also discusses about related social and cultural matters.

From the Paper
"While the decision to divorce one's marital partner seems as if it were an entirely personal one. But (as Emile Durkheim has shown us so conclusively as regards suicide) personal decisions are also social and cultural ones. Divorce rates have risen and fallen (but mostly risen) since the 18th century colonial era in America. Any investigation of such changes in the rate of divorce must be fundamentally grounded in the methods of historical research as well as social science research. How best to understand the reasons that divorce rates have fluctuated since the 18th century requires a close reading of a variety of historical and cultural texts that -- taken together -- will ground the personal reasons that obtain in each specific case of divorce with the larger social and cultural context of marriage and divorce. "

Tags:macro-economics, population, marriage, social, young, reports, study, qualitative, cultural, change, ethnicity, religion, birth, rate