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 ..."
Abstract This paper discusses and contrasts qualitative research as opposed to quantitative research by reviewing two articles. The first article entitled "The Qualitative-Quantitative Debate" by A.K. Trochim argues that there is very little difference between the two types of research, despite the conflict, since all qualitative data can be coded quantitatively. S. Ferch also explores the difference between quantitative and qualitative research in the article "Quantitative versus Qualitative Research: An Attempt to Clarify the Problem." The writer feels the most insightful finding Ferch discovers is that research is conducted in the real world, and therefore often does not fit into the ideal paradigms of either/ or research methodology exactly. The reviewer concludes that the debate over qualitative versus quantitative is moot, since both authors found those who rely on qualitative measures must use quantitative measures in their analysis and vice versa.
Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
Method
Results
Discussion
References
From the Paper "The researchers both used qualitative and quantitative methods for proving their point that neither research type can stand alone in the real world; however no data, other than their own experiential data was collected. Therefore, the sample size was considerably small. They used this data to generalize their unique findings to demonstrate the connectivity between the two methods."
Tags: research, methods, qualitative, research, quantitative, research
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."
Abstract The paper identifies the distinct features and goals of qualitative vs. quantitative research styles. The paper then explains the types of qualitative research, namely, phenomenology and ethnography and types of quantitative research, namely, experimental and quasi-experimental types and the use of a descriptive study. The paper relates that mixing qualitative and quantitative research designs are far better than using one over the other.
From the Paper "Two types or research styles have been utilized by researchers for years. The Qualitative research style is a method wherein the primary goal is to give a detailed description of a phenomenon or an event (Neill, 2007). It deals with finding answers on a social or human issue from different perspectives. It has no rigid truth; its findings depend largely on how or what the person experiences during that time. An example of a qualitative research was that conducted by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross in 1969, wherein she interviewed a number of patients who were dying. From these interviews, she was able to come up with theories on the stages of dying. On the other hand, the Quantitative research style is more precise and objective in its methods and intention. It aims to classify, count and construct statistical models to explain the observed phenomena."
Tags: phenomenology, ethnography, experimental, quasi-experimental, descriptive, study
An analysis of D. Center and D, Kemp's work, "Troubled Children Grown Up: Antisocial Behavior in Young Adult Criminals" as it relates to qualitative vs. quantitative approaches to theory in criminology.
Abstract This study involves an in-depth analysis of qualitative vs. quantitative approaches to theory in criminology. Specifically, the paper weighs the relative merits of qualitative vs. quantitative approaches to research design in criminology. The author assumes that a quantitative approach is more likely to yield useful results in the field and that researchers should focus their attention on quantitative based research practices. To carry out this goal the paper provides an in-depth analysis of Center & Kemp's work, "Troubled Children Grown Up: Antisocial Behavior in Young Adult Criminals."
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Hypothesis
Background/Rationale
Literature Review
Methodology
Statistical Analysis
Data Collection
Conclusions/Discussion
Recommendation
From the Paper "Center & Kemp use two-way ANOVA to evaluate the results of their research related to antisocial behavior in young adults. The data collect includes principal analysis employing fixed categorical variables defined as "official conviction offense and self-reported antisocial behavior on the NYS." The results of the study yielded a significant effect. The researchers compared the parolee sample with norms established for the survey instruments collected, using multiple t-tests to control for Type I errors. Significant differences were identified between the parolee group with norms, suggesting that personality traits and biological factors may impact young adults ability to integrate and demonstrate antisocial behaviors at a later date."
Abstract The paper discusses nursing research protocol, defining, comparing and contrasting qualitative and quantitative research methodology and execution. The paper discusses the inherent risks involved in each form, such as numbers that can be interpreted according to the researcher's goals.
From the Paper "Nursing research is an exciting area of study for several reasons - first and foremost, nursing research provides the opportunity to learn and remain current in the various disciplines of nursing, and to expand nursing knowledge for those nurses skilled in one area into others based on self-study of nursing. The other reason for excitement is the opportunity to participate in research according to qualitative and/or quantitative nursing study protocols in order to facilitate learning and personal and professional growth for self and others through study publication. This paper will concentrate on qualitative and quantitative research designs with respect to nursing studies and present descriptions of each form, comparing and contrasting them, citing pros and cons of each style as appropriate or inappropriate for specific types of research."
Abstract The paper discusses how there are varying ideas regarding the definitions of qualitative and quantitative research and their applications in research. The paper explains that qualitative research methods are those generally placed under the heading of ethnography, while quantitative research falls under the category of empirical or statistical studies. The paper discusses how when deciding what is the best method of research, the researcher must first determine which method best suits his or her research. The paper concludes that both methods are necessary in research and the interpretation of data in order to ensure that all aspects have been researched properly.
From the Paper "Researchers have reported qualitative and quantitative research have philosophical roots in the naturalistic and the positivistic philosophies, respectively. Practically all qualitative researchers, regardless of their theoretical differences, reflect some sort of individual phenomenological point of view. Most quantitative research approaches, despite the consequences of their theoretical differences, tend to highlight that there is a common reality on which people can concur. The dispute between qualitative and quantitative researchers is based upon the differences in assumptions about what reality is and whether or not it is measurable. The debate further rests on differences of opinion about how one can best identify with what we "know," whether through objective or subjective methods."
Abstract This paper examines how, when conducting research into human behavior, practitioners have long been attached to quantitative methodologies. It explores how the last two decades of research have increasingly brought into question the ability of researchers to be able to obtain an objective viewpoint and whether or not quantitative research has validity.
Outline
Introduction
Qualitative Research
Quantitative Research
Ethical Considerations
From the Paper "A qualitative, naturalistic approach is used when observing and interpreting reality. For this reason, this style of is most often used when studying human relations. When measuring people's perceptions of a situation, such as an organization's culture, or in order to understand an organization's behavior, the qualitative research will allow the researcher to guide the research toward unearthing the underlying causes of human behavior in addition to simply measuring the human behavior. This research method is used when the researchers need to / want to develop a theory that will explain what was experienced. For example, a young child may avoid dark rooms as a matter of habit. His behavior may be a simply anxiety avoidance on the part of the child."
Abstract This study will critically evaluate how the educational process can be researched using the common qualitative and quantitative methods available in today's world. By showing how each can compliment each other, we can learn just how the use of statistics and numerical calculations, as well as behavioral and phenomenological studies can help, as a whole determine educational standards. With the different methods, which are very numerous at hand, we learn just how some of the research processes can bring about a clear understanding on how these options work in gathering data in education. Perhaps with a good idea of how these forms of research work together, we can learn the merits of these formal information-gathering methods that prove so well founded.
Abstract This report looks at research methods including the debate between qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and relates these methodologies to the healthcare field in terms of providing cost effective solutions to healthcare problems like Medicare and other problems.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Paradigms and Theoretical Underpinnings
Mixed Methods Research
Conclusion
From the Paper "The first paradigm considered is logical positivism. This paradigm can roughly be equated as mentioned above with the quantitative approach to research methodology. It is a kind of research that comes from the theory that science is capable of providing definitive and objective statements regarding the proving or disproving of hypotheses, based on proof and deduction as well as statistics and mathematical reasoning. The theoretical underpinnings of logical positivism go back to the early twentieth century reliance on science and mathematical progress to solve the problems of the world, in healthcare and other environments. And logical positivism is still very strong in healthcare research, in terms of clinical trials and new drugs. But it is not as popular in the areas of healthcare the include improving cost effectiveness in government programs, because politics and science don't traditionally tend to travel too closely."
Abstract This paper describes qualitative research and contrasts it with quantitative research. It discusses the characteristics of phenomenological inquiry or naturalistic research.
From the Paper "Qualitative research, broadly defined, means "any kind of research that produces findings not arrived at by means of statistical procedures or other means of quantification" (Strauss & Corbin, 1990, p. 17). Where quantitative researchers seek causal determination, prediction, and generalization of findings, qualitative researchers seek, instead, illumination, understanding, and extrapolation to similar situations. Qualitative analysis results in a different type of knowledge than does quantitative inquiry. Eisner, (1991) points out that all knowledge, including that gained through quantitative research, is referenced in qualities, and that there are many ways to represent our understanding of the world."
Abstract This paper discusses how the quantitative and qualitative designs should be adopted based on the design's appropriateness to the problem of the study. The paper explains how the dichotomy and differences between the qualitative and quantitative research designs led to the emergence of specific perceptions about each design. The paper contends that quantitative research is considered more scientific than qualitative, while the latter is considered more in-depth in acquiring information than the former. The paper states that while they differ in methodology and analysis, quantitative and qualitative research designs actually present two facets of a social phenomenon or action.
From the Paper "In the conduct of sociological research, the qualitative and quantitative research designs remain the predominant structures in which scientific studies on social phenomena are discovered, analyzed, and interpreted. However, the emergence of quantitative research design prior to the development of the qualitative design created a dichotomy in the field of social science research, wherein preferences for each research design emerged. This dichotomy had been the central focus of discussions and debates about social science research: quantitative research is commonly associated with rigid scientific methodology and analysis, while qualitative research is considered more intrusive and less rigid in terms of data collection and analysis."
Abstract In this paper, the writer discusses that within the field of research there are multiple approaches to gathering primary data. It is noted that an ongoing debate exists with respect to the validity and usefulness of qualitative approaches vs. data gathered from quantitative approaches. This paper analyzes and weighs the particular merits and demerits of both forms of review, so the researcher may conclude whether qualitative or quantitative approaches are best suited toward analyzing phenomena related to diversity in the workplace and global organization or environment. The researcher in this study provides information that can be agreed on and generalized to some extent to the population at large. The writer implies that while initially this might suggest use of quantitative approaches, more and more researchers are discovering that qualitative approaches are equally valid for providing information that is generalized to the population.
Outline
Methodology: Managing Diversity
Quantitative Vs. Qualitative Analysis
Triangulation Research Method/Pros Cons/Usefulness in Area
Managing Diversity: Survey Instrument and Research Design
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Implications of Study
Anticipated Results
References
From the Paper "Both qualitative and quantitative research methods are grounded in philosophy, including naturalistic and positive approaches to theory. It is important that the researcher determine the focus and intent of the study prior to selecting a research methodology. If the intent of the researcher for example is to assume a given phenomena is valid or make a hypothesis and then test that hypothesis, then likely a quantitative research method is best as the intent of quantitative approaches is to determine specific cause and effect relationships among various variables."
Abstract The paper examines and compares quantitative and qualitative research techniques. The researcher weighs the relative merits and demerits of each, providing interpretation of the potential applications of qualitative and quantitative research to various fields of study. The paper concludes that researchers will have to decide on their approach, meaning whether they prefer to observe data in a naturalistic manner and derive theory from data, or whether they prefer to test a given hypothesis, to assume a qualitative or quantitative position.
From the Paper "It is vital when noting the legitimacy of qualitative data that one explore the potential problems associated with the validity of quantitative data. Neither qualitative nor quantitative techniques are free from issues regarding reliability and credibility. It is important that researchers acknowledge the potential for variances even when using experimental methods. At best to provide support for qualitative research, researchers should consider using multiple methods approaches, often referred to as "triangulation" or mixed method approaches, to help confirm the reliability and validity of the research data collected (Benz & Newman, 1998)."
Tags: phenomenological, assumptions, purpose, approach, research, role
Abstract This paper reviews qualitative and quantitative research methods, and how they can be best applied in psychological research. It sets out to present the positives and negatives of both methodologies. While there is some attempt in the literature to present one as being better than the other, this author's hypothesis is that the combination of both techniques may yield better results in most cases. The author believes that one must carefully understand the research goals, and choose the appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques at appropriate times in order to improve study solidity and establish or disprove the hypotheses under examination. In reviewing quantitative and qualitative techniques, the author draws from several psychological fields, including nursing, advertising and marketing, and "pure" psychological research which may be related to treatment of syndromes or psychiatric illness.
Outline:
Introduction
Qualitative and Quantitative Research: Background
Pre-hypothesis stage
Inductive versus Deductive Reasoning
Hypothesis Formulation
Post-Hypothesis Work
Conclusion
From the Paper "Qualitative research in psychology relies on a relatively limited number of subjects, but gives the opportunity to study those subjects in great detail. Some of the qualitative research methods which can be employed include the following (Denzin, 2005):
"In the pre-hypothesis stage, one may employ inductive or deductive reasoning. In an inductive reasoning stage, such as with ethnography, one may be studying a group in order to understand behaviors and motivations. One should be open-minded and observant, taking in as much unstructured data as possible. Interviewing techniques should be open-ended as much as possible, leaving the subject to express him/herself in an open way, without leading the person beyond focusing on specific behaviors of interest. The same is true of observing behavior, whether anonymously or with the knowledge of the subjects. In essence, one can use qualitative research techniques on a few subjects in order to observe a large number of behaviors or responses over a relatively limited period of time. In this sense, qualitative techniques are very helpful."
