The two main research methods are quantitative and qualitative
Module 4 Discussion
The two main research methods are quantitative and qualitative, with unique characteristics that differ. Quantitative studies employ numerical data like statistics and graphs to verify or disprove hypotheses (Chigbu, 2019). The findings of the latter type of study can be utilized to make broad conclusions about a subject. On the other hand, qualitative research methods are conducted through extensive use of words from peoples’ thoughts to comprehend ideas, emotions, and events better. One can gain a deeper understanding of poorly understood subjects through this sort of research. There are differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods. For example, a qualitative study’s focus differs from a quantitative study’s end goal. This is because researchers that apply the qualitative approach to their research are often interested in the information presented by their informants. Conclusions from the latter approach involve collecting, comparing, and evaluating data presented by informants. The “why” behind phenomena, correlations, or behavior is often the main emphasis of the qualitative research method. In contrast, quantitative research methods are assessed numerically to generate a statistical image of a trend or topic. Such statistical data may provide insight into cause-and-effect linkages and prove or disprove the study’s hypothesis by providing empirical evidence. In essence, quantitative research methods are used to explain the concepts of ‘what ‘and ‘how’ of a specific area of study.
Additionally, qualitative research methods often take a subjective approach, which means that a researcher is involved in the research where they can go to the field to collect information on the topic under study (Bleiker et al., 2019).In a qualitative approach, a researcher is primarily concerned about gaining firsthand information about the issue and interrelating it with personal experiences they learned in the field. On the other hand, the quantitative research method uses an objective approach in its design. In the latter, a researcher is not involved in most stages of the research and can sometimes analyze the already collected data to make conclusions on a particular topic. Additionally, the sampling procedures differ in the two research methods in the discussion. For example, the qualitative research design uses purposive sampling, which entails selecting a small target population to understand a targeted concern in discussion (Mweshi & Sakyi, 2020). In this case, a small sample size is chosen where adequate information is collected on the topic under study without any restriction, probing the researchers to gain much information on the target concern of the study. However, in the quantitative research technique, sampling is done randomly, where a large sample size is chosen to represent the findings of the whole population.
It is also important to note that data collection techniques differ in the essay’s two research methods. In the qualitative approach, data collection often utilizes interviews, focus groups, and questionnaires. In contrast, in the quantitative approach, surveys, experimentation, and statistically expressing observations are primarily used in data collection. An example of a qualitative research method involves utilizing the one–on–one interview when asking college students why they prefer drinking coffee in the morning compared to tea. In such a case, most students will share their experiences when talking about coffee in the morning, helping a researcher understand the broader topic of the benefits of coffee to college students. On the other hand, a qualitative research method entails experimenting with the effect of alcohol on the brain by using mice and human participants in the study utilizing statistical data on brain function after intoxication.
References
Bleiker, J., Morgan-Trimmer, S., Knapp, K., & Hopkins, S. (2019). Navigating the maze: Qualitative research methodologies and their philosophical foundations. Radiography, p. 25, S4-S8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2019.06.008
Chigbu, U. E. (2019). Visually hypothesizing in scientific paper writing: Confirming and refuting qualitative research hypotheses using diagrams. Publications, 7(1), 22. https://doi.org/10.3390/publications7010022
Mweshi, G. K., & Sakyi, K. (2020). Application of sampling methods for the research design. Archives of Business Review–Vol, 8(11). DOI: 10.14738/abr.811.9042.
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Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
In the field of quality nursing research, there are two popular and distinctive approaches utilized in research: qualitative and quantitative. Each has distinctive characteristics and objectives. Exploratory in nature, qualitative research seeks to explore phenomena in-depth by making frequent use of words, narratives, and descriptions (Lobiondo-Wood & Haber, 2018). This entails gathering non-numerical information while using techniques that include focus groups, interviews, observations, and open-ended questionnaires. In qualitative research, the sample size is typically more restricted and smaller to enable in-depth analysis. Using coding, categorization, and thematic analysis, data analysis in qualitative research entails interpreting and making sense of the acquired data. Data analysis in qualitative research includes organizing and summarizing the data to find themes, patterns, and linkages. Inductive reasoning is used by researchers to derive ideas or hypotheses from the facts. The specific is where qualitative research starts, and it progresses to the general. In qualitative research, the process of gathering data is individualized, field-based, and circular or iterative. Patterns are discovered as data are gathered and arranged during analysis. Researchers frequently write down their ideas and observations about the developing data patterns as they happen throughout the data collection process (Lobiondo-Wood & Haber, 2018). Qualitative researchers collect information for their studies in a variety of ways or from a wide range of sources. Triangulation is the term for this wider perspective of pertinent facts and is a crucial step in ensuring that data can be independently validated. The researcher will interpret the data after they believe the data set to be substantial or in-depth enough (Ayiro, 2012). An example of qualitative research would be interviewing cancer patients to learn about their thoughts on how the disease has affected their daily lives and lived experiences.
Quantitative research uses numerical data and statistical analysis to quantify events and discover correlations between variables. Numerical data must be gathered using techniques like surveys, experiments, systematic observations, or pre-existing databases. Data analysis in quantitative research uses statistical methods to compile and examine numerical data. Researchers utilize statistical tests to evaluate the importance of relationships, create projections, and reach conclusions (Ayiro, 2012). Larger sample sizes are frequently needed in quantitative research to guarantee statistical validity and the generalizability of results. Quantitative data analysis uses statistical methods, such as computing means, standard deviations, correlations, or running inferential tests. To gather comprehensive data on the traits of a person, group, program, or other educational organization, the researcher employs 2–6 qualitative methodologies, such as ethnographies or in-depth case studies (Ayiro, 2012). A prime example would be to survey 500 people to determine the association between exercise frequency measured in hours per week and body mass index (BMI).
In conclusion, qualitative research emphasizes using qualitative analytic tools and non-numerical data to explore and comprehend phenomena in-depth. However, quantitative research uses numerical data and statistical analysis to find patterns and correlations between variables in order to measure and quantify phenomena. A qualitative research problem focuses on examining a process, event, or situation while a quantitative research problem stresses the requirement to explain, forecast, or define anything.
References:
Ayiro, L. P. (2012). A Functional Approach to Educational Research Methods and Statistics: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Edwin Mellen Press.
Lobiondo-Wood, G. & Haber, J. (2018). Nursing Research: Methods and Critical
Appraisal for Evidence-Based Practice (9th ed.). Edition. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier
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