Describe the difference between the Qualitative and Quantitative research;

Qualitative research and quantitative research are two distinct methods of inquiry employed when attempting to answer questions in a variety of disciplines. Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages, and can be used together as complementary tools for gathering information.

Qualitative research focuses on understanding the experiences, opinions, motivations, behaviors and beliefs of participants through open-ended data collection such as interviews or focus groups (Ritchie & Lewis 2003). Qualitative researchers strive to gain an in-depth understanding by exploring subjective topics from multiple perspectives and often use inductive reasoning to draw conclusions (Saunders et al., 2009). The aim is not to quantify results but rather to explore them in order to acquire insights that can be used for further study.

In contrast, quantitative research focuses on collecting numerical data that can then be statistically analyzed in order to examine relationships between variables or test hypotheses (Trochim 2006). Quantitative studies typically employ deductive reasoning which begins with forming a hypothesis based on existing knowledge before testing it using statistical analysis such as chi-square tests or regression models (Creswell & Plano Clark 2007). Unlike qualitative studies which allow flexibility during the data collection process, quantitative studies require predetermined measurements so that findings can be accurately calculated.

In conclusion, qualitative and quantitative research are both essential elements of scientific inquiry, allowing researchers to explore phenomena from different angles. While both types bring their own pros and cons depending on the situation being studied some may find combining them useful since they provide different ways of interpreting collected data.

References

Creswell JW& Plano Clark VL.(2007) Designingand ConductingMixed Methods Research 2nd edn Thousand OaksCA: Sage Publications.

Ritchie J & Lewis J.(2003) QualitativResearch Practice London: SAGE Publications Ltd.

Saunders M.,Lewis P&Thornhill A.(2009) Research Methodsfor Business Students5th edn Harlow Pearson Education Limited.

Trochim WMK.(2006) ‘Quantitative Research’in The Knowledge Base New YorkNY: The Policy Studies Organization