In this paper, qualitative and quantitative social research will be contrasted. First, the term qualitative social research will be clarified. Then its characteristics are explained in more detail. As a representative of qualitative social research, qualitative interviewing is then presented. This is followed by the clarification of the term and the characteristics of quantitative social research. Here, the written survey is briefly presented as an example. In the last chapter both methods are contrasted and compared on the basis of different criteria.
This thesis is mainly intended to serve as an overview of qualitative and quantitative social research.
Table of contents
1. Introduction
2. The qualitative method
2.1 Disambiguation of qualitative social research
2.2 Characteristics of qualitative social research
2.3 The qualitative survey
3. The quantitative method
3.1 Disambiguation of quantitative social research
3.2 Characteristics of quantitative social research
3.3 Quantitative survey
4. Comparison of qualitative and quantitative methods
Research Goals and Key Topics
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview and comparison of qualitative and quantitative social research methods. It explores the conceptual foundations, specific characteristics, and methodological approaches associated with each paradigm, ultimately evaluating their differences in research design, data collection, and analytical intent.
- Theoretical foundations of qualitative and quantitative research.
- Methodological traits and distinct research logics.
- Techniques of qualitative survey and non-standardized interviews.
- Techniques of quantitative written survey and structured data collection.
- Comparative analysis of research criteria and practical application.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 Disambiguation of qualitative social research
Qualitative social research is characterized by a theory-discovering research logic. The aim is to discover or generate new theoretical statements based on empirical data. (cf. Brüsemeister, p. 21)
In qualitative social research, man is regarded not only as an object of investigation, but also as a discerning subject. Thus, qualitative social research cannot establish objectivity in the scientific sense, which should not be the goal of a qualitative researcher either. The study of social action presupposes the knowledge and meaning of the language symbols used, which in turn depend on the situational context. (cf. Lamnek, p. 30)
In qualitative research, the observed reality is not depicted with the help of numbers, but by texts (e.g. observation protocols, interview texts, letters) or by other objects (e.g. photographs, drawings). In order to collect this data, it is not necessary to standardize the examination process. As a result, you get different statements, which may still be justified. The qualitative material is thus much more detailed than a simple measured value. (cf. Bortz, p. 297)
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter defines the scope of the paper, detailing the comparative approach between qualitative and quantitative social research and identifying the primary methods to be examined.
2. The qualitative method: This chapter clarifies the conceptual essence of qualitative research, focusing on its exploratory nature, interpretative principles, and the specific application of the qualitative survey.
3. The quantitative method: This chapter examines the theory-driven nature of quantitative research, highlighting the importance of standardized procedures, objective data collection, and written surveys.
4. Comparison of qualitative and quantitative methods: This chapter provides a critical contrast between the two paradigms, analyzing criteria such as research goal, flexibility, participant control, and associated costs.
Keywords
Qualitative research, Quantitative research, Social research, Empirical data, Theory-discovering, Hypothesis-testing, Standardized methods, Non-standardized interviews, Written survey, Methodology, Reliability, Validity, Representativeness, Research logic, Data collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this publication?
The work provides a comparative overview of qualitative and quantitative social research paradigms, exploring their differing philosophical and practical applications in social science.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The core themes include the definition and logic of qualitative methods versus the theory-driven, hypothesis-testing logic of quantitative methods, alongside specific data collection techniques like interviews and questionnaires.
What is the central research goal?
The main goal is to clarify the conceptual differences between qualitative and quantitative approaches and to demonstrate how these differences impact research design and outcomes.
Which scientific methods are analyzed?
The text focuses on qualitative survey methods (such as non-standardized interviews) and quantitative survey methods (specifically the written questionnaire).
What does the main body of the work address?
The main body details the characteristics of each research tradition, including openness and flexibility in qualitative approaches compared to the standardization and objective criteria of quantitative research.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Essential keywords include qualitative and quantitative research, social research, methodology, hypothesis testing, and empirical evaluation.
Why does qualitative research often avoid the term 'objectivity'?
In qualitative research, the subject is viewed as a discerning human rather than just an object, making scientific objectivity in the traditional sense subordinate to understanding the meaning and individual context of the research subject.
How does the role of the researcher differ between the two methods?
In qualitative research, the researcher acts as part of a communicative interaction with the subject, whereas in quantitative research, the researcher remains an independent, objective observer who standardizes the study conditions.
- Quote paper
- Sandra Schubert (Author), Qualitative and quantitative research methods. A comparison using the example of the survey, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1235645
