As well in theory as both in the practicable reality the question arises repeatedly about the more
convenient research method – the so-called method conflict between quantitative and qualitative
research (Iberer 1).
To go into this discussion and finally draw a conclusion I first define and compare both research
methods and as a next step question its purposes.
To get a better understanding for both research methods I limit my considerations to a clear
distinction and do not go into the question of combining the two. “Quantitative research methods were originally developed in natural sciences to study natural
phenomena” (Myers, Overview of qualitative research).
It’s aim is to capture relevant facts […] and explain them causally with empirical – analytical
methods (Iberer 1).
“Qualitative research methods [on the other hand] were developed in the social sciences to
enable researchers to study social and cultural phenomena” (Myers, Overview of qualitative
research). This method tries to clarify the basic issue of how subjects interpret and see the
world, why and how they act and in which form changes take place (Iberer 1).
After this rough overview I cope with the issue in more detail by opposing one research method
to the other.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is Qualitative and Quantitative Research
- Comparison of Quantitative and Qualitative Research
- Forms and Methods of Data Collection
- Methods of Data Analysis
- Strategies of Research Realization
- When and Why to Use Qualitative Research
- The Humanitarian Basic Attitude
- Certain Understandings & Findings
- Political Interests
Objectives and Key Themes
This text aims to compare and contrast quantitative and qualitative research methods, clarifying their respective applications and underlying philosophies. The analysis focuses on the practical differences in data collection, analysis techniques, and overall research strategies. The text explores the situations where qualitative research is particularly valuable.
- Comparison of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
- Data collection and analysis techniques in both approaches.
- The strengths and weaknesses of each research method.
- Situations where qualitative research is preferred.
- The ethical considerations in research, particularly concerning the humanistic treatment of participants.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for a comparative analysis of quantitative and qualitative research methods. It establishes the ongoing debate surrounding the choice between these approaches and lays out the text's structure: defining both methods, comparing them, and finally, exploring the specific purposes of qualitative research. The author explicitly limits the scope to a clear distinction between the two methods, omitting discussion of combined approaches.
What is Qualitative and Quantitative Research: This chapter provides a foundational definition of both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Quantitative research, rooted in natural sciences, aims to capture facts and explain them causally using empirical-analytical methods. Qualitative research, originating in social sciences, focuses on understanding how subjects interpret the world, their actions, and how changes occur. This chapter serves as a brief overview before a more detailed comparison in subsequent chapters.
Comparison of Quantitative and Qualitative Research: This chapter offers a detailed comparison of quantitative and qualitative research methods, focusing on data collection, analysis, and research strategies. In data collection, quantitative research uses numeric, statistical data (surveys, statistics, etc.), while qualitative research relies on richer, more detailed data (interviews, observations, texts). Data analysis mirrors these differences, with quantitative analysis using aggregation and content analysis, and qualitative analysis focusing on identifying parallels within heterogeneous data. Finally, the chapter contrasts linear (quantitative) and circular (qualitative) research strategies, highlighting the flexibility inherent in the latter.
When and Why to Use Qualitative Research: This chapter explores the specific contexts where qualitative research is particularly suitable. Three key areas are identified: the humanitarian basic attitude (treating participants as individuals rather than research objects), cases where qualitative methods are necessary to obtain subjective, detailed information (opinions, judgments, etc.), and situations where political interests might influence the research design and require a more flexible approach. The chapter highlights the limitations of quantitative methods in capturing nuanced perspectives and the potential for participants to be more forthcoming when using qualitative methods like interviews.
Keywords
Qualitative research, quantitative research, research methodology, data collection, data analysis, research strategy, humanitarian approach, subjective data, objective data, empirical research, methodological comparison.
Research Methods: A Comparison of Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches - FAQ
What topics are covered in this text?
This text provides a comprehensive overview of qualitative and quantitative research methods. It covers the definition and comparison of both approaches, focusing on differences in data collection, analysis techniques, and overall research strategies. The text also explores the specific situations where qualitative research is particularly valuable, highlighting ethical considerations and the importance of a humanistic approach.
What is the purpose of this text?
The primary aim is to compare and contrast quantitative and qualitative research methods, clarifying their respective applications and underlying philosophies. It aims to help readers understand when to use each approach and how to appropriately apply their techniques. The text emphasizes the practical differences between the two methods and explores the strengths and weaknesses of each.
What are the key differences between qualitative and quantitative research?
Quantitative research, rooted in natural sciences, aims to capture facts and explain them causally using empirical-analytical methods, relying on numerical data and statistical analysis. Qualitative research, originating in social sciences, focuses on understanding how subjects interpret the world, their actions, and how changes occur, using richer, more detailed data like interviews and observations. Their data collection, analysis techniques, and overall research strategies differ significantly.
How does the text compare data collection and analysis methods?
The text contrasts data collection methods: quantitative research uses numerical data (surveys, statistics), while qualitative research utilizes detailed data (interviews, observations, texts). Data analysis methods also differ: quantitative analysis employs aggregation and statistical methods, whereas qualitative analysis focuses on identifying parallels within heterogeneous data, often involving thematic analysis and interpretation.
When is qualitative research preferred over quantitative research?
The text identifies several situations where qualitative research is particularly suitable. These include: research requiring a humanistic approach (treating participants with respect and sensitivity); when subjective opinions, judgments, and detailed perspectives are crucial; and when political interests might influence the research design, requiring a more flexible and adaptable approach than quantitative methods allow.
What are the key themes explored in the text?
The key themes include: a comparison of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies; data collection and analysis techniques in both approaches; the strengths and weaknesses of each method; situations where qualitative research is preferred; and ethical considerations in research, especially the humanistic treatment of participants.
What are the chapter summaries?
The text includes summaries for an introduction, a chapter defining both qualitative and quantitative research, a chapter comparing both methods in detail, and a chapter discussing when and why to use qualitative research. These summaries provide a concise overview of the main points covered in each chapter.
What are the keywords associated with this text?
Keywords include: Qualitative research, quantitative research, research methodology, data collection, data analysis, research strategy, humanitarian approach, subjective data, objective data, empirical research, and methodological comparison.
What is the overall structure of the text?
The text follows a clear structure: It begins with an introduction, then defines qualitative and quantitative research, proceeds to a detailed comparison of both, and concludes with a discussion on when and why to use qualitative research. It also includes a table of contents and a list of keywords.
- Quote paper
- Andreas Ernst (Author), 2002, Comparison of Qualitative and Quantitative Research, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/13183
