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
1. Introduction
2. What is Qualitative and Quantitative Research
3. Comparison of Quantitative and Qualitative Research
3.1. Forms and Methods of Data collection
3.2. Methods of Data Analysis
3.3. Strategies of Research Realization
4. When and Why to use Qualitative Research
4.1. The Humanitarian Basic Attitude
4.2. Certain Understandings & Findings
4.3. Political Interests
5. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines the fundamental methodological differences between quantitative and qualitative research approaches, aiming to clarify the distinct purposes and applications of each method in social science and practical inquiry.
- Theoretical distinctions between linear and circular research strategies.
- Methodological differences in data collection and analysis.
- Humanitarian and ethical dimensions of qualitative inquiry.
- Application of qualitative methods in complex political and social contexts.
- The necessity of qualitative research for capturing subjective perspectives.
Excerpt from the Book
3.3. Strategies of Research Realization
For the real understanding of quantitative and qualitative research it is indispensable to know a thing or two about the related strategy.
Whereas quantitative research is based on the straight, linear strategy qualitative research uses the so-called circular strategy. So what do both strategies have in common an where are the differences?
A straight procedure means to know reasonably detailed from the beginning or even before what is going to be achieved in the research process. For this reason quantitative investigations usually begin with a research design which contains detailed information about the main points of the examination. The research process in general begins with the thesis continues with the investigation and ends with the evaluation.
Another main aspect of the straight strategy is the necessity to avoid any kind of modification to guarantee comparability. Only if comparability is ensured the results will be accepted by the scientific community and will be of any use to it.
The Circular procedure on the other hand means exactly the opposite. The achievements of the research are largely uncertain and only a very rough idea about the investigation exists. Furthermore and in contrast to the straight procedure each research step can be passed through several times. This makes it possible to modify and adjust either questions or answers or both and thereby ensure a high degree of flexibility (Witt, “Forschungsstrategien” 4-5).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Defines the scope of the research and introduces the core discussion regarding the conflict between quantitative and qualitative research methods.
2. What is Qualitative and Quantitative Research: Provides a fundamental definition of both research paradigms, highlighting their origins in natural versus social sciences.
3. Comparison of Quantitative and Qualitative Research: Offers a structured contrast between the two methodologies, specifically focusing on how they collect and analyze data and their underlying strategies.
4. When and Why to use Qualitative Research: Discusses the specific scenarios and motivations for preferring qualitative approaches, such as ethical considerations and the need for subjective depth.
5. Conclusion: Summarizes the growing importance of qualitative research and emphasizes its complementary relationship with quantitative methods.
Keywords
Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research, Methodology, Data Analysis, Linear Strategy, Circular Strategy, Social Sciences, Humanitarian Attitude, Research Design, Subjectivity, Empirical Analysis, Scientific Inquiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper provides a comprehensive comparison between quantitative and qualitative research methods, exploring their definitions, operational differences, and specific fields of application.
What are the central thematic fields addressed?
The core themes include the divergence in data collection, the contrast between linear and circular research strategies, and the ethical and practical reasons for choosing qualitative approaches.
What is the main goal of the research?
The goal is to impart a basic understanding of both research paradigms to help researchers identify which method is more appropriate for specific investigation goals.
Which scientific methods are analyzed?
The text analyzes standard quantitative methods (such as statistics and surveys) and qualitative methods (such as interviews and document analysis).
What does the main body cover?
It covers data collection techniques, methods for analyzing numeric versus text-based data, and the procedural differences between linear (quantitative) and circular (qualitative) research strategies.
What keywords define this work?
Key terms include qualitative research, quantitative research, methodology, data analysis, and research strategy.
How does the author characterize the 'circular strategy'?
The circular strategy is defined by its flexibility, allowing researchers to revisit and adjust questions and answers throughout the research process, which is in contrast to the rigid, linear nature of quantitative inquiry.
Why does the author advocate for qualitative research in political contexts?
Qualitative research is preferred in political contexts because it allows for the interpretation of complex, value-laden statements and helps identify political assumptions that might otherwise be obscured by the inflexibility of quantitative methods.
- Quote paper
- Andreas Ernst (Author), 2002, Comparison of Qualitative and Quantitative Research, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/13183
