In quantitative and qualitative studies, a distinction can be seen between critical and experimental approaches when conducting data analysis. Both approaches inculcate a form critique for a particular research. In most cases, experimental approaches are meant to identify the participants’ experience and their different perspectives. It is also meant to understand participants’ thoughts and ideas, practices and feelings from their language use, whereas the other one does not. Critical approaches, however, conflict with experimental approaches about mainstream research among other variations.
Thematic analysis, though rarely known by researchers is widely used method in both qualitative and quantitative analyses. These articles argue that this method of data analysis offers a theoretically flexible and accessible approach to both qualitative and quantitative data analysis (Boyatzis, 2008). Thematic analysis is thus a flexible and useful method used to analyseboth qualitative and quantitative data.
“A tale of two Cultures” depicts how some social scientists argue that there exist some similarities between quantitative and qualitative methods of data analysis. In the article “A Tale of Two Cultures”, James Mahoney and Gary Goertz show that these two paradigms are made up of different cultures. Each paradigm is coherent, internally yet identified by contrasting practices, norms and toolkits. They introduce and outline the major differences that exist between the two traditions which touch almost all aspects of researches in social sciences. Such aspects include goals, designs, concepts and measurements, casual effects and models, case selection and data analysis (Boyatzis, 2008).
Table of Contents
- Thematic and Critical Discussion
- “A Tale of Two Cultures”
- Qualitative Document Analysis in Political Science
- Qualitative Methodology and Comparative Politics
Objectives and Key Themes
This work explores the relationship between qualitative and quantitative research methods in the social sciences. It examines the different approaches to data analysis, the strengths and limitations of each method, and the potential for collaboration between them.
- The differences and similarities between quantitative and qualitative research methods.
- The use of thematic analysis in both qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
- The importance of qualitative research in comparative politics.
- The challenges and opportunities of combining qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- The value of qualitative document analysis in political science.
Chapter Summaries
- Thematic and Critical Discussion: This chapter introduces the concepts of critical and experimental approaches to data analysis. It argues for the value of thematic analysis as a flexible and accessible method for both qualitative and quantitative research.
- “A Tale of Two Cultures”: This chapter explores the differences between quantitative and qualitative research cultures, highlighting their contrasting practices, norms, and toolkits. It emphasizes the importance of understanding both perspectives to promote interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Qualitative Document Analysis in Political Science: This chapter discusses the methodological challenges of analyzing qualitative documents in political science. It argues for the need for rigor and methodological clarity in this type of research.
- Qualitative Methodology and Comparative Politics: This chapter examines the role of qualitative methodology in comparative politics, emphasizing its strengths and contributions to the field. It discusses the challenges of using qualitative methods in comparative research and the importance of developing new hypotheses and methodological approaches.
Keywords
This work focuses on the key themes of qualitative and quantitative research methods, thematic analysis, comparative politics, document analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration. It explores the strengths and limitations of each method, and the potential for integrating them to enhance research outcomes.
- Citar trabajo
- Francis Marete (Autor), 2013, Thematic and Critical Discussion. Quantitative and Qualitative Research, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/279487
