Quantitative and Qualitative are the two main research methods that are used by researchers from various academic fields. Data collection is one of the main components of any scientific research because it determines the final findings. A researcher can decide to use qualitative or quantitative data collection or both to gather data from the respondents. However, qualitative data collection is more common among researchers due to its many advantages, especially with regard to achieving the set research objectives.
Qualitative data collection is exploratory in nature and it mainly focuses on gaining insights and understanding on a given phenomenon under the study. Specifically, qualitative data collection emerged after researchers realized that quantitative data collection method could not help in understanding human feelings and emotions ( Gill et al ., 2008) . Therefore, it is the type of data collection that is mainly used by researchers when they want to understand the underlying motivation and reasons towards a given subject. The main types of qualitative data collection include survey, focus groups, documental revisions, longitudinal studies, observation, and case studies ( Sutton & Austin, 2015) . Quantitative data collection, on the other hand, refers to the gathering of information that can be quantified and then generated into numerical forms. Generally, quantitative data collection is measurable in natures. The two main types of quantitative data collection include quantitative survey and experiments.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
One of the main advantages why many researchers prefer qualitative data collection is because it can be used to collect in-depth information from the research participants ( Sutton & Austin, 2015) . Researchers can be used qualitative data collection approaches to collect detailed data about the participants’ feelings, experiences, and thoughts on a given subject or issue. Therefore, quantitative data collection is more effective than quantitative data collection when it comes to a holistic understanding of behaviors and actions of human beings. This is also the type of data collection that allows researchers to closely interact with the participants, leading to the gathering of comprehensive data ( Rahman, 2016) . Importantly, qualitative data collection is flexible and can be reconstructed to meet specific research objectives. However, one of the main disadvantages of this data collection method is that it pays much attention to meanings and experiences, which may make the researcher live out contextual sensitivities. At the same time, qualitative data collection can be expensive and time-consuming, especially when it involves large sample.
Like qualitative, quantitative data collection also has some advantages and disadvantages. One of the main benefits of quantitative data collection is that it is measurable, which means that it can be generalized to the whole population ( Rahman, 2016) . At the same time, it allows researchers to conveniently and efficiently use large sample size. Nevertheless, one of the main disadvantages of quantitative data collection is that it cannot be used to get deeper underlying meanings, including explanations of a given phenomenon under study. Besides, it cannot be used to explain social realities.
In conclusion, based on the analysis of the two types of data collection methods, I can conclude that qualitative data collection is better and more effective than quantitative data collection. The main aim of research is to generate an in-depth and holistic understanding of the research topic, which can only be achieved through qualitative data collection. Unlike quantitative data collection, the qualitative one produces a detailed description of feeling, thoughts, and experiences, leading to complete understanding of the phenomenon under study. Research should provide conclusive findings or knowledge that people can rely only upon to address various issues in the society that is only possible holistic and comprehensive research.
References
Gill, P., Stewart, K., Treasure, E., & Chadwick, B. (2008). Methods of data collection in qualitative research: interviews and focus groups. British dental journal , 204 (6), 291-295.
Rahman, M. S. (2016). The advantages and disadvantages of using qualitative and quantitative approaches and methods in language "testing and assessment" research: A literature review. Journal of Education and Learning , 6 (1), 102-146.
Sutton, J., & Austin, Z. (2015). Qualitative research: data collection, analysis, and management. The Canadian journal of hospital pharmacy , 68 (3), 226-231.
