The table below shows the difference between quantitative and qualitative research methods
| Quantitative Research Method | Qualitative Research Method |
| Quantitative research is deductive; thus, it uses testing of theories. | The qualitative research method is inductive; thus, it generates theories. |
| Quantitative research method uses positivism in epistemological orientation. | Qualitative research method uses interpretivist in epistemological orientation. |
| In quantitative research, values and biases are to be held in check; thus, objectivity is sought. | In qualitative research, subjectivity and values are inevitable. |
| Quantitative research involves fixed approaches, numerical data, and close-ended questions to make a conclusion and inference. | Qualitative research involves emerging approaches, texts, image data, and open-ended questions to make a conclusion and inference. |
| In quantitative research, test theories or explanations ascertain variables (Taylor, Bogdan, & DE Vault, 2015). Moreover, its methodological orientation includes hypotheses, validity, and reliability, numerical measures, unbiased approaches, statistical treatment, and focus on the product, seek generalization, large and representative samples, fixed and pre-specified design, and tight control over context. |
Qualitative research involves gathering participant meanings. It entails a single concept and inclusion of personal values and understands the set of participants (Patten, & Newhart, 2017). Its methodology entails validating findings and interpreting data. Collaboration with participants It focuses on the methodological process and products It is context-bound It is flexible and emergent design |
| Involves surveys and experiments. | Involves narratives, case study, grounded theory and phenomenology |
Application Example
In quantitative research method, a significant example is determining the duration or time spent to work or do something. For instance, it can be used to understand the period a clinician takes to attend to a client when the patient arrives into the hospital (Patten, & Newhart, 2017). A qualitative method, on the other hand, can be used to determine ways of improving sales. For instance, a shop owner is looking for ways to improve sales, and customer outreach can conduct research using the qualitative research method to determine people who are fit for their services.
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References
Patten, M. L., & Newhart, M. (2017). Understanding Research Methods: An Overview of the Essentials . Routledge.
Taylor, S. J., Bogdan, R., & DE Vault, M. (2015). Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods: A Guidebook and Resource . John Wiley & Sons.
