Using Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods Together
In a researcher’s collection, both qualitative and quantitative research are essential.
No single data collection method is appropriate, each has its merit and demerit and so it is difficult to say which particular data collection method is most appropriate. Rather it can be said that if both the quantitative and qualitative data collection method is used for collecting data, then the evaluation of a research paper will improve, and the points discussed will become more valid (Hennink, Hutter, and Bailey, 2020). This will also help the understanding to improve, as both the research methods will be integrated, it will enhance the reliability of the paper more, but one thing needs to be kept in mind and that is if both quantitative and qualitative research method is used, the researcher needs to plan.
Both the qualitative and quantitative research methods do not clash with each other, rather the performance of the methods improves if used together. Especially, in today’s world when numbers, statistics play an important role, it is crucial to use both methods. Only a statistical explanation of numbers is not enough, it is important to also explain the figures, in a descriptive format for better understanding (Liamputtong, 2020). One thing that needs to be mentioned, is that in any research paper written by well-known scholars, or being published by a well-known publication site, it is worth noticing that they used both qualitative and quantitative research methods, to make their paper more effective. Otherwise, if only one form of data collection method is focused upon, then the paper is termed unreliable (Lune, and Berg, 2017). Hence, it is important to use both methods. Regarding the collection of information, qualitative data is very easy to collect because of the various journals, magazines, and other types of databases available in government or non-governmental agencies.
So, the main question is how can these two types of research be combined? When research is searching for a new issue, and possibilities, the most useful method that can be used is always the qualitative data collection method as, this is where research starts, it will create a base for in-depth research. The collection of quantitative data comes in the second place, when the qualitative data that has been collected needs to be verified, and validated, the quantitative data is used and helps in comprehending each opportunity or problem (Lampard, and Pole, 2015).
This could be better understood with the help of the example-
Suppose, a conference is taking place, and feedback was needed from the guest who came. The quantitative data can presumably quantify a variety of elements, for instance, attendance, satisfaction level, speaker quality, information value that was provided, and so on. These questions may be answered in a fashion that is both closed-ended ways.
On the other hand, there will surely be some open-ended questions that the researcher wants to address, and what can be a better method, apart from qualitative, to ensure what has been missed. Questions that can be asked are as follows-
- What is the favourite part of the conference?
- How could can the experience be improved?
- Is there anything that they would like to share about the conference?
Benefits of Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
If these qualitative questions reveal any recurring themes, the researcher may opt for in-depth analysis, and make adjustments in the next event to follow, and it is mandatory to include quantitative questions on these subjects following the next conference.
An assumption can be made that several people who attended the conference stated that it was difficult to reach the venue of the conference. The survey that will be conducted may offer quantitative questions next time, such as how happy individuals were with the place, or allow respondents to pick from a list of prospective venues for future conferences.
Using only one form of data collection method might be detrimental to the study. Without the other, the image is incomplete, with no solid foundation on which to make judgments.
- If a researcher simply emphasizes qualitative findings, The researcher might face the risk to produce a large number of data, with too many unimportant details.
- When a researcher emphasizes simply quantitative results, the researcher may come up with a broad conclusion, that may have lacked good content.
Qualitative research is probing in nature and helps researchers to have a better understanding about the motives, requirements, processes, and explanations for conduct, among other things. It facilitates in the formulation of concepts or hypotheses for quantitative research and provides an in-depth knowledge of a topic (Blackstone, 2018). Quantitative research, such as online surveys, involves numbers and can help with the evaluation of qualitative research ideas.
Qualitative research, on the other hand, can aid in the design of a quantitative research study in the below-mentioned ways:
- Gaining Knowledge of the Decision-Making Process
- Recognizing a customer’s dialect
- Recognizing the Customer Experience as a Whole
There are certain advantages and disadvantages of qualitative research methods-
- Create an in-depth analysis
- Classify specific themes and trends
- Good data leads to additional investigation
Disadvantages:
- Data is difficult to analyze.
- Objectivity is influenced by the point of view of the researcher.
The advantage of Quantitative data are as follows-
- Quantitative research needs a strong desire for thorough experimental design, as well as the ability to replicate both the test and the results. As a result, the data collected by the researcher will be legitimate and less likely to be contested (Kaur et al., 2019).
- A clear approach- The types of discoveries that the researcher will encounter while gathering quantitative data will influence the statistical tests that should be run. As a result, analysing the facts and presenting the results is straightforward and less prone to disagreement.
The disadvantage of Quantitative data are as follows-
- Many people assume that quantitative research is more trustworthy or scientific than observational, qualitative research since it is based on statistics, hence they will be misled. However, it has the potential to mislead researchers (Bernard, 2017).
- The emphasis on numbers is incorrect—quantitative research is limited in its pursuit of specific, statistical connections, causing researchers to overlook greater themes and connections.
Conclusion
Thus, it could be concluded by saying that, Both the qualitative and quantitative research methods do not clash with each other, rather the performance of the methods improves if used together. Especially, in today’s world when numbers, statistics play an important role, it is crucial to use both methods. Only a statistical explanation of numbers is not
It is critical for any researcher, researching topics to establish an appropriate research methodology for conducting the study at the outset of any form of research. “The methodologies and normal approach to the experiential investigation of a certain field,” according to the Dictionary of Sociology (1998). It is indicated that there are numerous approaches to approaching a certain research subject, and it is essential for the researcher to think carefully about their unique set of procedures.
While time and money are relevant considerations when determining how to tackle a research challenge, the topic of the study should ultimately dictate the methodologies chosen. Before deciding the methods that need to be adopted for more beneficial results for the subject at hand, a skilled researcher would analyze all accessible possibilities (Zhang et al., 2017).
Researchers frequently utilize questionnaires to collect data for studies because the cost involved is less, saves time, and assessment is easy. Despite these advantages, questionnaires contain several flaws (Ponto, 2015). As a result, the researchers must prefer interviews, than questionnaires since human interviews can reveal in-depth information regarding the response of the subject’s while maintaining the same response (statistical).
Interviews are more appropriate to use than surveys/questionnaire, as it allows the analysts to collect nonverbal data. For instance, researchers can determine if any specific question makes an interview subject panic or if the interviewee struggles to react to the question. To put it another way, nonverbal cues like as less eye contact, shaky gestures, or cautious posturing might establish the tone of an interviewee’s remarks. This information could not be gleaned from a pre-made survey/questionnaire (Eckerdal, and Hagström, 2017).
How to Combine Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
Because research respondents usually complete surveys without the help of an analyst or a test delegate, it is difficult to assess whether the interviewee clearly understands the questions that are asked. When a researcher takes a live interview, however, the interview participants have the option of asking for an explanation if they do not get an inquiry (Hawkins, 2018). In addition, the questioner might ask certain follow-up questions to get a more valid response. Finally, this leads to a detailed and comprehensive collection of information.
Written surveys are not a viable alternative for researchers who wish to analyse tiny children, illiterate people, or those who are visually impaired. Any researcher can get around these limitations by conducting an interview. Interviews lessen the test participant’s anxiety, making them excellent for sensitive issues.
Interviews are more adaptable than questionnaires, according to Professor Mathieu Deflea who was a professor at the University of South Carolina, and he also said that suitable match for studies cannot be found when the research topic is not properly defined. Because the “interviewer is an integral part of any research,” the researcher might bring new subjects during the talk with the test subject that may be important for the study. As a result, for academics who wish to look into a broad range of issues, interviews can be thus regarded as a better tool rather than questionnaires (Nayak, and Narayan, 2019).
The most significant limitation of questionnaires, that is distributed through mail or email, is the sometimes-poor response rate as mentioned by Bell. According to Gilbert a social researcher, the response rates for questionnaires through mail might be low as 20%. Erroneously or undecipherably the filled-out questionnaire sheets, as well as the missing responses, will certainly affect the quality of data that will be collected, and may reduce the number of questionnaires that will be usable (Patten, 2016).
The questionnaires do not allow the researcher to follow up on the ideas or give a chance to explain the concerns, which is one of key benefit of interviews. To collect maximum data and meaningful data (Young et al., 2018), all components of the questionnaire need to be considered, from design to selecting the appropriate target population.
The questionnaires are not adapted well to research having a large number of open-ended questions, and hence a semi-structured interview would be a good option. Scholars like Saunders and others believes that the limitation of questionnaires is related to predicted consequences, such as insolences but fail to explain the fundamental causes of the outcome. As a result, a multi-method strategy can be used, in which the researcher mixes questionnaires with interviews to get a better result.
It is possible to be misled because of the questionnaires. Because it is based on statistics, many people assume that questionnaires are more reliable or scientific than observational interviews. However, it has the potential to mislead researchers by providing inaccurate results. The emphasis on the number of responses can be erroneous, meaning that questionnaires can be constrained in their pursuit of particular, statistical links, causing researchers to miss out on larger themes and linkages.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Qualitative Research Methods
Conclusion
Thus, it can be said that it is critical for any researcher, researching topics to establish an appropriate research methodology for conducting the study at the outset of any form of research. “The methodologies and normal approach to the experiential investigation of a certain field,” according to the Dictionary of Sociology (1998). It is indicated that there are numerous approaches to approaching a certain research subject, and it is essential for the researcher to think carefully about their unique set of procedures. Having said this, interviews are more appropriate to use than surveys/questionnaire, as it allows the analysts to collect nonverbal data. For instance, researchers can determine if any specific question makes an interview subject panic or if the interviewee struggles to react to the question. To put it another way, nonverbal cues like less eye contact, shaky gestures, or cautious posturing might establish the tone of an interviewee’s remarks. This information could not be gleaned from a pre-made survey/questionnaire. The questionnaires are not adapted well to research having a large number of open-ended questions, and hence a semi-structured interview would be a good option. Scholars like Saunders and others believes that the limitation of questionnaires is related to predicted consequences, such as insolences but fail to explain the fundamental causes of the outcome. As a result, a multi-method strategy can be used, in which the researcher mixes questionnaires with interviews to get a better result.
Reference
Bernard, H.R., 2017. Research methods in anthropology: Qualitative and quantitative approaches. Rowman & Littlefield.
Blackstone, A., 2018. Principles of sociological inquiry: Qualitative and quantitative methods.
Eckerdal, J.R. and Hagström, C., 2017. Qualitative questionnaires as a method for information studies research.
Hammarberg, K., Kirkman, M. and de Lacey, S., 2016. Qualitative research methods: when to use them and how to judge them. Human reproduction, 31(3), pp.498-501.
Hawkins, J.E., 2018. The practical utility and suitability of email interviews in qualitative research. The Qualitative Report, 23(2).
Hennink, M., Hutter, I. and Bailey, A., 2020. Qualitative research methods. Sage.
Kaur, N., Vedel, I., El Sherif, R. and Pluye, P., 2019. Practical mixed methods strategies used to integrate qualitative and quantitative methods in community-based primary health care research. Family practice, 36(5), pp.666-671.
Lampard, R. and Pole, C., 2015. Practical social investigation: Qualitative and quantitative methods in social research. Routledge.
Liamputtong, P., 2020. Qualitative research methods.
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Nayak, M.S.D.P. and Narayan, K.A., 2019. Strengths and weaknesses of online surveys. technology, 6, p.7.
Patten, M., 2016. Questionnaire research: A practical guide. Routledge.
Ponto, J., 2015. Understanding and evaluating survey research. Journal of the advanced practitioner in oncology, 6(2), p.168.
Young, J.C., Rose, D.C., Mumby, H.S., Benitez?Capistros, F., Derrick, C.J., Finch, T., Garcia, C., Home, C., Marwaha, E., Morgans, C. and Parkinson, S., 2018. A methodological guide to using and reporting on interviews in conservation science research. Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 9(1), pp.10-19
Zhang, X., Kuchinke, L., Woud, M.L., Velten, J. and Margraf, J., 2017. Survey method matters: Online/offline questionnaires and face-to-face or telephone interviews differ. Computers in Human Behavior, 71, pp.172-180.
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