Differences between Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches
Discuss About The Integrative Psychological Behavioral Science.
Quantitative research is a type of research that comprises data collection and conversion into numerical form to make statistical calculations and conclusions. Qualitative research is a method that involves recording, analyzing and endeavour to discover the in-depth meaning and importance of human behavior and experience, in addition to conflicting views, practices, and emotions (Creswell & Creswell, 2017).
Qualitative research is holistic in nature whereas quantitative method is particularistic. Quantitative research is conclusive as opposed to qualitative research which is exploratory. Qualitative research is built on purposive sampling in which a small sample size is chosen with the intention to get a thorough comprehension of the target population. Whereas quantitative research depends on random sampling in which a large representative sample is selected so as to generalize the outcomes to the entire population.
The qualitative method allows the participants to explain their responses and also the various standpoints of respondents can be considered. The qualitative method applies to situations in which an in-depth insight is needed. In qualitative research, events can be viewed in their correct context or much more holistically. (Gelo et al., 2008). Quantitative research enables generalizability due to the larger sample sizes. It is also applicable to situations that require systematic, standardized comparisons. (Punch, 2013).
Both qualitative and quantitative approaches are concerned about data reduction, seek to answer the research questions, endeavours to associated data analysis with already existing and published research, and both deal with variation of study variables. Both approaches are also action-oriented and seek to generate solutions to existing issues through research (Becker, Bryman, & Ferguson, 2012).
Quantitative approaches are applied when one aims at comparing data in a systematic manner, draw generalisations to the entire group or assess theories using hypothesis. Qualitative method is usually used when one desires to explore a phenomenon which is he is ignorant about much before or in advance, when you need to get insight, motives, reasons, patterns among others (Creswell & Creswell, 2017).
An inductive method is an approach to research that begins with the observation and the result of the study is a theory, whereas, a deductive method is an approach to research that starts with the proposal of a hypothesis and the outcome of the investigation is a refusal or validation (Elo & Kyngäs, 2008).
Inductive research generates a theory from empirical data which aids in arriving at a closeness fit between data and theory. It is also a substitute method to examine the intricacy and richness of the verbal and non-verbal conducts (Bryman & Bell, 2015). Deductive approach enables the possibility to explain causal associations between concepts and variables. It also permits quantitative measurement of concepts (Burney, 2008).
Strengths and Application of Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches
An inductive approach to research doesn’t permit hypothesizing so the researcher can change the direction of the study, while the deductive analysis begins with the hypothesis itself and the study direction can’t be altered by the researcher. Inductive method has no guiding factor, therefore, less structured, whereas the deductive approach has an objective to be attained and thus is highly structured. Inductive approach is aimed at establishing a new theory while deductive approach is aimed at analysing an existing theory (Bryman & Bell, 2015).
Both inductive and deductive approaches are used in research and are geared towards making conclusions on given research phenomena (Becker, Bryman, & Ferguson, 2012).
Application of inductive and deductive approaches
Deductive method is used in deducing the hypothesis from theory and hypothesis formulation and testing, whereas inductive approach is used when developing empirical generalizations and in determining the preliminary association of variables (Briggs, Morrison, & Coleman, 2012).
Scientific research is the application of the scientific method to examine the association between natural attributes or to find a solution for a technical issue (Bunge, 2012). The characteristics of scientific research include purposiveness, testability, replicability, objectivity, and generalizability. Purposiveness implies that scientific research must be carried out for a specific purpose. Objectivity demands that a scientific research be objective meaning that it must address facts and not interpretation of facts. Generalizability implies that the findings obtained from the research must globally be accepted and applied. Testability emphasizes on the significance of testing the hypothesis to comprehend and determine the association between the dependent and independent variables. Replicability asserts that scientific research must be replicable for them to be highly acceptable and garner confidence as being scientific.
No, scientific research is not perfect. One of the weaknesses of a scientific approach is that it is grounded on the hypotheses that must be testable and falsifiable and the observations and experiments replicable. This limits its application in the topics beyond science. Also, scientific research is subject to errors such as human biasness and natural changes that may influence the outcomes of the research (Bechtel & Richardson, 2010)
Researchers begin by determining the relevant theory that is associated with the study topic upon which the relationships between the study variables can be explained. Then the researcher develops one or more hypotheses or research questions which are deduced from the theory and are tested. The researcher then develops a research design by considering various factors such as validity and reliability of the findings among others. Then the concepts are operationalized by devising measures of the ideas that the researcher desires to examine.
Similarities between Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches
The research site or sites are then selected with consideration of the ethical factors. After which the respondents are chosen to participate in the study. Then data collection takes place which involves pre-testing respondents, altering the independent variable and post-testing. Then the collected data is processed after coding for easy entry and analysis. The next step is data analysis in which the researcher applies several statistical approaches to determine the significant associations between variables. Then the findings and conclusions are developed based on the analysis outcomes, and then they are written up (Gerrish & Lacey, 2010; Mugenda, 2008).
The process of qualitative research begins with the identification of the research question. The research question should be clear, definite, and manageable. The second step is for the researcher to conduct a literature review wherein the researcher studies secondary materials that are relevant to the research question and study topic. A literature review assists the researcher to find out whether there is a research gap in the present study that you will fill by carrying out the research. Therefore, a literature review validates the formulated research question and topic.
The third step after successful literature review and determining the research gap, the researcher now considers the ideal sampling size. Selection of sample size should consider the expected outcomes, research budget among other factors. The fourth step is the selection of the qualitative research methodology. There are several techniques from which the research can choose from depending on various factors. These include action research, ethnography, case study research, grounded theory among others. Therefore, the researcher can choose the most suitable approach and apply it.
The fifth step is data collection. Also, the research can choose the most suitable technique depending on the research methodology to gather empirical data such as interview, documentary analysis, field work etc. The sixth step involves data analysis wherein the research generates solutions and theories to the research question. The qualitative data analysis is textual and involves the use of methods like descriptive statistics, contextual analysis, narrative analysis and coding. The last stage is write-up of the research findings. The researcher prepares the research report with the accepted format and in view of the expected audience (Garg & Kothari, 2014; Coolican, 2014).
Qualitative method strives for exploration, describe and give insight into a subject whereas quantitative approach strives to confirm a hypothesis regarding a subject. Under qualitative research data is delivered in form of a narrative, object or pictures where as in quantitative method data is presented in numbers and statistical output. Techniques are less structured in qualitative method and interviews, observations etc are used to collect data, while in quantitative research methods are highly structured and tools, equipment and questionnaires among others are used to collect data.
Qualitative approach seeks to explore by the use of open-ended questions whereas quantitative method provides quantifiable answers by the use of close-ended questions. In qualitative method there is flexibility with regard to research design that is it can arise and progress with the development of the study, while in quantitative approach, the research design is highly structured and outlined earlier before the study. The findings under qualitative method may subjectively be documented meaning they may show prejudices that are likely to affect the interpretation of the findings, whereas in quantitative method, the findings are presented using the language of the objective (Creswell & Creswell, 2017).
Conclusion
The four fundamental approaches to research have more differences than similarities. The decision on which method to apply will depend on various factors such as the nature of the study, the objective of the study, the study environment, target population among others. Therefore, it is left to the discretion of the researcher to select the most appropriate method to adopt in a given research.
References
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Becker, S., Bryman, A., & Ferguson, H. (Eds.). (2012). Understanding research for social
policy and social work: themes, methods and approaches. Policy Press.
Briggs, A. R., Morrison, M., & Coleman, M. (2012). Research methods in educational
leadership and management. Sage Publications.
Bryman, A., & Bell, E. (2015). Business research methods. Oxford University Press, USA.
Burney, S. M. A. (2008). Inductive and deductive research approach. Department of
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Bunge, M. (2012). Scientific research II: The search for truth. Springer Science & Business
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Coolican, H. (2014). Research methods and statistics in psychology. Psychology Press.
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and
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Gelo, O., Braakmann, D., & Benetka, G. (2008). Quantitative and qualitative research:
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Gerrish, K., & Lacey, A. (2010). The research process in nursing. John Wiley & Sons.
Elo, S., & Kyngäs, H. (2008). The qualitative content analysis process. Journal of advanced
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Mugenda, A. G. (2008). Social science research: Theory and principles. Nairobi: Applied.
Punch, K. F. (2013). Introduction to social research: Quantitative and qualitative
approaches. sage.
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