10 Difference Between Qualitative And Quantitative Research, Benefits, Important Topics
Difference Between Qualitative And Quantitative Research : Read about the different research approaches. Learn the difference between qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Shrivastav 16 Jan, 2024
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Difference Between Qualitative And Quantitative Research : There are two common approaches to doing research in the fields of science and technology, economics, sociology, psychology, marketing, and business, namely qualitative and quantitative research. Quantitative research derives conclusions from logical or statistical observations, while qualitative research employs verbal narration, such as spoken or written data. The difference between qualitative and quantitative research using various data sets will be discussed below. Only a small number of non-representative examples are chosen as a sample in qualitative research in order to get an initial understanding. as opposed to quantitative research, which considers a sufficient number of sample examples in order to suggest a course of action. Now, before we learn about the difference between qualitative and quantitative research, let’s first discuss their definitions. Achieve JEE excellence with PW JEE Online Course . Join now to fulfill your engineering dreams.
Definition of Qualitative Research Approach
Research that offers insights as well as an understanding of the problem is called qualitative research. It is an exploratory, unstructured research approach that focuses on very complicated phenomena that quantitative study cannot explain. However, it generates concepts or theories for more quantitative study. Through observation and interpretation, qualitative research aims to provide an in-depth understanding of human behavior, experience, attitudes, intentions, and motives. It also reveals people's thoughts and feelings. In this kind of study, the participant's opinions are given more weight by the researcher. Qualitative research includes case studies, grounded theories, ethnographies, historical studies, and phenomenology.Qualitative Research's Benefits
Qualitative Research's Benefits : When comparing qualitative and quantitative research, it is important to take into account the significant benefits of qualitative research. Flexibility, originality, and a range of interpretations are all possible with the qualitative technique. As new data is acquired, the research project's scope may change.Qualitative Research's Limitations
Qualitative Research's Limitations : Compared to quantitative research, the results and conclusions of qualitative studies are more subjective. Because personal bias may be difficult to control, the researcher's experience and point of view may have a significant impact on how the data are interpreted and what conclusions are drawn. Also, since qualitative data collection methods are more expensive and time-consuming, lower sample sizes are often tested in qualitative research.Definition of Quantitative Research Approach
Quantitative research uses natural science techniques to generate numerical data and concrete facts. Its goal is to establish a cause-and-effect link between two variables using mathematical, computational, and statistical methods. The study is also referred to as empirical research since it can be assessed correctly and precisely. The data gathered by the researcher might be classified, ranked, or quantified using units of measurement. Graphs and tables of raw data may be created using quantitative research, making it simpler for the researcher to analyze the findings.Quantitative Research's Benefits
Quantitative Research's Benefits : Quantitative research, in contrast to qualitative research, generates objective facts and outcomes that are easily understood through the use of statistics and numerical data. Data computing software has the advantage of enabling speedy analysis of quantitative research.Quantitative Research's Limitations
Quantitative Research's Limitations : However, even though the quantitative technique has the advantage of objectivity, this approach may be seen as a more restricted kind of research. Participants are unable to add context or modify their answers. Moreover, a big data sample—which necessitates a large participant pool—is necessary for statistical analysis. Looking For Best Books for the JEE Exam Preparation?Important Key Difference Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research
Important Key Difference Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research : Quantitative research uses an organized approach to issue resolution by collecting and analyzing data. This kind of research is carried out to convert quantitative data and variables into concrete data. Quantitative research surveys include internet surveys, print surveys, and other survey formats used to conduct the research. We have provided the main difference between qualitative and quantitative research in the table below:| Difference Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research | |
| Qualitative Research | Quantitative Research |
| Aims to develop a deeper understanding of human and social sciences, exploring human behavior and personalities. | Focuses on generating numerical data using logical, statistical, and mathematical techniques. |
| Utilizes a subjective approach in data collection. | Employs an objective approach in data collection. |
| Expresses findings primarily through words. | Presents findings using graphs and numbers. |
| Typically involves open-ended questions. | Typically involves multiple-choice questions. |
| Requires only a few respondents for meaningful insights. | Requires a large number of respondents for statistical significance. |
| Data collection methods include interviews, focus groups, literature review, and ethnography. | Data collection methods include experiments, surveys, and observations expressed in numbers. |
| Holistic in nature, considering the overall context. | Particularistic in nature, focusing on specific variables. |
| Synthesizes data through inductive reasoning. | Synthesizes data through deductive reasoning. |
| Involves a process-oriented inquiry to develop initial understanding. | Does not involve a process-oriented inquiry. |
| Aims to engage and discover various ideas. | Main objective is to examine cause and effect between variables. |
| Considered an exploratory research method. | Considered a conclusive research method. |
Difference Between Qualitative And Quantitative Research FAQs
Q1: What makes the quantitative approach better?
Ans. The quantitative technique is the most effective method as it is more acceptable, focused, objective, fast, and scientific than qualitative research.
Q2: What are the 4 types of quantitative research?
Ans. Descriptive, correlational, causal comparative/quasi-experimental, and experimental research are the four main types of quantitative research.
Q3: What is the definition of research?
Ans. Research is described as the creation of new knowledge or the innovative use of preexisting information to provide new concepts, methods, and understandings.
Q4: What are the 2 main types of research?
Ans. Qualitative and quantitative research approaches are the two main types of methodology for research.
Q5: What is the main difference between qualitative and quantitative research?
Ans. The main difference between qualitative and quantitative data is that the former is centered on statistics, while the latter is descriptive.
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