Summary
Highlights
Quantitative research uses numbers and statistical tools to describe and measure variables. Qualitative research uses words, narrations, stories, and perceptions to provide information.
This video will explore the similarities and differences between qualitative and quantitative research, focusing on objective, data description, sample, data gathering, data analysis, and outcomes.
Quantitative research aims to prove or disprove a hypothesis, focusing on testing pre-defined assumptions. Qualitative research, however, seeks to understand human behavior, experiences, and emotions without a hypothesis.
Quantitative research typically requires a large sample size (30 to thousands of participants). Qualitative research requires very limited participants, sometimes as few as three, depending on the study's nature.
Quantitative research uses standardized survey questionnaires or checklists with closed-ended questions, tallying answers numerically. Qualitative research uses open-ended questions through interviews, immersion, or group discussions to understand participants' stories and beliefs.
Quantitative research uses statistical tools, formulas, and computations (e.g., Pearson's R, Spearman's Rho). Qualitative research uses thematic analysis to identify themes and categories from participants' answers.
Quantitative research concludes by identifying answers to set questions. Qualitative research aims for 'new insights' to achieve a higher validity in understanding the human mind.
Both research types apply inquiry, investigation, and sometimes immersion. They both aim to improve human lives, understand situations, find solutions, and use textual forms for data analysis. Both also start and end with a problem.
The ease of writing depends on the researcher's comfort. If comfortable with numbers, quantitative research is better. If comfortable with words, descriptions, and explanations, qualitative research is preferred. Neither is inherently better; it depends on the topic's nature.