Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research - A Complete Guide

When a student is assigned research to conduct and draft a paper, the first thing to decide is the research method. Qualitative and quantitative are two types of research designs through which a researcher collects data to study a subject in detail.

Before you decide on the method, it is essential to know the basic differences. Continue reading the blog to understand qualitative vs. quantitative research designs.

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research Definition

Quantitative research is a study expressed in graphs and numbers. This research method confirms theories and assumptions made based on gathered data. Quantitative research method is used when a writer has to establish some facts about the subject.

Qualitative research, on the other hand, expresses the study in words and statements. This research takes into consideration the concepts, experiences, and thoughts of the people. Moreover, it helps gather detailed insights on the chosen topic.

Understanding the basic definition of the research methods used to gather data and information is essential when drafting a research paper. A writer has to be particular about the process he chooses for his field research.

Just as important it is to learn about how a research paper writing is drafted. It is equally important to understand the significance of choosing the right method for your research project.

Different fields use different data collecting methods to study subjects. For this purpose, clear your concepts of the preliminary designs through which research is conducted.

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Differences Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research

If the difference in the two methods were not evident from the definitions, the following section would provide you with details. Study the table to observe the characteristics of qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Qualitative Research	Quantitative Research
For Social Sciences or Humanities Subjects	For Science related subjects
Explore ideas and formulate theories	Test theories and hypotheses
Analyzed by categorizing, summarizing, and interpreting	Analyzed through statistical analysis
Expressed in words and statements	Expressed in numbers, tables, and graphs
Few respondents required	Large sample size
Open-ended questions in nature	Closed questions
Key terms include subjectivity, complexity, understanding, context	Key terms include objectivity, replicability, measurement, testing.
Semi-structured interview	Structured interview

Data Collection Method

The qualitative and quantitative data can collect through various methods. Experts advise choosing the data collection method the best serves the research question.

The following are the data methods that are commonly used:

Qualitative Data Collecting Methods

• Interviews - Data is gathered by asking respondents some open-ended questions in an in-depth interview.
• Focus Groups - Data is gathered by conducting a discussion among a group of people. Examine the opinions they have on the topic.
• Literature Review - Studying the published work of authors on your topic.
• Ethnography - Gathering data by closely observing cultures and behaviors by living among people for an extended period.

Quantitative Data Collecting Methods

• Surveys - Data is collected through the closed-end questions answered by a chosen sample.
• Observations - Collecting data through observing subjects in a natural setting where variables can not be predicted.
• Experiments - Data gathered through cause and effect relationships where variables are controlled and manipulated.

Data Analysis

The raw qualitative and quantitative data don’t demonstrate anything. It has to be studied and analyzed deeply to present meaning concerning the major research question. The method of analyzing data differs for qualitative and quantitative data.

Qualitative Analysis of the Data

Qualitative data is crucial to analyze as it involves text, images, and videos. There are some approaches through which this data type is analyzed. The methods include:

• Discourse Analysis
• Thematic Analysis
• Qualitative Content Analysis

Quantitative Analysis of the Data

As quantitative information is based on numerical data, simple math or statistical analysis is used to explore patterns in data. The results for this type of data are presented in graphs and tables. The quantitative data analysis examines the following types of information:

• The number of times the same answer is given.
• Average scores
• The relation between two variables
• The validity of the results

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When to Use Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research

Understand where to use which research type of studying data is important. You can not choose a research design without knowing the purpose and its significance.

• Qualitative Research Approach - Qualitative research is used when a researcher aims to understand a concept or experience.

  For example, interviews are conducted for respondents to answer open-ended questions. The interviewer then asks further questions to clarify things and find commonalities in the data to form results.

• Quantitative Research Approach - Quantitative research is used to confirm a theory or hypothesis. A large group of respondents is selected to ask close-ended questions, which are then analyzed to draw conclusions.
• Mixed Research Approach - As the name suggests, the mixed approach uses qualitative and quantitative research elements. Interviews are conducted to answer open-ended questions.

  On the results of those interviews, the researcher conduct surveys on a larger scale to gain a more in-depth insight into the concept.

On the results of those interviews, the researcher conduct surveys on a larger scale. And gain a more in-depth insight into the concept.

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Qualitative Research and Quantitative Research Examples

Understanding any concept requires good and relevant examples. To make students learn qualitative and quantitative research methods, CollegeEssay.org has gathered some examples that will let you differentiate between the two research types.

Conducting research and drafting a paper is one of the most difficult academic tasks. In order to get this assignment right, a writer requires great analyzing and evaluating skills

If you are assigned this assignment type and have no clue where to take the start, get help from the experts. CollegeEssay.org is a professional writing company that assists with all your academic assignments.

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Nova A.

Literature, Marketing

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as we