Qualitative Research | Quantitative Research | |
Purpose | Understand and interpret social interactions. |
Test hypotheses. Look at cause and effect. Predict.
|
Group Studied |
Tends to be smaller, nonrandom. Researchers may get involved in lives of those studied.
|
Tends to be larger, randomly selected. Anonymity important. |
Variables |
Study of the whole rather than specific variables. |
A few variables studied. |
Type of Data Collected |
Emphasis is on words. Increasing interest in visual data. |
Emphasis is on numbers. Variables. |
Form of Data Collected |
In-depth interviews, participant observation, field notes, and open-ended questions. |
Data based on precise measurement using structured and validated data-collection instruments.
|
Type of Data Analysis |
Use descriptive data; search for patterns, themes, and holistic features; appreciate difference/variation.
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Identify statistical relationships among variables. |
Objectivity / Subjectivity |
Subjectivity is expected.
|
Objectivity is critical.
|
Role of Researcher |
Researcher is central to any study. Interpretations are based on researcher's experience and background.
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Researcher tries to remain outside of the system, keeping biases to a minimum.
|
Nature of Reality/Truth |
Multiple realities; subjective.
|
Single reality; objective.
|
Nature of Observation |
Study groups and individuals in natural settings; attempt to understand perspectives.
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Study behavior under controlled conditions; isolate the causal effect of single variables.
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Scientific method |
"Bottom-up." The researcher generates hypotheses from data collected during fieldwork.
|
"Top-down." The researcher tests hypotheses and theory with data.
|
Final Report |
Informal narrative. |
Formal statistical report. |
Sources:
R 370.72 J66E
Johnson, B., & Christensen, L. (2012). Educational Research: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Approaches (pp. 34-35). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
R 370.721 L699Q
Lichtman, M. (2013). Qualitative research in education: A user’s guide (pp. 14-15). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Evaluating Research Articles from Start to Finish by Ellen R Girden; Robert Kabacoff (2011)
2nd floor, 001.4 G524e
Research Design: Quantitative, Qualitative, Mixed Methods, Arts-Based, and Community-Based Participatory Research Approaches
A step-by-step guide by Patricia Leavy, 2017.