Qualitative Methods Quantitative Methods
Methods include focus groups, in-depth Surveys, structured interviews &
interviews, and reviews of documents for observations, and reviews of records or
types of themes documents for numeric information
Primarily inductive process used to Primarily deductive process used to test
formulate theory or hypotheses pre-specified concepts, constructs, and
hypotheses that make up a theory
More subjective: describes a problem or More objective: provides observed effects
condition from the point of view of those (interpreted by researchers) of a program
experiencing it on a problem or condition
Text-based Number-based
More in-depth information on a few cases Less in-depth but more breadth of
information across a large number of cases
Unstructured or semi-structured response Fixed response options
options
No statistical tests Statistical tests are used for analysis
Can be valid and reliable: largely depends Can be valid and reliable: largely depends
on skill and rigor of the researcher on the measurement device or instrument
used
Time expenditure lighter on the planning Time expenditure heavier on the planning
end and heavier during the analysis phase phase and lighter on the analysis phase
Less generalizable More generalizable
BASIS FOR QUALITATIVE QUANTITATIVE
COMPARISON RESEARCH RESEARCH
Meaning Qualitative research is a Quantitative research is a
method of inquiry that research method that is used
develops understanding to generate numerical data
on human and social and hard facts, by employing
sciences, to find the way statistical, logical and
people think and feel. mathematical technique.
Nature Holistic Particularistic
BASIS FOR QUALITATIVE QUANTITATIVE
COMPARISON RESEARCH RESEARCH
Approach Subjective Objective
Research type Exploratory Conclusive
Reasoning Inductive Deductive
Sampling Purposive Random
Data Verbal Measurable
Inquiry Process-oriented Result-oriented
Hypothesis Generated Tested
Elements of Words, pictures and Numerical data
analysis objects
Objective To explore and discover To examine cause and effect
ideas used in the ongoing relationship between
processes. variables.
Methods Non-structured Structured techniques such
techniques like In-depth as surveys, questionnaires
interviews, group and observations.
discussions etc.
Result Develops initial Recommends final course of
understanding action
Qualitative Research
Qualitative Research is primarily exploratory research. It is used to gain an
understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations. It provides insights into
the problem or helps to develop ideas or hypotheses for potential quantitative research.
Qualitative Research is also used to uncover trends in thought and opinions, and dive
deeper into the problem. Qualitative data collection methods vary using unstructured or
semi-structured techniques. Some common methods include focus groups (group
discussions), individual interviews, and participation/observations. The sample size is
typically small, and respondents are selected to fulfil a given quota.
Quantitative Research
Quantitative Research is used to quantify the problem by way of generating numerical
data or data that can be transformed into usable statistics. It is used to quantify
attitudes, opinions, behaviors, and other defined variables – and generalize results from
a larger sample population. Quantitative Research uses measurable data to formulate
facts and uncover patterns in research. Quantitative data collection methods are much
more structured than Qualitative data collection methods. Quantitative data collection
methods include various forms of surveys – online surveys, paper surveys, mobile
surveys and kiosk surveys, face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews, longitudinal
studies, website interceptors, online polls, and systematic observations.
1.
