Research Methods: Quantitative and Qualitative
Lecturer: Dr. S. Muhammad
Understanding Research Methods and Methodology
Research Method: The methods used by a researcher in
performing the research operations. This includes
method of data collection, techniques of data analysis
and methods for evaluating accuracy of results obtained.
(Kothari and Garg, 2014)
Research Methodology: This is the approach adopted to
systematically solve the research problem. This covers
the logic behind the method selected, why the particular
method is selected as against others as well as other
considerations. (Kothari and Garg, 2014)
BLDG405 Introduction to Research Methods
Research
Methods
Quantitative Qualitative
Methods Methods
Broad Categories of Research Methods (by design)
BLDG405 Introduction to Research Methods
Quantitative Methods
• Quantitative research is a research strategy that
focuses on quantifying the collection and analysis of
data.
• It deals with data that are numerical or that can be
converted into numbers.
• This is based on quantitative measurement of some
characteristics (Kothari and Garg, 2014).
• It asks questions such as ‘how long’, ‘how many’ or ‘ to
what extent’ etc.
• Quantitative methods attempt to quantify data and
generalise results from a sample of the population of
interest.
BLDG405 Introduction to Research Methods
Qualitative Methods
• Qualitative research is the process of collecting,
analysing, and interpreting non-numerical data.
• It collects and works with non-numerical data and that
seeks to interpret meaning from these data
• Qualitative research attempts to gain an understanding
of the underlying reasons and motivations for actions
and establish how people interpret their experiences
and the world around them.
• Qualitative researchers use their own eyes, ears, and
intelligence to collect in-depth perceptions and
descriptions of targeted populations, places, and events.
BLDG405 Introduction to Research Methods
Research Methods: Experiments
• An experiment is a study in which the researcher
manipulates the level of some independent variable and
then measures the outcome.
• It uses one or more independent variables, manipulating
them and then using them on one or more dependent
variables.
• In this process, the researchers can measure the effect
of the independent variable(s) on the dependent
variable(s).
• It involves testing or attempting to prove a hypothesis by
way of experimentation.
• Experiments are powerful techniques for evaluating
cause-and-effect relationships.
BLDG405 Introduction to Research
Methods
Research Methods: Experiments
• Experiments are conducted both in the laboratory and
in real life situations.
• The experimental research design is usually carried out
in a controlled environment or under controlled
condition.
Examples:
1. Effect of using saw dust ash as partial replacement of
cement on the compressive strength of concrete.
2. Multi-storey building occupants’ response to fire
outbreak.
BLDG405 Introduction to Research
Methods
Research Methods : Surveys
• Survey research is generally a quantitative approach.
• Survey research is defined as “the collection of
information from a sample of individuals through their
responses to questions” (Check & Schutt, 2012)
• It is used to obtain information describing
characteristics of a large sample of individuals (or
items) of interest relatively quickly.
• The method involves collecting data by asking
questions and analysing the results.
• Surveys are useful in describing the characteristics of a
large population.
BLDG405 Introduction to Research
Methods
Research Methods : Surveys
• Surveys can be conducted in person, by telephone,
through the mail, or over the Internet.
Examples:
1. Students’ perception on quality of hostel
accommodation in ABU Zaria.
2. Causes of delay in public building projects
BLDG405 Introduction to Research
Methods
Research Methods : Interview
• An interview is generally a qualitative research
method that involves people exchanging information
through a series of questions and answers.
• It involves asking open-ended questions to elicit
response about a subject.
• Interviews are designed to collect a richer source of
information from a small number of people.
• Interviews are an appropriate method when there is
need to collect in-depth information on people’s
opinions, thoughts, experiences, and feelings.
BLDG405 Introduction to Research
Methods
Research Methods : Interview
• An interview may be conducted in person, over the
phone, via email or other options.
Examples:
1. Exploring reasons for low level of professional
registration among building graduates.
2. Understanding students’ accommodation preference.
BLDG405 Introduction to Research
Methods
Research Methods : Focus Group
• Focus group is a qualitative approach where a group
of participants are interviewed together.
• A focus group is defined as a small group of carefully
selected participants who contribute to open
discussions for research.
• It is used to collect data through group interaction.
• A trained moderator conducts a collective interview
of typically six to eight participants.
• Focus group facilitates quick and convenient way to
collect data from several people simultaneously.
BLDG405 Introduction to Research
Methods
Research Methods : Observation
• Observation, as the name implies, is a way of collecting
data through observing.
• Observation research is a qualitative research technique
where researchers observe participants' ongoing
behaviour in a natural situation.
• In other words, researchers can capture data on what
participants do as opposed to what they say they do.
• The method can also be used on researches on non-
human subjects such as building.
• In observational research, the target respondent/subject
is observed and analysed in their natural/real-world
setting.
BLDG405 Introduction to Research
Methods
Research Methods : Observation
Examples:
1. Nature of defects on buildings in phase II of
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
BLDG405 Introduction to Research
Methods
THANK YOU
BLDG405 Introduction to Research
Methods
