Difference Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research

A research methodology is defined as the specific procedures used to identify, select, process and analyze information about a particular topic. Researchers have to clearly define the methods by which he/she has collected information about the subject. It is essential to list the research methodology because it allows the reader to understand the study better.

Whenever a researcher undergoes research, there are some pointers which need to be answered before jumping into the research methodologies. These are:

• The argument/aim of the research undertaken.

• The type of research; if the study is exploratory or to prove any underlying theory.

• Clearly defined limits of the research.

It is after answering the question, the researcher jumps into the methodologies through which he concludes the research. Now, we will discuss the differences between the research methodology in detail.

Difference Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research

Research methodologies signify the steps or procedures taken by the researcher to understand the topic at hand. There are tools available for the researcher to dive deep into a particular topic. We classify these as qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Qualitative research: Qualitative research, as the name suggests, deals with the study of observation and understanding human behaviour. The qualitative research methodology is based on the interpretation of people. We try to understand what goes into the people’s mind when they make a decision. These are usually carried out with the help of interviewing people personally or involving in a group discussion. A common feature in qualitative research is open-ended questions. As we are interested in people’s point of view more here, we want them to be able to communicate more.

This is to allow them to communicate their opinions and beliefs to the researcher freely. A simple yes or no answer might not help the researcher; therefore, the researcher uses methods or techniques that will allow the other person to be in the driving seat. Qualitative research is flexible and is also prone to personal biases. It also depends on how the researcher interprets the information received.

Quantitative Research: Quantitative research can easily be defined as the study of numbers. Quantitative analysis believes in the strict use of a statistical approach to arrive at a conclusion. The objective is to remove the room for personal error. Using a more systematic approach in solving, quantitative research methods try to develop concrete data points.

The aim is to arrive at a cause and effect relationship between variables of the study. The types of questions asked in this type of research are quantifiable. When using a statistical approach, the researcher uses statistical methods such as sampling, median, variance, frequency, mean values etc., to better understand the bigger picture.

The primary differencing factors between qualitative and research methodology is what is the aim of the researcher when he undergoes research. Is it to test an underlying theory, or is it exploratory in nature?

Both qualitative and quantitative research methods have their own unique features, and therefore both are used in combination in any study.

The key points of difference between qualitative and quantitative methods of research are:

Difference Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods

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