Qualitative and Quantitative research approaches

2011

• Data analysis–the examination of research data.• Data collection–the systematic process of collecting data.• Deduction–arriving at logical conclusions through the application of rational processes eg theory testing. Quantitative research tends to be deductive.• Documentary research–the use of texts or documents as source materials (eg historical reports, newspapers, diaries).

Qualitative research represents a systematic subjective approach used to describe life experiences and to give them meaning. The approach aims at gaining insight, explore in depth and understand the richness and complexity inherent in human behaviours (Denzin & Lincoln, 2005). Nkwi et al (2001) describe qualitative research as any research that uses data that do not indicate ordinal value. As such, it deals with data in form of sound, text and images instead of discrete measurable values (units of measure) representing the subject of study. This approach of research seeks to explore the meaning people construct around their world in terms of perception, feelings, experiences and other intangible characteristics of the world around the researcher or the subject of the research (Merriam, 2009).

UNICAF University - Zambia, 2021

The following 8-point definition is adapted from Cobb and Hagermaster (1987): 1. Importance of context There is attention to the social context in which events occur and have meaning. According to qualitative researchers, this is because events can only be properly understood in context. Contrast this feature with the approach of the quantitative researcher who treats the context as a distraction, a source of error, that is, something that has to be controlled. 2. Emic view of the world There is an emphasis on understanding the social world from the point of view of the participants in it. This is known as an emic point of view. With quantitative methods the researcher is not interested in how subjects see the world except in relation to the variables that are being measured. This is known as an etic point of view. 3. Inductive approach The approach is primarily inductive which means the researcher develops a hunch while in the field and systematically looks for evidence to confirming or refute it. By way of contrast, in quantitative studies the researcher uses theory and empirical research to develop a small number of propositions. In other words, the conclusion of the study is deduced from the theory and experimental or quasi-experimental evidence. 4. Interaction with participants Common data collection procedures include interviewing, participant observation, examination of personal documents and other printed materials. The researcher personally interacts with participants. 5. Focus on understanding and description The concern is primarily with understanding and description rather than explanations based on causal relationships. Understanding, according to qualitative researchers, need not be reduced to a series of statements about causal relationships. 6. Ongoing development of hypotheses Hypotheses are usually developed during the research rather than a priori. The reason for this is simple: the researcher develops a better understanding of the phenomenon being studied the longer they stay in the field. 7. Ongoing development of instruments Procedures for data gathering are subject to ongoing revision in the field. These can't be developed until the hypotheses have been formulated. 8. Narrative form Analysis is usually presented in narrative rather than in numerical form.

Qualitative research is one of the two types of methodologies used in research. The characteristics of qualitative research studies and qualitative research are the delivery of data.

The Advent Press, 2016

The Breadth section (of Part 1) identified and critically examined the foundation theories that underlie the qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods through the theoretical perspectives of Creswell and Frankfort-Nachmias and Nachmias. The methodological concepts of these seminal thinkers were synthesized while answers were sought to the ensuing questions: Does any relationship exist between physical and social sciences? To what extent do foundation theories influence the choice of a research method? What are the major elements that underlie a scientific inquiry? How does the choice of a method affect the success of a study? What are the differences among the quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods in scientific investigations? What is the correlation among the quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods in scientific investigations?

2016

Ontology Ontology is the study of being or reality. It is concerned with our perceptions of the nature of existence or essence. In the context of research this is important. Quantitative research is concerned with proof that a natural phenomenon exists, whereas qualitative research is concerned with ‘how’ and ‘why’ situations occur or phenomenon exist in the form they do. “Qualitative research is about exploring issues, understanding phenomena, and answering questions by analyzing and making sense of unstructured data.”