Research Methods
Qualitative and mixed Research
What is a Quantitative Research?
Quantitative Research:
Nature: In quantitative research, data is collected in numerical form
and is subjected to statistical analysis to identify patterns, relationships,
and generalizability.
Purpose: It aims to quantify phenomena, test hypotheses, and make
predictions or generalizations about a population.
Example: A study measuring the impact of a new drug on blood
pressure levels where numerical data (blood pressure readings) is
collected from a large sample of participants and statistically analyzed.
What is a Qualitative Research?
Qualitative Research:
Nature: Qualitative research involves collecting non-numerical data
such as words, images, or observations. It aims to explore, understand,
and interpret complex phenomena.
Purpose: It seeks to uncover meanings, themes, and patterns,
providing insights into the depth and richness of a phenomenon.
Example: Ethnographic research studying the experiences of a
particular community affected by environmental changes, involving in-
depth interviews, observations, and analysis of narratives.
What is a Mixed Research?
Mixed Research Methods:
Nature: Mixed methods research combines both quantitative and qualitative
approaches within a single study, allowing researchers to gain a
comprehensive understanding of a research question.
Purpose: It aims to capitalize on the strengths of both methods, providing a
more holistic view and allowing for a deeper exploration of research
questions.
Example: A study investigating the effectiveness of an educational program
may use surveys (quantitative) to gather numerical data on academic
performance and interviews (qualitative) to explore students' perceptions and
Comparison among quantitative, qualitative
and mixed research method ?
Factor included in comparisons:
1. Data Type
2. Analysis Approach
3. Purpose
4. Sampling
5. Timing
6. Examples
7. Integration
Comparison among quantitative, qualitative
and mixed research methods
Sr. # Factors Quantitative Qualitative Mixed
Non-numerical Both numerical
1 Data Type Numerical data data (words, and non-
images). numerical data.
Thematic analysis, Both statistical
content analysis, analysis and
Analysis Statistical
2 Approach analysis.
or other qualitative
qualitative analysis, often
methods. integrated.
Comprehensive
Test hypotheses, understanding,
Explore meanings,
establish triangulation,
generate theories,
3 Purpose patterns,
understand
addressing
generalize research
complexity.
findings. questions from
multiple angles.
Comparison among quantitative, qualitative
and mixed research methods
Quantitativ
Sr. # Factors Qualitative Mixed
e
Combines larger
Smaller, samples for
Larger samples purposive quantitative
4 Sampling for statistical samples for in- analysis and
power. depth smaller, purposeful
exploration. samples for
qualitative analysis.
Collected over
a more
Usually
extended Can be collected
collected at a
5 Timing
single point in
period, often concurrently or
involving sequentially.
time.
prolonged
engagement.
Comparison among quantitative, qualitative
and mixed research methods
Quantitativ
Sr. # Factors Qualitative Mixed
e
Integrates both types
Typically, Independent of
of data, allowing for a
6 Integration independent of quantitative
more comprehensive
qualitative data. data.
analysis.
Studying the impact
of a health
In-depth intervention using
Survey
interviews both surveys for
measuring
exploring quantifiable health
7 Examples customer
employees' outcomes and
satisfaction
experiences in interviews to
ratings.
a workplace. understand
participants'
perspectives.
Comparison among quantitative, qualitative
and mixed research methods
In summary, quantitative research emphasizes numerical
data and statistical analysis, qualitative research focuses on
non-numerical data and in-depth exploration, and mixed
methods research combines both approaches to provide a
more holistic understanding of complex phenomena.
Researchers choose the method(s) based on their research
questions and the depth of understanding they seek to
achieve.
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