Table 8.3 Differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods.

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QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

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Primary purpose is to determine
cause-and-effect relationships

Primary purpose is to describe ongoing processes

Precise hypothesis is stated before

the start of the investigation; theories
govern the purpose of the
investigation in a deductive
manner

Hypotheses are developed during the

investigation; questions govern the
purpose of the investigation; theories
are developed inductively

The independent variable is

controlled and manipulated

Research design is specified before

the start of the investigation

There is no specific independent

variable; the concern is to study
naturally occurring phenomena
without interference
Objective collection of data is not a
requirement; data collectors may
interact with the participants
Research design is flexible and
develops throughout the investigation

Data are represented and summarized

in numerical form

Data are represented or summarized in

narrative or verbal forms

Reliability and validity determined

through statistical and logical
methods

Reliability and validity determined

through multiple sources of
information (triangulation)

Samples are selected to represent

the population

Samples are purposefully selected or

single cases are studied

Study of behavior is in the natural

or artificial setting

Study of behavior is in the natural

setting

Use of design or statistical analyses

to control for threats to internal
validity

Use of logical analyses to control

or account for alternative
explanations

Use of inferential statistical

procedures to demonstrate
external validity (specifically,
population validity)

Use of similar cases to determine the

generalizability of findings (logical
generalization) if at all

Rely on research design and data

gathering instruments to control

Rely on the researcher to come to

terms with procedural bias

Objective collection of data is a

requirement

for procedural bias

Phenomena are broken down or
simplified for study

Phenomena are studied holistically,

as a complex system

Conclusions are stated with a

predetermined degree of certainty
(i.e., level)

Conclusions are tentative and

subjected to ongoing examination

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