Table 8.3 Differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods.

__________________________________________________________________
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

__________________________________________________________________
Primary purpose is to determine cause-and-effect relationships Precise hypothesis is stated before the start of the investigation; theories govern the purpose of the investigation in a deductive manner The independent variable is controlled and manipulated Primary purpose is to describe ongoing processes Hypotheses are developed during the investigation; questions govern the purpose of the investigation; theories are developed inductively

Objective collection of data is a requirement Research design is specified before the start of the investigation Data are represented and summarized in numerical form Reliability and validity determined through statistical and logical methods Samples are selected to represent the population Study of behavior is in the natural or artificial setting Use of design or statistical analyses to control for threats to internal validity Use of inferential statistical procedures to demonstrate external validity (specifically, population validity) Rely on research design and data gathering instruments to control

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 or summarized in narrative or verbal forms Reliability and validity determined through multiple sources of information (triangulation) Samples are purposefully selected or single cases are studied Study of behavior is in the natural setting Use of logical analyses to control or account for alternative explanations Use of similar cases to determine the generalizability of findings (logical generalization) if at all

Rely on the researcher to come to terms with procedural bias

for procedural bias Phenomena are broken down or simplified for study Conclusions are stated with a predetermined degree of certainty (i.e., level) Phenomena are studied holistically, as a complex system Conclusions are tentative and subjected to ongoing examination

__________________________________________________________________