Quantitative and Qualitative Research

Research has two broad methodologies; qualitative research and quantitative research. Quantitative and
qualitative researches are complementary methods that you can combine in your research studies to get results
that are both wide-reaching and profound. To get the best results from these methods in your research, it’s
important that you understand the differences between them which you will study in this lesson.

Difference: Qualitative Research versus Quantitative Research2

Qualitative Quantitative
It aims to create new theory The purpose is to test a
based on the gathered data. hypothesis or theory.
Objective
Fact-finding research used to Measures problem using rating
gain understanding of individual scale and other research
differences in terms of feelings parameters of group
and experiences. similarities.

-natural setting -measurement setting

Data Description -making stories out of a certain -performs measures out of a
phenomenon. certain phenomenon.

-Uses pictures, words, - Uses numbers, scales,

sentences, paragraphs, hypotheses, calculations,
compositions, narrations and computations and statistics
short stories tools.

Sample (size) Small judgment (by decision) Large sample representatives

sampling of population
Data Gathering Unstructured or semi structured Standardized /Structured
(flexible processes)
Uses census, survey
Uses interviews, participant questionnaire, checklist, paper-
observation, group discussions. pencil test and
Ex: Case Study, field research experimentation.

Uses open ended questions. Uses closed ended questions.

It is a freeform survey questions
allow a participant to answer in
open-text format, responses are
unlimited to a set of options.
Questions can only be
answered by selecting from a
limited number of options,
usually “multiple-choice”, “yes
or no”, or a rating scale

Example: Example:
Guide questions for the Strongly agree to strongly
interviews disagree
In quantitative research closed
1. What was your experiences ended questions are the basis
during quarantine period on the of all statistical analysis
COVID-19 pandemic? How did techniques applied on
you handle the situation caused questionnaires and surveys.
by the pandemic?
Sample Question:
 2. Was the support of the Do you agree on online
National and Local Government modality class in transitioning
enough for your basic needs? the new normal of education?
Did they conduct evaluation for a. Strongly agree
those who were affected? b. Agree
c. Disagree
d. Strongly disagree
Inductive Deductive
The researcher starts with the Starts from a hypothesis or
Activities observations, an open mind already created theory
without biases, gathering all emphasizing the previously
exact details of the topic and researched phenomenon from
generalization or new theory is different views (tested against
given towards the end of the observations).
research process.
Use both inductive and deductive
They are not mutually exclusive with each other in research.

Inductive method or “bottom-up” is used if the researcher starts

Data discussions discussions from the lowest and highest means then explains the
and Presentation overall mean.

Deductive or “top-down “if discussion is from the overall mean

going to the lowest and highest means, deductive.
Opinions are based on Opinions are based on laws,
experience or observation. rules, or other recognized
There are no criteria used in principles.
data discussions.
Synthesize data, interpret, Statistical
thematic.

Subjective Objective
Data Analysis
Data analysis is influenced by The researcher employs
the personal experiences and
standard criteria in analyzing
views.
data.

Cultivates understanding with Endorse a development.

high validity. Has high output replicability.
Outcome

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2For more information on “Differentiate Qualitative and Quantitative Research”, see Abdullah, S.N. (2018).Practical
Research 1: Qualitative Research [PowerPoint slides].Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu./ppt

Source: Department of Education – Bureau of Learning Resources (DepEd – BLR)

Concept Map showing the Designs of Research.1

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1 For
more information on these Designs of Research, see Abdullah, S.N. (2018).Practical Research 1: Qualitative Research
[PowerPoint slides].Retrieved from http://www.academia.edu./ppt

Source: Department of Education – Bureau of Learning Resources (DepEd – BLR)

Kinds of Qualitative Research2
1. Case Study - Long time study of a person, group, organization or situation and an empirical
inquiry that investigates current phenomenon.
Example: “Teenage Pregnancy in the Public High Schools”

2. Ethnography- a study of a particular cultural group.

Example: “Cultural Awareness and Integration of Peace Education in the Indigenous Peoples
(IP) Communities”
.
3. Phenomenology- “live-experienced” of a phenomenon.
Example: “Life without Gadget”

4. Content and Discourse Analysis-

• Content Analysis- is a research technique that analyzes the modes of communication
such as letters, e-mails etc.

• Discourse Analysis- is the study of social life, understood through analysis of language
it includes face-to-face talk, non-verbal interaction, images and symbols.

Materials for Discourse Analysis include books, newspapers, periodicals, brochures and
advertisements.

Example: “A Discourse Analysis on the Impact of Modern Technologies on Communication”

5. Historical Analysis- is a qualitative method where there is an examining of past events to draw
conclusions and make predictions about the future.

Example: “The Impact of Ferdinand Marcos’ Speech”

6. Grounded Theory- takes place when there is a discovery of new theory which underlies your
study at the time of data collection and analysis.
Example: “The Story Behind the Migration of Christians from Visayas and Luzon to Mindanao”

7. Narrative Report - designed to present things or events that have happened in the past through
a logical progression of the relevant information. The main purpose of a narrative report is to
present a factual depiction of what has occurred.

Example: “Vocabulary Building of Students through Proper Solid Waste Management”

8. Biography- is the study of an individual’s life and struggles and how they reflect cultural themes
of the society. It deals with an interesting story found in documents and archival materials. It is
concerned with the reconstruction of life histories and the constitution of meaning based on
biographical narratives and documents.

❖ Five common types of biography are

(1) Scholarly Chronicles -focus on the historical portrayal of an individual life.
e.g. “Biography of Gloria M. Arroyo, the First Woman President of the Philippines”
(2) Intellectual Biography- narrative of a life through the conceptual analysis of the subject’s
motives and beliefs within the world of ideas.
e.g. “Life and Works of Dr. Jose Rizal”
(3) Life History Writing- recording of life memories, experiences, whether one’s or another’s.
e.g. “The Hardships of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW’s)”.
(4) Memoir Biography- stylistic presentation of the biographer’s reflections and insights in
relation to the factual account of life.
e.g. “The Experiences of Stranded Students in the COVID-19 Pandemic”
 (5) Narrative Biography-a nonfiction account of life experiences of a person.

9. Action Research- is a classroom-based or school-based research seeks transformative change

through the process of taking action and doing research, which are linked together by critical
reflection. This type of research is commonly conducted by the teachers to give solutions to the
existing problems to improve students’ academic performance and positive attitudes.

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2 For more information on these kinds of qualitative research, see Palasan, E.B (2018). Qualitative Research: Importance
in Daily Life [PowerPoint] available online with http://www.slideshare.net.ppt

Source: Department of Education – Bureau of Learning Resources (DepEd – BLR)