Qualitative Research

Quantitative Research
These are the two forms of research paradigms
(Leedy, 1997) which are qualitative and quantitative
These paradigms determine the
 Research approach
 Methods of data collection
 Forms of data analysis
 Methods of data presentations
Qualitative Research
Qualitative research can be defined as ‘multi-method
in focus, involving an interpretive, naturalistic
approach to its subject matter’ Denzin and Lincoln,
1994)
Qualitative research attempts to understand
meanings that people give to their deeds or to social
phenomena
In other words researchers see people from the inside
Analytical induction s a major logic of qualitative
research.
The rule is ‘take one case and develop a working
hypothesis to explain it.
After that, you take another case and examine
whether the hypothesis can explain the new case.
If it fails, you should revise the hypothesis to explain
both cases.
Qualitative research is a way of approaching the
empirical world.
It is inductive-researchers developed concepts,
insights and understandings from patterns in the data
rather than collecting data assess hypothesis, models
or theories
Ways of data collection vary in qualitative research.
Three classic methods of collecting qualitative data
according to Guba and Lincolin (1994) are
 Interviews
 Participatory observation
 Documentary analysis
Qualitative data analysis moves from description of
an event or social setting to a more general
interpretation of its meaning
It involves handling multiple forms of data
Qualitative reports contain rich descriptions and at
times thick descriptions that contain colourful and
unusual data or characters
Qualitative research involves documenting real
events, recording what people say with words,
gestures, observing speech behaviour, studying
written documents or examining visual images.
One major thrust of qualitative research is that it can
be an empowering exercise that helps people to grow
and take charge of their lives and engage in social
change.
In qualitative research one must be familiar with the
research concerns, theoretical underpinnings of the
qualitative approach and ability to ask questions.
Qualitative research focuses on subjective meanings,
definitions, metaphors, symbols and descriptions of
specific cases.
Quantitative research
Involves making useful descriptions of observed
phenomena and explaining the possible relationships
between descriptive surveys, longitudinal
developments, correlational and ex post factors
research designs (Leedy, 1997).
Descriptive research method is described by Gall Borg
and Gall (1996) as the most basic of quantitative
research methods.
Advocates of quantitative methods argue that only by
using such methods can social sciences become truly
scientific.
Descriptive surveys measures the characteristics of a
sample at one point in time.
Longitudinal research investigates changes in a
sample over a period of time
Correlational studies build on the knowledge gained
from descriptive studies to explore potential
relationships between phenomena.
Ex post facto also called casual-comparative research
describes relationship between something that
occurred in the past (after the fact) and subsequent
responses.
Quantitative research is generally an iterative process
where by evidence is evaluated, theories and
hypothesis are refined and tested.
Statistics is the most widely used branch of
mathematics in quantitative research
A fundamental principle is that correlation does not
imply causation.
This principle follows from the fact that it is always
possible a spurious relationship exists for variables
between which covariance is found in some degree
(Cohen et al., 1996).
Associations may be examined between any
combination of continuous and categorical variables
using methods of statistics.
Measurement is often regarded as beng only a means
by which observations are expressed numerically in
order to investigate casual relations or associations.
Statistical tables and graphs are often used to present
results.
Comparison between quantitative and
qualitative research
Basically quantitative research is objective while
qualitative is subjective.
Quantitative research seeks explanatory laws and
qualitative research aims at in-depth description.
Qualitative measures what it assumes to be static
reality in hopes of developing universal laws
Qualitative research is an exploration of what is
assumed to be dynamic reality.
It does not claim that what is discovered in the
process is universal
QUANTITATIVE QUALITATIVE
Objective Subjective
“Hard” Science “Soft” science
Research questions: Research question:
How many? Strength of What? Why?
association? Literature review may
Literature review must be done as study
be done early in study progress or afterwards
Test theory Develops theory
One reality: focus is Multiple realities: focus
concise and narrow is complex
Facts are value free and Facts are value-laden
unbiased. and biased
Reduction, control and Discovery, description,
precision understanding, shared
and interpretation
Measurable Interpretive
Mechanistic: parts equal Organismic: whole is
the whole greater than parts
Report statistical Report rich, narrative,
analysis individual,
interpretation.
Basic element of Basic element of
analysis is numbers analysis is words/ideas
In general, qualitative research generates rich,
detailed and valid (process) data that contribute to in-
depth understanding of the context.
Quantitative research generates reliable population
based and generalised data and is well suited to
establish cause and effect relationships
Whether to choose quantitative or qualitative design
depend on the
 nature of the project,
 the type of information needed,
 the context of the study and
 the availability of resources (time, money and human)