Compare and Contrast Qualitative and Quantitative Research
Research not only entails the study or investigation of certain aspects, but it also involves the systematic design and structuring of the content. Research is a critical aspect, especially in medicine. In the medical world, it entails the innovation and invention of new ways of patient treatment. It also ensures that there is the proper use of the exiting treatment method(Tingen, Burnett, Murchison & Zhu, 2009). Research designs are divided according to two main approaches; they include; qualitative and quantitative research(Mary &WiniFred, 2014). In this paper, there will be an outline of the various differences that exist between the two methods and how they are applied in research.. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
| Qualitative Approach | Quantitative Approach |
| Expresses information on the quality of the aspect. For example, expressing a person living a healthy life. (it’s impossible to make a physical count on quality) | Involves the measuring of a particular aspect. For example, the measure of a person’s life expectancy rate. (a physical count is done) |
| Based on the inductive approach, and the research does not apply the use of theories. | Based on the deductive approach that is used to articulate and use of theories |
| Applies the naturalistic approach – one expresses a particular view about an aspect as to the nature of reality. For example, observing the way people open doors in shopping malls for their partners. | Applies experimental approach – this is where a researcher conducts experiments to get results on certain aspects. For example, experimenting to see how many people are infected with a specific virus. |
| Seeks the character of uniqueness in an aspect | Seeking to get variables and data on an aspect. |
| Collects soft data which is collected with integrity and a subjective manner | Collects hard data that is objective and standardized. |
| Research questions used are used to describe certain phenomena i.e., how do people experience racial discrimination in healthcare | Research questions are used to explore a variable or count about an aspect; for example, how many people have been reported having been discriminated by their race in hospitals. |
In conclusion, the difference covered is just but a few of the variances between a qualitative and quantitative research approach. Additionally, it must be noted that there are different data collection methods and tools for both. The researcher should select the appropriate method bets suited to the research being conducted.
References
Mary. A, & Winifred. E (2014). Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260181153_Qualitative_and_Quantitative_Research_Methods
Tingen, M., Burnett, A., Murchison, R., & Zhu, H. (2009). The Importance of Nursing Research. Journal Of Nursing Education, 48(3), 167-170. doi: 10.3928/01484834-20090301-10