Qualitative and Quantitative Nursing Research

Qualitative and Quantitative Nursing Research

            Research is a means of progressing nursing care through the provision of solutions to problems. There are two main approaches to research, including Qualitative and Quantitative methods. The two methods exhibit similarities and differences; hence researchers need to understand the differences in practices.

In the context of purpose, a quantitative research method aims at breaking down and understanding scientific phenomenon to establish their connects and disconnects. The research studies data that is predictable and controllable in a structured and representable statistically. Qualitative research, on the other hand, it purposes to interpret, understand, and describe social phenomena such as beliefs, opinions, and feelings. Qualitative research aims at answering complex questions to provide explanations and descriptions of phenomena (Bryman, 2017).

During the data analysis phase, Bryman (2017) points out that the quantitative research method applies hypothesis in determining representative figures while qualitative integrates abstract concepts in explaining theories. In quantitative research, data analysis is performed on completion of the research study, unlike in qualitative research where data analysis is performed during the study. The methods of data analysis applied in quantitative research include tables, diagrams, and statistical methods depend on the type of data. In contrast, in qualitative research, data analysis is performed through the application of descriptions and documentation of opinions and perceptions.  However, in both research methods, data analysis involves processes such as inference, systematic procedures, error avoidance, and comparisons (Hammersley, 2017).

Examples of research questions for the two types of research include:

Quantitative research question

How does the working environment affect health practitioners’ mental wellbeing in the emergency department?

Qualitative research question

What are the mental-health experiences of practitioners in providing care in the emergency department?

Both Qualitative and Quantitative research methods exhibit similarities and differences in the context of purpose and data analysis procedures. A researcher needs to have extensive knowledge of the differences and similarities to effective research study experience.

References

Hammersley, M. (2017). Deconstructing the qualitative-quantitative divide 1. In Mixing methods: Qualitative and quantitative research (pp. 39-55). Routledge.  https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315248813

Bryman, A. (2017). Quantitative and qualitative research: further reflections on their integration. In Mixing methods: Qualitative and quantitative research (pp. 57-78). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315248813