1
Quantitative and Qualitative Research
Name
Institution
Course
Professor
Date
2
Quantitative and Qualitative Research
Compare and contrast quantitative and qualitative research
Similarities
There is a hierarchy or scale that may be applied to both quantitative and qualitative data.
That is, although ordinal data are occasionally categorized under quantitative data. Qualitative
data do not, however, have a uniform scale. Both quantitative and qualitative types of data are
utilized in the research and quantitative analysis processes.
Differences
To begin, quantitative research is concerned with collecting statistical information and
presenting the results in charts, figures, and diagrams (Pearce & Pons, 2019). On the other hand,
qualitative research is concerned with collecting data based on text, and the findings might be
presented in the form of explanations, videos/sound recordings, or images.
Second, quantitative research is essentially deductive and is utilized to test a construct,
idea, and hypothesis that together make up a theory (Pearce & Pons, 2019). In contrast,
qualitative research is essentially an inductive process employed when establishing a theory or a
hypothesis. This type of research is not as widespread as quantitative research.
Thirdly, the measuring equipment or instrument plays a significant role in determining
the validity and reliability of quantitative research (Pearce & Pons, 2019). On the other hand,
validity and reliability in the qualitative study are determined by the researcher's talent,
creativity, expertise, and interpretation of the study's results. Comparatively, qualitative research
is more in-depth than quantitative research.
3
Fourthly, the amount of time spent on the planning phase of quantitative research is
significantly more than the amount of time spent on the analysis phase (Pearce & Pons, 2019).
When compared, the time needed for the qualitative research design stage is significantly less,
but the time needed for the qualitative research analysis stage is significantly higher.
Finally, quantitative research can collect data using a variety of approaches, such as
surveys, observations, and inspections of records and documents for numerical data (Pearce &
Pons, 2019). On the other hand, some procedures for collecting data in qualitative research are
in-depth interviews, participant observations, and document analyses to identify theme types.
Examples of when to use quantitative and qualitative research
Compliance rates with hand hygiene guidelines in intensive care units might be improved
using quantitative research on the behavioral variables and best practices that influence those
rates (Pearce & Pons, 2019). This follows the bible from psalms 5:17, which says, “Purify me
with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Altrogge, 2019).
The collection of statistical information on compliance rates and the subsequent requirement for
statistical analysis suggests that quantitative research methods are most suitable (Aspers & Corte,
2019).
To reduce the spread of healthcare-acquired illnesses, a descriptive method would
examine healthcare professionals to see how seriously they take the necessity of following hand
hygiene requirements (Pearce & Pons, 2019). Due to the absence of quantitative data and the
focus on describing the issue from the viewpoint of healthcare practitioners, qualitative research
methods are being employed here (Aspers & Corte, 2019).
The relationship between dependent and independent variables in research
4
The impacts on the dependent variable are tested in a laboratory test by manipulating the
independent variable. The term "dependent variable" refers to the variable that is the
experiment's focus and the subject of the measurements (Losh, 2017).
5
References
Altrogge, S. (2019). New International Version Bible - Read Free Online. Bible Study Tools.
https://www.biblestudytools.com/niv/
Aspers, P., & Corte, U. (2019). What Is Qualitative in Qualitative Research? Qualitative
Sociology, 42(2), 139–160. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11133-019-9413-7
Losh, S. C. (2017). Dependent and Independent Variables. The Wiley
‐
Blackwell Encyclopedia of
Social Theory, 1-3.
Pearce, A., & Pons, D. (2019). Advancing lean management: The missing quantitative approach.
Operations Research Perspectives, 6, 100114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orp.2019.100114
