Differentiating Between Qualitative & Quantitative

What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative research methods? Give an example of each.

Full Answer Section

       
  • Subjective perspective: Acknowledges the researcher's role in interpreting data and the subjective nature of human experience.
  • Common methods: In-depth interviews, focus groups, observations (ethnography), case studies, content analysis of texts or media.
Example of Qualitative Research: Research Question: "How do frontline healthcare workers experience stress and burnout during a pandemic?"
  • Method: The researcher would conduct in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 15-20 frontline healthcare workers (nurses, doctors, paramedics).
  • Data Collection: During the interviews, open-ended questions would be asked, such as: "Can you describe a typical shift during the pandemic?", "What emotional challenges have you faced?", "How has your personal life been affected?", "What coping mechanisms have you found helpful?", and "What support systems (or lack thereof) have you encountered?" The interviews would be audio-recorded and transcribed.
  • Data Analysis: The transcribed interviews would be analyzed using thematic analysis. The researcher would read through the transcripts, identify recurring words, phrases, and concepts, and then group these into overarching themes (e.g., "moral distress," "compassion fatigue," "organizational neglect," "resilience strategies," "impact on family").
  • Outcome: The study would provide a rich, nuanced understanding of the lived experiences of stress and burnout, offering insights into the emotional, psychological, and social dimensions that quantitative data alone might miss. This could inform the development of targeted mental health support programs.

Sample Answer

          Research methods are systematic approaches used to collect and analyze information to answer research questions. They broadly fall into two main categories: qualitative and quantitative research, distinguished primarily by the type of data they collect and the goals of the inquiry.
 

Qualitative Research Methods

  Qualitative research focuses on understanding concepts, thoughts, experiences, and meanings. It aims to explore a phenomenon in depth, providing rich, descriptive insights that cannot be easily measured numerically. It often seeks to answer "why" or "how" questions, delving into subjective experiences and the context in which events occur.
Key Characteristics of Qualitative Research:
  • Non-numerical data: Collects data in the form of words, images, observations, interviews, documents, and narratives.
  • Exploratory and interpretive: Aims to gain a deep understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations.
  • Small, non-random samples: Often involves a smaller number of participants selected based on specific characteristics relevant to the research question.
  • Flexible and unstructured: Research design can evolve as new insights emerge, with open-ended questions and methods.