Qualitative and quantitative research methods - Essay Example

Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods Quantitative research methods are methods that typically seek to generate accurate and generalizable findings. Studies that use quantitative methods usually try to formulate most or all of their research techniques in advance, and then attempt to adhere accurately to those techniques with maximum objectivity as the data is collected. On the other hand, qualitative research methods are methods that permit the research procedures to develop as more observations are collected, and that usually allow the utilization of subjectivity to produce deeper perceptive of the human experiences meanings (Babbie and Rubin, 2011).

Quantitative research methods stress much on the generation of generalizable and precise statistical findings. Numerical data features in quantitative research. The method is usually used when the researcher wants verify if a cause generates an impact in general. On the other hand, qualitative research methods attempt to capture the deeper meaning of certain human experiences and produce theoretical richer observations that cannot be easily captured by numerical data (Babbie and Rubin, 2011)..

Another difference between quantitative and qualitative research is the core assumption concerning the function of the researcher. In qualitative research, it is perceived that the researcher can learn more about a particular situation by taking part in it or getting deeply involved in the situation. In quantitative research, the researcher is just an objective observer who neither takes part nor influences whatever is being studied (Colorado State University, 2012)In conclusion, the research method to be used in the study of Ethics, Compliance, and Social Responsibility of Hewlett Packard is qualitative research method.

This is because the method allows the research techniques to generate more observation as the data is collected. The method also allows the researcher to learn more about a certain situation by taking part in what the participants are doing. In this case, the research will learn more about ethics, compliance, and social responsibility of Hewlett Packard.ReferencesBabbie, E., & Rubin, A. (2011). Essential research methods for social work. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning. Colorado State University. (2012). The qualitative versus quantitative debate.

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