Difference between Qualitative and Quantitative in Nursing - Research Paper Example

? Qualitative vs Quantitative Research Table of Contents Types of Questions 4 Types of Methodology 5 Review of Literature 5 s/Selections of Samples 7 Data Collection Methods 8 Data Management 8 Data Analysis 9 Instrumentation 10 Purpose 10 Training of Researcher 11 Use in Nursing 12 Conclusion 13 References 14 Introduction Qualitative and quantitative researches are the two types of research methods used in research methodology for evaluating specified problems. Contextually, qualitative research is defined as a method of investigation engaged in certain different academic orders, usually in social sciences along with market trends among others. Qualitative research intends to collect in-depth knowledge of human activities as well as reasons behind such performance (Ospina, 2004). Quantitative research can be defined as a method of systematic experimental inquiry of social phenomena with statistical, mathematical or other graphical techniques. Furthermore, the prime objective of quantitative research is to generate and to utilize mathematical models, hypothesis and theories among others to appropriately derive accurate findings related to any phenomenon (Sukamolson, 2005). The paper intends to discuss and to differentiate between qualitative and quantitative research. The differences of the research methods will be recognized through the types of questions and methods used in these research methods. A review of pertinent literatures will be conducted to comprehend the prevailing distinctiveness between the two research methods. Furthermore, the paper also includes analysis of the differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods in terms of certain factors such as selection procedure of samples, data collection methods and data management along with data analysis as well as instrument and purpose. The aspect of requirement of any kind of training of the researcher to properly execute the assessment process through quantitative and qualitative research has also been highlighted. The paper takes into consideration the aspect that how these two research methods are used in nursing. Types of Questions Question is a form of query statement which helps to elicit certain reply from the respondent. In relation to the aspect, it can be recognized that question is used by every person in their livelihood for expanding knowledge or to help others to expand their understanding (Skow, 2010). With reference to the context of qualitative and quantitative research, researchers generally prefer to use certain forms of questions in order to collect information for their research. Moreover, the questions in qualitative research are often based upon the present scenarios or trends. Generally, the questions of qualitative research are identified when they emphasize more on individual’s perception and thought. Similarly, those questions which help to gather in-depth knowledge upon certain problems are also considered under qualitative research questions. Additionally, the questions of qualitative research are formulated with the help of why and how statements (Creswell, 2008). Examples of qualitative research questions can be: why the circumstances occurred? And how did this happen? Quantitative research questions are those questions which are based upon present and future aspects. The quantitative research question is identified by its nature because it prevails the upcoming facts or consequences of the undertaken problem which means it essentially comprises predictive type of questions. Moreover, the questions of this research are those questions which reveal the relationships and comparatives (Nenty, 2009). Examples of quantitative research questions can be: Do you agree to the fact? Which aspect you like? Types of Methodology Methods in research can be stated as the systematic process of collecting and analyzing the data along with interacting with the respondents. Moreover, qualitative research methodology can be classified as the process of collecting and analyzing and interpreting data by observing people’s activities. It provides in-depth knowledge though which new idea is generated. In doing so, qualitative research methodology includes in-depth and open-ended interviews and direct observance along with descriptive written documents. However, quantitative research methodology is a process of evaluating a problem by inquiring a large number of respondents with pre-coded structure question. With the help of this methodology, the collected data is analyzed and presented through statistical and mathematical models. Generally, this method undertakes structured questionnaire and interacts through face-to-face communication, telephonic methods along with online interview sources as well as analyzes market trends or segment and profile. Additionally, it also helps to develop creative ideas rather than generating new concept (Bakewell, n.d.). Review of Literature According to authors Rallis and Rossman (2011), qualitative research is a process of making naturalistic, systematic, interpretive, instrumental, evaluation and enlightenment along with emancipatory inquiry. Furthermore, these inquiries are used for gathering and analyzing along with interpreting the data in the research process to represent a new idea or information regarding the undertaken problem. According to Hancock (1998), qualitative research is a process of observing and measuring a problem or information repeatedly and objectively for other problems. Furthermore, qualitative research is a type of research which intends to increase understanding related to the facts why things are the way they are in social world and why individuals act the ways they do. In other words, qualitative research deals with building elucidation of social phenomena. According to authors Neergaard and Ulhoi (2007), qualitative research is defined as a multi method in focusing a naturalistic method involving an interpretation to subject matter. Additionally, qualitative research signifies studying certain aspects along with their natural factors, trying to make sense in terms of people’s thought and perception. Moreover, qualitative research involves the study and collection of empirical objects from case study, individual experience and interview along with observation. According to Sukamolson (2005), quantitative research can be defined as a social research which reveals the numerical depictions along with manipulating the collected data from observation as well as involves the empirical data and method. According to Hesketh and Laidlaw (1999), quantitative research intends to focus on measurement as well as proof. Furthermore, this method takes on scientific approach. It is based upon a specified premise whose activity or performance can be observed and counted. This is because it helps to analyze the data through statistical analysis. According to the observation made by Nykiel (2007), quantitative research is defined as a method of quantifying relationship among different variables. Moreover, this method is also recognized as a “cycle of successive phases of hypothesis and data collection and analysis along with interpretation of data” (Nykiel, 2007). Descriptions/Selections of Samples Sampling plays an effective role in research for selecting appropriate respondents from the population in order to gather proper information while evaluating a research problem. Sampling can be defined as a process of selecting a particular part from the elements within a specified population. Contextually, samples help qualitative research to collect in-depth and detailed information about a certain problem or topic. Samples in qualitative research are selected systematically according to the theoretical explanation. Moreover, qualitative sampling criteria are embodied within a logically flexible research design so that it can be changed easily along with the alterations in the research problem. Additionally, in qualitative research, sampling participants are sought in a sequence (Tuckett, 2004). Whereas, in quantitative research, sample is one of the targeted groups which researcher undertakes in order to gather information for the research conducted. Moreover, qualitative research considers certain types of sampling for reducing the errors from the collected data. Generally, quantitative research involves probability, cluster, random, and stratified sampling techniques along with systematic sampling. These sampling techniques are utilized according to the formulated question and research problem (Ouyang, 1996). Data Collection Methods Data collection method is a process of gathering information for evaluating a study or research problem. Qualitative research method involves the method of data collection in order to evaluate the considered problem. Generally, to obtain the primary objectives of qualitative research methods i.e. representing in-depth and detailed information for the research problem, researcher involves certain major methods which include focus groups, direct observations and in-depth interviews along with open-ended questionnaire. This is because these methods help to generate in-depth information from individual’s perception for evaluating the research problem (University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 2001). With reference to the context of data collection methods, quantitative research involves certain methods to collect data for evaluating the research problem. Moreover, quantitative research methods in data collection helps researcher to summarize and to compare along with generalize easily the produced result. Additionally, the techniques those were involved in the data collection method can be identified as face-to-face interaction, telephonic conversation and online interview along with closed-ended questionnaire (University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 2001). Data Management Data management in research plays a vital role especially in case of research methods section. Data management is defined as the management planning which undertakes responsibility regarding the data. The responsibilities can be identified as the measures that will be involved in the processes of data collection by following the regulations related to universal rules, intellectual property and local environmental norms along with ethics among others. Furthermore, it also reveals about the quality of the data as well as the procedures in storing the data for further utilization (University of Edinburgh, 2012). Additionally, the components of data management have been identified as the decisions considered by the management related to the types of data which will be collected in the research process for evaluating the problem. Data management also facilitates to decide the process that will be involved in the research for data collection. Data management also takes the responsibility in handing over certain duties to the member related to data accessing. Furthermore, the components of data management also specify certain responsibilities in relation to the processes that will be considered in informing participants, storing the data and securing the data along with documenting the data among others (University of Edinburgh, 2012). Contextually, it is also observed that both the research methods qualitative and quantitative research frame their processes by considering data management as an important aspect in collecting, securing and analyzing the data. Data Analysis Data analysis is a process of judging, sorting and transforming along with representing data among others keeping in view the research objectives for presenting useful information in evaluating and supporting certain specified research or study topic. Generally, data analysis process is one of the major factors in both qualitative and quantitative research methods (Levine, 1996). Qualitative data analysis can be defined as the process of extracting meaningful data from complex sources such as narrative or image data among others. In qualitative research, data are being analyzed through categorizing, coding and entering the data along with storing among others. Data analysis in quantitative research states about the process of analyzing the collected data with the help of statistical relationship (Xavier University, 2008). Instrumentation Instrumentation in research can be defined as those materials which are used within the research for collecting and analyzing the data. With due consideration to the fact, it can be said that instrumentation used in qualitative research can be recognized as interviews as well as observations and secondary sources. Furthermore, human is also considered as one of the instruments in qualitative research for collecting and analyzing data. Moreover, the instrumentations that have been considered in the quantitative research for collecting and analyzing data are questionnaire, interview and statistical and mathematical techniques (Xavier University, 2008). Purpose Research is conducted for certain specified problems in order to expand knowledge. Moreover, the purpose of conducting qualitative research is to define or evaluate certain important qualities of complex social phenomena. Generally, this research method is conducted for gathering and creating innovative new idea or quality information in respect of specified problems through evaluating and extracting individual’s perceptions and activities related to the problem. Furthermore, the method also helps to present the results in details and to gather in-depth knowledge. Contextually, the purpose of conducting quantitative research is to quantify the theories and descriptive information along with generalizing results from a large number of population or samples. Additionally, the research method is conducted for establishing new information regarding the undertaken problem in the present as well as for the future use. It can also be stated that the method is also conducted for stating the relationship among different variables (Northern Arizona University, 2000). Training of Researcher In case of qualitative research, there is involvement of high quality complex problem solving skills. The researcher in qualitative research needs to be aware of a wide range of methods. The researcher also can be provided training to develop his/her ability to select appropriate methods and to apply them in keeping with the essential philosophical assumptions (ReStore, n.d.). In relation to quantitative research, the researcher requires to take wide-ranging measures to strive for achieving objectivity through the research. Internal validity is a critical aspect that can be maintained by the researcher while conducting a quantitative research if the person is given proper training which can in turn facilitate to find out correct research findings (Jones & Bartlett, LLC, n.d.) Use in Nursing With due consideration to the recognized differences between qualitative and quantitative research, it can be comprehended that both the research methods are conducted according to the research problem. Contextually, it can also be stated that both the research methods are also considered in the nursing related research for evaluating the undertaken problem. Moreover, qualitative research method in nursing research helps to explore or generate new idea or information from the briefed data related to certain phenomena. Generally, in generating new idea or quality information from brief complex phenomena, qualitative design in nursing related research undertakes interview process for collecting data. Furthermore, quantitative research in nursing research helps to study a particular action operated in nursing field or phenomena from an individual’s point of view to a large number of population. With the help of this method nursing research is able to create a relationship between phenomena or knowledge about certain or particular affair. In doing so, quantitative method undertakes survey, quasi-experimental and secondary analysis among others in nursing research (Burns & Grove, 2010). Conclusion Conclusively, with regard to the prevailing differences between qualitative and quantitative research, it can be ascertained that both the research methods have different features for which they are extensively utilized. Qualitative research is conducted in order to gather or present in-depth and detailed knowledge about certain considered topic. In conducting the research objectives, qualitative research involves observation, in-depth interview and secondary sources along with open-ended questionnaire. Furthermore, quantitative research is undertaken for presenting relationship among different variables. In achieving the desired research related aims, in quantitative research researcher involves a large number of population or samples and the data are collected through direct, telephonic and online interviews with the respondents along with analyzing the collected data through statistical techniques. With these different features both qualitative and quantitative research methods facilitate to recognize nursing research related critical phenomena. References Bakewell, H. (n.d.). Understanding the difference between qualitative & quantitative research. Retrieved from http://www.directional.com.au/articles/blueprints/Web_Understanding_Q&Q.pdf Burns, N., & Grove, S. K. (2010). Understanding nursing research: building an evidence-based practice. Netherlands: Elsevier Health Sciences. Creswell. (2008). Research questions and hypotheses. Sage Publication, pp. 129-144. Family Health International. (2003). Data documentation and management: Organizing and storing your data. Qualitative Research Methods: A Data Collector’s Field Guide, pp. 83-92. Hancock, B. (2002). An introduction to qualitative research. University of Nottingham, pp. 1-27. Hesketh, E. A., & Laidlaw, J. M. (1999). Quantitative research. Retrieved from http://www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/nes_resources/ti/QuantativeResearch.pdf Jones & Bartlett, LLC. (n.d.). Quantitative Versus Qualitative Research, or Both? Nursing Research Worldviews. Levine, J. H. (1996). Introduction: What is data analysis? Dartmouth College, I:006, pp. 1-11. Neergaard, H. & Ulhoi, J. P. (2007). Handbook of qualitative research methods in entrepreneurship. United Kingdom: Edward Elgar Publishing. Nenty, H. J. (2009). Writing a quantitative research thesis. University of Botswana, 1(1), pp. 21-32. Northern Arizona University. (2000). Qualitative and quantitative research. Retrieved form http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~tsm/dh450/class/methods/types/lesson2-1-1.html Nykiel, R. (2007). Handbook of marketing research methodologies for hospitality and tourism. United Kingdom: Routledge. Ospina, S. (2004). Qualitative research. New York University. Ouyang, R. (1996). Basic concepts of quantitative research. Retrieved from http://ksumail.kennesaw.edu/~rouyang/ED-research/methods.htm Rallis, S. F., & Rossman, G. B. (2011). Learning in the field: An introduction to qualitative research. United Kingdom: Sage. ReStore. (n.d.). Skills of the qualitative researcher. Retrieved from http://www.restore.ac.uk/Benchmarking/workshop/Facilitators_Guide_1.pdf Skow, B. (2010). On the meaning of the question “How fast does time pass?” Massachusetts Institute of Technology, pp. 1-29. Sukamolson, S. (2005). Fundamentals of quantitative research. Chulalongkorn University. Tuckett, A. G. (2004). Qualitative research sampling- the very real complexities. The University of Queensland, 12(1), pp. 47-61. University of Edinburgh. (2012). Data management plan. Retrieved from http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/information-services/services/research-support/data-library/research-data-mgmt/data-mgmt/data-mgmt-plan University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. (2001). Data collection methods. Retrieved from http://people.uwec.edu/piercech/researchmethods/data%20collection%20methods/data%20collection%20methods.htm Xavier University. (2008). Qualitative versus quantitative research. Retrieved from http://www.xavier.edu/library/help/qualitative_quantitative.pdf Read More