Strengths and Weaknesses of Qualitative and Quantitative Methods - Term Paper Example

Qualitative and Quantitative Research Introduction Research in social sciences is significant in developing theories and hypotheses that are useful in solving social problems. Research in social sciences employs either qualitative or quantitative research methods in generating results for particular phenomena. This paper seeks to discuss these two research approaches in detail. More importantly, the strengths and weaknesses of each research method will be discussed to give a vivid difference between the two approaches in social studies. Qualitative Research Methods Qualitative research is a method of inquisition applied in a wide range of academic disciplines but is traditionally associated with social sciences but is also used in market research studies. The aim of qualitative approach to research is fundamentally to acquire a deep understanding of the human behavior and the causes of such behaviors (Bruce, 2003). Ideally, qualitative research methods tend to investigate how and why of taking a certain behavior or decision as opposed to quantitative which seeks to understand what, where and when a behavior occurs. Consequently, qualitative research focuses on just small samples rather than large samples. In a conventional perspective, qualitative research methods produce information that is only applicable on a specific issue studied and any further generalization of conclusions are only informed assertions. Qualitative research methods can thus be used examine practical support for such research assumption. Qualitative Data Collection Qualitative research method may utilize various approaches in data collection such as storytelling, narratology, grounded theory method, classical ethnography or shadowing. In social studies, qualitative methods are also used partially in other methodological approaches including action research (Denzin & Lincoln, 2005). Data collected in qualitative research involve interviews, observation, group discussion, and reflection of field notes as well as various text pictures among other materials. The data collection method is usually determined by the behavior the researcher is intending to study. Basically, qualitative research usually classifies information into patterns as the basic principle for organizing and reporting the results obtained. Qualitative research method relies mainly on these following techniques in collecting information: structured, semi-structured or unstructured interviews, participant or non participant observations, reflexive journals, field notes, as well as analysis of documents and other materials. Participation and observation techniques vary significantly depending on the setting. In participant observation, the researcher(s) become part of the group, culture or environment they are studying and adopt roles to fit into the setting. This is believed to be a very effective form of observation as it allows the researcher(s) to understand the experiences of the interest group (Ritchie & Lewis, 2003). In addition, key informative interviews and focus groups are distinctive qualitative approach in social studies. Focus group techniques entail a facilitator facilitating a small group discussion among the selected people on a certain subject or topic. Pilot testing or cognitive testing is a specialized form of qualitative research which assists in establishment of qualitative survey components. The survey components are tested on the participants to determine their reliability and validity to the study topic. There are various forms of qualitative research in social sciences and include; Ethnomethodology/ Ethographic research or methodology of the people: this technique is employed for investigating cultures by gathering and describing information meant to assist in developing a certain theory. For instance, a research may seek to study a certain culture and their understanding or perception of the role of a certain illness in their culture (Denzin & Lincoln, 2005). Grounded theory: is an inductive form of research based on the data or observation from which it was developed. Foundation research: this approach explores the foundation for science, evaluates the beliefs, and develops ways to identify how a knowledge base should vary in light of new information. Historical research: it enables one to discuss past and present incidents in the milieu of the present settings and permits one to reflect and give possible answers to contemporary issues and problems (Bruce, 2003). Ethical inquiry: It is an intellectual analysis of ethical issues. It entails the study of ethics in relation to right and wrong, obligation, rights, responsibilities and choices among other related aspects. Critical social research: this is an approach in qualitative research which helps a researcher to understand the way people communicate with each other and develop symbolic meanings. Philosophical research: this is study carried out by field experts within borders of a certain field of study, the best eligible person in any field of study to utilize an intellectual analysis for clarifying definitions, identifying ethics or make a decision relating to an issue in their field of study. Data analysis in qualitative research method Data analysis in qualitative research method entails various forms depending on the data collection method employed as well as the type of behavior being examined. Below are data analysis methods used. Interpretive techniques Observer impression This is the most ordinary analysis of qualitative data. The researcher or the expert examine the data and interpret it through forming an impression and report this impression in a orderly and sometimes quantitative form (Ritchie & Lewis, 2003). Coding In coding, data is both organized and given meaning to establish the interpretations into a given quantitative method. Most coding demands the analyst to read the data and distinguish divisions within it. Each division is labeled with a “code” (a code can be a word or short phrase that stipulates how the related data divisions inform the research objectives (Denzin & Lincoln, 2005). Once coding is completed, the analyst makes reports through a mix of: summarizing the frequency of codes, conversing similarities and variations in correlated codes across discrete original sources/contexts, or evaluating the connection between one or more codes. Recursive abstraction Some qualitative data are analyzed through this method. This process involve summarizing of datasets and further summarizing those datasets and so on which results to a more comprehensive summary that would not have been easily realized without previous distillation stages (Bruce, 2003). Mechanical techniques such as use of computer are also used when data is too large for human coding or the cost is too high to employ human work. Strengths of qualitative research approach Useful for describing multifaceted phenomena Useful for in-depth study of a limited number of cases Cross case comparison and analysis can be done Provides individual case information Gives understanding and description of personal experiences of individuals The researcher is able to study dynamic processes Data is usually gathered in a naturalistic setting Researchers can use qualitative method of grounded theory to inductively form a provisional but explanatory model regarding phenomena Qualitative researchers are responsive to changes that happen during the study and may change the focus of the research as such (Marshall & Rossman, 1998) Weakness of qualitative research Knowledge obtained may not be applicable to other people or settings It is not easy to make quantitative predictions It is complex to test theories and hypotheses with large number of participants Its cumbersome as compared to quantitative Data analysis is quite time consuming The results are easily affected by personal biases and idiosyncrasies of the researchers (Marshall & Rossman, 1998) Quantitative research methods Quantitative research in social sciences is the systematic pragmatic investigation of social issues through mathematical, statistical or computational methods. Quantitative research seeks to develop and utilize mathematical representations, theories and or hypotheses concerning the phenomena (Thomas, 1999). Measurement is the principle process in quantitative research as it gives the basic link between experimental observation and mathematical presentation of quantitative relationships. In quantitative research, data is quantified, i.e. is in numeric form such as percentages, statistics, ratios etc. Thus, quantitative research collects numeric data from participants by asking a specific narrow question. Quantitative research is used in social sciences such as psychology, sociology, political science and economics (Gay, 1996). Quantitative research methods are used to verify hypotheses generated from qualitative research. In quantitative research approach, data is collected in numeric form and may involve the interviews, questionnaires, secondary sources such as file records, observation, surveys etc. When data is collected, it is then grouped and interpreted statistically using percentages, ratios, measures of central tendency such as mean, medium and standard deviation. Data analysis in quantitative research is easy as it employs mathematically generated formulas. With the use of modern computer developed software such as SPSS and R, quantitative research has become more prominent in social studies. Strengths of quantitative research It enables the study and description of social processes and structures that are not directly observable. It is well designed for quantitative descriptions, assessment between groups, places etc. Analysis and rationalization of underlying dependencies between social issues (Thomas, 1999) Weaknesses It simplifies and squeezes the multifaceted reality; abstract and constrained view Only applicable for quantifiable (measurable) phenomena Assumes relatively wide knowledge on the topic of study in order to be proficient to ask ‘correct’ questions It is complicated to study processes or vibrant phenomena; it produces static perception of the reality It is difficult to describe the perspectives, meanings and intentions of the actors. Ethical issues According to Hunter & Erin (2008), both approaches in social sciences must consider ethical principles. They involve ensuring that no harm is caused to the participant when collecting and using information, participation must be purely voluntary and with informed consent, and anonymity must be maintained throughout the research. Conclusion Although a division is normally drawn between quantitative and qualitative aspects of scientific research, it has been argued that the two work hand in hand. For instance, based on analysis of scientific history, Kuhn argued that large quantities of qualitative work have generally been prerequisite to successful quantification in the physical sciences (Collin, 2002). Therefore qualitative and quantitative research approaches are very useful in the study of social sciences. References Bruce, L. (2003). Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences, (Fifth Edition). Allyn & Bacon. Colin R. (2002). Real World Research: A Resource for Social Scientists and Practitioner-Researchers. New York: John Wiley & Sons. Denzin, K. & Lincoln, S. (Eds.). (2005). The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Gay, R. (1996). Educational research: Competencies for analysis and application. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill. Hunter, L. and Erin L. (2008). Collaborative Research in Sociology: Trends and Contributing Factors. American Sociologist 39, pp. 290–306. Marshall, C. & Rossman, B. (1998). Designing Qualitative Research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Ritchie, J. & Lewis, J. (2003). Qualitative research practice: A guide for social science students and researchers. New York: Sage. Thomas, R. (1999). Doing quantitative research in the social sciences: An integrated approach to research design, measurement and statistics. New York: Sage. Read More