Quantitative and Qualitative Methods of Research - Essay Example

Running header: Research Methods Student’s name: Instructor’s name: Subject code: Date of submission: Introduction Research refers to gathering information in the unknown areas in a certain field in order to obtain information and enlighten persons in that particular field. It is done to come up with a solution to an existing problem or problems by the researcher. It may be viewed as a project because it has a timeline, a particular scope of work and involves usage of resources. Researchers adopt the qualitative or quantitative methods of research as an approach to social issues. Difference between Quantitative and quantitative research Quantitative research Quantitative research refers to the use of systematic and empirical investigation of social phenomena through mathematical, statistical or computational techniques. The main purpose of this technique is to come up with theories, mathematical models as well as hypothesis pertaining to the given subject matter (Kaplan, 2010) 36 (4). Quantitative data is that which is expressed in percentages, statistics etc. This research seeks to establish the relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable in a given population. This data is used by the researcher to come up with the connection between the empirical examination and the mathematical expression of the relationship. There are two types of studies that are used to quantify relationships. They are the descriptive and the experimental approaches. The descriptive approach is also referred to as the observational method because the researcher observes the subjects without any disruptions or intervention. Experimental studies are also known as longitudinal studies as the researcher interferes with the subjects. This research is applicable in social sciences which include economics, sociology, political science and psychology. The modern method of quantitative investigation is rooted from Auguste positivist framework which emphasizes on the use of scientific methods to test hypothesis, explain and predict their trend (Rubin & Babbie, 1993) 24 (16). The quantitative method mostly uses statistics in the research. This research begins with the collection which is based on the hypothesis. A sample of data is collected from the overall population. This raw data must be valid before it is analyzed. (Keating, 2000) Validity is categorized into four categories, these are: Statistical validity, this validity refers to inferences regarding the variables involved i.e. is there any relationship between the dependent and the independent variables e.g. is there any relationship between ones age and his or her income? Internal validity, once it has been established that there exists a relationship between the variable, the researcher should determine which variable causes the other. This is necessary to make a cause and effect statement of the research. Construct validity, this validity ensures that the construct of one variable is related to the construct of the other according to (Harris, 2008) 23(4). For instance, if a scientist wants to know the effect of a pesticide on the yield levels, he will need one measure of the yield level. If the measure does not reflect the yield levels but rather the diseases resistance level, his research will be lacking construct validity. According to (Colin,2006) 56 (16), External validity address the issue of generalizing ones result of the study to other people, places or times. For instance, if a research is done on the effects of drug abuse on boys’ lifespan, should such results be also expected among girls or even boys in another continent? If the results are not applicable in such cases, then the external validity is threatened as illustrated in (James, 2002) 32(23): 17-31. Once data has been collected, and its validity has been tested, softwares such as the SPSS and R which are computer programs used for survey, data mining statistical analysis and deployment of data. Relationships are tested by manipulating factors that influence the phenomena of interest. This is done while considering and controlling other variables, for instance, in the field of climate, researchers will consider factors such as carbon dioxide levels, temperatures, winds as well as distance to sea levels among other factors according to (Kirkpatrick, 2011) 56 (5). Linear and non-linear models are adopted are used to study relationships. Other statistical methods may also be used to examine associations between the relevant variables. Quantitative research will also include the use of proxies to represent those quantities that may not be accurately measurable. Quantitative method of research has certain disadvantages. The results obtained from the research may not be applicable to similar phenomena in the real applicability of the same. Researchers will not prefer individual differences from the respondent. This is because they will result to skewed results which are not preferred. Collection of data may also pose a challenge as the sample may not necessarily represent the total population.(Oliver, 2003) 16 (4) Qualitative research Qualitative research is also referred to as naturalistic research. It is employed in social sciences and market research with an aim of gathering an understanding of human behavior as well the reasons behind such behavior. It may also be defined as a systematic observation of the social behavior with no preconceived hypotheses (Rubin & Babbie, 1993) 24 (16) It is concerned with the non statistical inquiry and analysis of data. This method explains why and how decision making takes place. Researchers adopt a smaller sample than that of the quantitative method of research. Qualitative method provides information on the specific subject studied and more conclusions made are propositions which need to be further researched upon. This research gives an insight into people’s value systems, cultures, attitudes, behaviors, motivations, concerns as well as their lifestyle. The information obtained is used by business persons and policy makers among other parties (Kirkpatrick, 2011) 36 (3): 23-14. There are basically three types of research methods. This includes the exploratory, constructive as well as the empirical research. A research should be valuable to the researcher by helping him identify new opportunities, diagnosing existing problems, giving direction on the best course of action or by developing the current systems and technologies. The purpose of the study determines what type of research one should adopt. An exploratory research seeks to generate any new idea in the sphere of knowledge. It aims at shedding light in the unknown sphere of knowledge. It helps researchers to come up with new disciplines as well as problem identification in the area of studies. A constructive research on the other hand seeks find alternative solutions to a problem. It is adopted by corporate to identify new ways of solving problems. Research on new sources of renewable energy would fall under this category. Empirical research is an observational type of research that relies on real-life data in order to identify a certain trend that a given phenomenon adopts or maintains over a specific period. They may therefore predict the future with a certain intensity of confidence (Dawson, 2009) 36 (12) 37-33. The quantitative method uses several steps of research. This includes problem identification. This seeks to fill the gap in the field of research. The researcher reviews the existing literature in order to identify what has been researched on before. The researcher then identifies a research design which is established to guide him through the research the research parameters are also identified. The researchers select a sample from a population which is used to represent the entire population. A sample is a sub set of the population. Researchers adopt sampling since a population on the entire population would be very expensive and it is also impossible to test the entire population. A sample is also less likely to produce errors since sampling is more accurate. A sample is also preferred because at times testing it would be destructive and therefore the importance to protect it (Golder, 2005) 36 (9) A researcher may adopt various sampling techniques which include Convenience sampling, simple random sampling, systematic sampling, stratified sampling and cluster sampling according to ( Harris, 2008) 25. A convenience sample is done by volunteers in the field of study; this method is bias as not everyone in the population has an equal chance of being selected. A simple random sample is whereby everyone has an equal chance of being selected. A systematic sample is done on the first member of the population followed by every Nth number as the researcher would prefer. We could for instance pick the first and every ninth number. In a stratified sample, the research population is divided into strata and few individuals are chosen from each. Finally, clustered sampling is where by random samples are of strata and then every member of the group is surveyed. The third step is data collection which is basically collection of data from the respondents in order to analyze it. This may be done through interviews, journals, observation and other analysis of documents and materials. The researcher then analyzes the data collected and presents the report as a research report. However, the qualitative method of research has certain disadvantages. Bias may occur when the researcher influences the research findings, he may manipulate sampling to fit his or her preferences which will later affect the results. He may also leave out some data during analysis if such data is contradicting his point of view. Moreover, it is difficult to obtain a sample that represents the whole population. It is also more difficult to determine the validity and reliability of qualitative data as compared to quantitative data. The value of the research depends on the trust created between the researcher and the respondents which takes time to create. (Oliver, 2003) 16 (4) Relationship between the two methods The use of either quantitative or quantitative method is allowed in physical and biological sciences research. However, social sciences especially sociology and psychology tends to favour one method and have bias on the other. Quantitative and qualitative approaches on data research are interdependent in that large amounts of qualitative work have usually been prerequisite for quantification. The theories formed as a resulted of qualitative research are tested further using the quantitative methods so as to drop them or adopt them. Moreover, people have adopted the eclectic approach whereby they combine the two methods during research. In other words, the qualitative methods are at times used to bring the meaning of the findings produced by the quantitative method. A research that for example concludes that “on average a patient has to wait in the queue for two hours before being attended to by a doctor” is a mixed-methods research (Colin, 2006) 56 (16). Conclusion In conclusion, both the quantitative and qualitative methods of research are important. The interdependence between the two methods helps researchers to come up with more comprehensive findings and reports and therefore none of them is superior to the other. References: Kaplan, A. and Haenlein, M. (2010). Business statistics Business Horizons 53 (1):59-68. Harris, k. (2008). Management Mathematics. Data alaysis 25(18) Kirpatrick, D. (2011). Business Research Methods. The New York Times. 36 (25) Golder, S. (2005). Data Analysis Techniques. Business Horizons 18 (1): 66-72 James, z. (2002) modern research Tools. Sydney, MacMillan 14 (2): 13-17 Dawson, M. (2009). Qualtitative Research Tools. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 36 (12) 37-33 Keating, P. (2000) marketing research. Sydney, Macmillan. 45 (3): 23-14 Colin, M. (2006). Research Methods. Melbourne, MacMillan 56 (16) Oliver K. (2003) Modern Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press 47 (13 ) Read More