The core difference In a nutshell, qualitative research generates “textual data” (non-numerical). Quantitative research, on the contrary, produces “numerical data” or information that can be converted into numbers.

Qualitative Data One similarity between qualitative and quantitative research is that raw data is ultimately qualitative. Even though numbers are unbiased, the researcher still has to choose some numbers and disregard others.

Qualitative variables are nominal and ordinal. Quantitative variables are interval and ratio. Both types can be used to get a full picture with samples and populations because the data can be gathered from the same data unit based on whether the variable of interest if categorical or numerical.

Let’s differentiate between the two. Qualitative analysis fundamentally means to measure something by its quality rather than quantity. Quantitative analysis is the opposite; to measure by quantity rather than quality. When we do quantitative analysis, we are exploring facts, measures, numbers and percentages.

Quantitative is an adjective that simply means something that can be measured. For example, we can count the number of sheep on a farm or measure the gallons of milk produced by a cow. In a world of abstract findings that can’t be quantified, such as anger or memories, it’s important to be able to measure what we can.

Qualitative methods derive from a variety of disciplines and traditions. They are used to learn directly from patients and others what is important to them, to provide the context necessary to understand quantitative findings, and to identify variables important for future clinical studies.

Qualitative methodologies used to investigate culture include the collection and analysis of existing texts, including archival information, letters and diaries, newspaper articles, novels, tourist brochures, and postcards.

Qualitative research involves collecting and analyzing non-numerical data (e.g., text, video, or audio) to understand concepts, opinions, or experiences. Qualitative research is the opposite of quantitative research, which involves collecting and analyzing numerical data for statistical analysis.

What are some qualitative research methods? The three most common qualitative methods, explained in detail in their respective modules, are participant observation, in-depth interviews, and focus groups. Each method is particularly suited for obtaining a specific type of data.

The Five Qualitative approach is a method to framing Qualitative Research, focusing on the methodologies of five of the major traditions in qualitative research: biography, ethnography, phenomenology, grounded theory, and case study.

Basic Qualitative Research Characteristics Design is generally based on a social constructivism perspective. Research problems become research questions based on prior research experience. Sample sizes can be as small as one. Data collection involves interview, observation, and/or archival (content) data.

refers to the idea that the highly contextual and social constructionist nature of qualitative research renders data that is, not absolute “truth” but, useful knowledge that is the matter of the researcher’s own subjective interpretation.

Below are Roller’s 10 attributes (in bold) and the reasons I consider them useful.

• Absence of “truth”
• Importance of context.
• Importance of meaning.
• Researcher-as-instrument.
• Participant-researcher relationship.
• Skill set required of the researcher.
• Flexibility of the research design.

The three most common qualitative methods, explained in detail in their respective modules, are participant observation, in-depth interviews, and focus groups.

There exists a fundamental distinction between two types of data: Quantitative data is information about quantities, and therefore numbers, and qualitative data is descriptive, and regards phenomenon which can be observed but not measured, such as language.

Quantitative research deals with numbers and statistics, while qualitative research deals with words and meanings. Quantitative methods allow you to test a hypothesis by systematically collecting and analyzing data, while qualitative methods allow you to explore ideas and experiences in depth.

Its main characteristics are: The data is usually gathered using structured research instruments. The results are based on larger sample sizes that are representative of the population. The research study can usually be replicated or repeated, given its high reliability.

What are the Characteristics of Quantitative Research?

• Large Sample Size.
• Structured Research Methods.
• Highly Reliable Outcome.
• Reusable Outcome.
• Close-ended questions.
• Numerical Outcome.
• Generalization of Outcome.
• Prior study.

The Steps of Quantitative Research

• Theory.
• Hypothesis.
• Research design.
• Operationalising concepts.
• selection of a research site or sites.
• Selection of respondents.
• Data collection.
• Processing data.

The first step in the quantitative analysis approach is to define the problem.