Introduction to Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods

INTRODUCTION TO QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS There are generally two kinds of research: qualitative and quantitative. For any research project the researcher needs to be clear about which type of research will provide the information required. The role of qualitative research is to tell you why; quantitative research tells you how many. The methods are quite different. Definition of Quantitative research? There s no such thing as qualitative data. Everything is either 1 or 0- Fred Kerlinger Different researchers and educators have given different definitions to â€Å"quantitative research.† Below are a few of them: Quantitative research refers to the numerical representation and manipulation of observations for the†¦show more content†¦* It is associated with analysis. * It tends to be associated with large-scale studies and with a specific focus. * It tends to be associated with researcher detachment, producing objective numerical data that is independent of the researcher; it is a very controlled, exact approach to research. * It tends to be associated with pre-determined research design, using measurements and analyses in a systematic and logically ordered fashion that may be replicated relatively easily by other researchers. TYPES OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH Descriptive Research: Descriptive research involves collecting data in order to test hypotheses or answer questions concerning the current status of the subjects of the study. It determines and reports the way things are. Descriptive research seeks to describe the current status of an identified variable or phenomenon. The researcher does not usually begin with a hypothesis, but is likely to develop one after collecting data. Systematic collection of information requires careful selection of the units studied and measurement of each variable in order to demonstrate validity. Examples: * A description of the drug use habits of adults. * A description of how nursing mothers feel about the three month maternity leave in Ghana. * A description ofShow MoreRelatedIntroduction to Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods3731 Words   |  15 PagesINTRODUCTION TO QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS There are generally two kinds of research: qualitative and quantitative. For any research project the researcher needs to be clear about which type of research will provide the information required. The role of qualitative research is to tell you why; quantitative research tells you how many. The methods are quite different. Definition of Quantitative research? Theres no such thing as qualitative data. Everything is either 1 or 0-Read MoreComparing and Contrasting NCUs Concept Paper Requirements for Qualitative and or Quantitative Papers1409 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction The theoretical discipline of philosophy is broken down into five facets. 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As stated by Ndunda (2004), â€Å"research helps to provide facts, reliable information or verifiable information instead of assumptions.† Research should be conducted in a structured, systematicRead MoreQualitative Quantitative Research Methods1047 Words   |  5 PagesQualitative amp; Quantitative Research Methods PSY 326 Dr. Willow Aureala March 29, 2011 Qualitative amp; Quantitative Research Methods There are two types of research methods: qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative research methods are complex meaningful analyses characterized by processes and meanings that are not measured in terms of mathematical measurements. Quantitative research however, relies and builds on mathematical procedures and methods, such as frequency, quality, amountRead MoreModule 1 Slp . 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As cited by Anaf and Sheppard (2007), Key in 1997 suggested the theory and meaning, qualitative and quantitative methodologies are distinct. A qualitative methodology’sRead MoreThe Social Construction Of Experience1437 Words   |  6 PagesIn particular, qualitative researchers tend to focus more on the social-constructed reality and the contextual influence, interaction and constraints between the researcher(s) and the participants. They are interested in finding answers to questions that focus on the â€Å"social construction of experience and how meaning is created† (Cooper White, 2012, p. 15). However, quantitative researchers â€Å"emphasize measurement and analysis, and focus on product rather than process† (Cooper White, 2012, p.Read MoreDefinition Of Quantitative Research Methods944 Words   |  4 PagesQuantitative research methods are most generally worried with weighing criminological or criminal justice existence. In order for this method to be un derstood, there are numerous amounts of conditions which must be initially recognized. Concepts are hypothetical labels assigned on reality that are appointed binary characters, hence making them changeable. Variables are then investigated to inspect designs of affiliation, as well as a chain of reaction. At the most basic level, there exists at least