Introduction
This paper will compare and contrast the expectations by Northcentral University for both the qualitative and quantitative approaches to analyzing data based on the NCU Template Applied Degree 2013 Concept Paper Template document. Also discussed will be why the qualitative approach was chosen over the quantitative style of research for this paper. Finally, this paper will document and discuss the Best Practices suggestions for the qualitative research approach.
Comparison of the Qualitative and Quantitative Approach
The dissertation process at Northcentral University requires that students choose to conduct their research using qualitative, quantitative or mixed method research. Qualitative research, unlike quantitative research, deals with research that is not the byproduct of statistical analysis. Also, qualitative research, or phenomenological inquiry, deals with phenomena that are context-specific rather than part of causal relationships, prediction, and generalization, which are characteristic of quantitative research and must be aligned with the purpose statement (Sanders, 1997).
Other differences between qualitative and quantitative research include the fact that, while qualitative research involves such practices as interviews, focus groups and observations, quantitative research relies on more objective measures that include structured interviews or questionnaires (Kisely & Kendall, 2011). Also, the use of online questionnaires has created a strong distinction between qualitative and quantitative research because of the fact that respondents are alone and unsupervised when answering questions whereas qualitative research is conducted in a face-to-face environment (Barnham, 2012). This information i...
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...rce: (Northcentral University Best Practices for Concept Paper Development, 2010)
There is also a difference between the research method and research design. In addition, it is important to keep in mind that you must explain why the chosen research method (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed method) is best for your dissertation (Northcentral University Best Practices for Concept Paper Development, 2010).
The concern with doing qualitative research is that criteria that are used to create quantitative data cannot easily be translated directly into usable evaluations of research involving a qualitative approach (Frost, 2014). In other words, it would be difficult to adapt reliability, validity, and generalizability to the qualitative approach (Frost, 2014). This is likely to be an increasing concern due to the increase in the use of qualitative research.
Qualitative research aims to gather information from data collection methods and transform it into written words. Such as transcribing recorded interviews, taking field notes from observations, using words to outline images (Denscombe, 1998, p. 174). On the other hand, quantitative research aims to gather information from data collection methods and transform it into numbers. Such as analysing conducted surveys and pulling numbers to transform it into statistics, tables and graphs (Denscombe, 1998, p.174-177).
There are two types of research that can be conducted in research studies, these are qualitative and quantitative (Newman, 2011). Qualitative research is a process that uses detailed oriented methodology that tries to achieve a profound knowledge or understanding of specific incident and circumstance, wh...
Patton, M. (2002). Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods.(3rd ed).Thousand Oaks, Califorinia : Sage Publications, Inc . Retrieved on May 10th, 2014, From http://books.google.com
Qualitative research is an approach that attempts to situate an activity that locates the observer in the world by providing the study to occur in their natural setting and by attempting to make sense of, or interpret information (Denzin and Lincoln, 2005). A characteristic of qualitative research is to use a variety of empirical materials such as personal experience, interviews, and questionnaires. It is imperative to understand the task at hand and how to fully carry out the study when using a qualitative research approach in order to find out the information needed. One view of qualitative research is it involves examining individual’s experiences and documenting those experiences in detail (Jones, 2011). By documenting these observations the researcher is ensuring validity in his or her data and giving the correct creditability to those who participated in the study.
In the future, more care could be taken in discussing the research framework and design; however, overall, this was a well-designed, qualitative research study. Despite a few potential limitations, the study findings were reasonable, consistent with one another, and compatible with similar studies, leaving the research consumer satisfied with the soundness of the study.
Qualitative and quantitative research have many differences. Qualitative is exploratory, interpretive, subjective, descriptive, emergent, looks to produce or reach a hypothesis by what is observed, has unknown variables, is flexible, and uses personal views. Qualitative research is confirmatory, predictive, objective, deduces and test the hypothesis, has known variables, is not flexible, but is a fixed, static designed to control variables, and tries to be bias-free. Qualitative research collects data through interviews, observation, surveys, review of artifacts, and self inqu...
According to Merriam-Webster, research is defined as careful study done to report new knowledge on a topic. ("Research | Definition of research by merriam-webster," n.d.). Success in the field of Guidance and Counseling is dependent on accurate information. Counselors well versed in pertinent research make a strong impact on the clients. Counselors using research as a guide for intervention have a better understanding of the clients why and also the how to serve the client best.
Qualitative research relies on subjective data to provide a deep understanding of the meaning of an event from the point of view of certain individuals (Lobiondo-Wood & Haber, 2014). In contrast, quantitative research uses an objective approach (Lobiondo-Wood
According to Smith (1983) quantitative research is to explain, predict and develop laws that can be universally applied and Qualitative research is the interpretation and understanding of what people give to their situation. The researchers clearly stated the purpose of their studies, aim, objectiv...
Gelo, O., Braakmann, D., & Benetka, G. (2008). Quantitative and Qualitative Research: Beyond the Debate. Integrative Psychological & Behavioral Science, 42(3), 266-290. doi:10.1007/s12124-008-9078-3
focused on the key qualitative research methods. For each article review, a brief description, guided by Myers (2013), and a critique, guided Pratt (2009), is provided. A summary of the five articles identifying the research method, data collection technique, data analysis approach and critique is provided in Table 1. The narrative review of each article coupled with figures and tables to organize and visualize thoughts (Pratt, 2009) follows the summary table.
In this paper, I will define quantitative and qualitative research methods and provide examples in the context of social issues which will hopefully provide insight into how this methods are properly applied.
Qualitative and Quantitative study designs both can be beneficial in research design. They both provide valuable options for researchers in the field. These techniques can either be used separately in a research study or they can be combined to achieve maximum information. This paper will define the terms qualitative and quantitative; describe the similarities and differences between each; discuss how qualitative and/or quantitative research designs or techniques could be used in the evaluation of my proposed research; and discuss why linking analysis to study design is important.
Creswell (2009), states that there are three types of designs, qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods. Smith and Davis (2010) states that qualitative research is a field of enquiry that is conducted in a natural setting by a researcher, who may be involved in, or may be part of the data collection process; as it utilizes the views of informants as the basis for the report. Qualitative research attempts to gain and in-depth, holistic picture of the phenomenon one wishes to study by interacting closely with the people being studied; the data collected are usually in the form of words or pictures.
According to Mouton, research designs are tailored to address different kinds of research questions. Thus, when attempts are made to classify different kinds of research studies to different design types, they are classified by the kind of research questions they are able to answer. Research designs can be mapped out to the types of research questions (research problem) using four dimensions: 1) empirical versus non-empirical dimension, 2) using primary versus using secondary data, 3) the nature of the data (numerical versus textual data) and 4) the degree of control (structured (laboratory) conditions versus natural field settings)