The significant differences between quantitative and qualitative methodology are how data is collected and the purpose of the study.
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Hi class,,In the end, we will all be choosing our study methodology based on what we understand and what we think will be the best way forward for our specific topic. When it comes to research questions, there are some questions that can only be answered with qualitative research. Those studies that are looking to explore or describe occurrences rather than finding definitive answers align themselves to the qualitative method. The collection of data for qualitative data will take several forms from interviews, focus groups, surveys, and extensive literature review. A good tip for the qualitative method questions is to ensure we are not asking leading questions. Looking at other studies to ensure your questions are correctly implemented will ensure an efficient research process. Ezer and Aksut (2021) describe qualitative research as the effort of first-hand perspectives in the normal day to day operations, an effort to reveal personal perception and perspectives, and an in-depth examination of the social phenomenon.
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When a qualitative research is approached, the researcher must clearly define the phenomenon to be studied. There are different qualitative research designs the researcher can use to develop their research. The design the researchers choose must yield the data to answer the research questions. The sample size and how the researcher will approach the sampling should meet the requirements for the chosen design and the chosen data analysis approach (Maul et al., 2020).The most important consideration is to select and develop the design approach. Maul et al., (2020) noted five GCU core qualitative designs which are phenomenology, narrative inquiry, case study, grounded theory and qualitative descriptive study. Depending on which design approach is chosen, the researcher will need to determine if the literature review should come before or after the data has been collected. Ryan et al., (2007) stated the literature review should occur after the data has been collected, e.g. grounded theory and phenomenology. Regardless of when data was collected, the researcher needs to identify the process. Qualitative research requires a specific design approach to search for meaning while quantitative looks for statistical information (Maul et al., 2020).
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Within the last two weeks of class, being exposed to the two methods of research has been beneficial when it comes to designing my own study. While both methods share similar credibility and robustness factors, there are some key differences to take into consideration. One of the most obvious differences is how the research method is formed and conducted. When conducting a qualitative study, the research question is stated more as a phenomenon that is observed and can be adjusted and modified as needed anytime during the duration of the study. In contrast, in a quantitative study the research questions should be clear, concise, and narrowly defined to a specific focus. Another key difference is how the data is collected and how the participants engage in the study. The qualitative method tends to rely more on interviews, either in-person, via e-mail, or phone calls. As a result, maintaining anonymity becomes an impossible task, which can affect the number of participants willing to participate in the study. The quantitative method, however, uses a variety of data collection measurements that can reach larger sample sizes and increases the likelihood of participants participating in the study. Such methods include surveys, and questionnaires. As previously mentioned, the sample size of the different research methods varies greatly due to the nature of the studies. Our text states, that researchers utilizing the qualitative method will be focusing on a smaller, more focused sample of individuals (Maul et al, 2020).While it is common for a researcher to choose between the two methods, it can be beneficial to utilize both methods in a study. This can aid in addressing any limitations of the study and in narrowing down the focus of the study. I am fortunate that in my area of study both methods have been used successfully which will only prove to be a benefit when it comes to designing my own study.
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The significant differences between quantitative and qualitative methodology are how data is collected and the purpose of the study. For quantitative data collection, these studies focus on collecting data that is within the form of numbers. For example, some quantitative research studies may use a 5-point Likert scale with their participants/sample. Qualitative research collects data based on feedback experience and documentation, whether written or verbal, describing a designated subject or answering a question. Both studies heavily rely on the participation of their sample and the ability for those participants to answer the question, whether in the form of rating, such as a Likert scale, or in the form of documentation, honestly. As for the purpose of the study, quantitative research looks to answer a specific question, while qualitative research opens the investigation up to themes and trends found in the data that may or may not support their intended purpose (de Casterlé et al., 2012).
Strengths of qualitative work include understanding the reasoning behind a participant’s answer to a question or scenario. When given a quantitative approach, you cannot understand why a participant within the sample answered their question a certain way. When you allow participants to express themselves descriptively, you can pinpoint areas within your topic.
For my topic of choice and field of research, I tend to find a mix of both qualitative and quantitative analysis. I would say that more of the research I have discovered is qualitative, as my field looks into the feelings, emotions, and overall understanding of a teacher’s induction process. But, as I review research determining job satisfaction, these studies show more quantitative research. It is crucial to have more than one kind of methodology within your scope of research so that you encounter a well-balanced mix of information. If you were to only look at the numbers, say from quantitative work, you would not understand the reasoning behind those issues or why the participants tend to rate themselves higher on a Likert scale.
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