Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches - 2309 Words

QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE APPROACHES TO SOCIAL RESEARCH Christina Hughes C.L.Hughes@warwick.ac.uk There has been widespread debate in recent years within many of the social sciences regarding the relative merits of quantitative and qualitative strategies for research. The positions taken by individual researchers vary considerably, from those who see the two strategies as entirely separate and based on alternative views of the world, to those who are happy to mix these strategies within their research projects. For example, Bryman (1988) argued for a `best of both worlds approach and suggested that qualitative and quantitative approaches should be combined. Hughes (1997), nevertheless, warns that such technicist solutions†¦show more content†¦One might ask, `What is meant by anxiety? Stating that anxiety refers to being tense or some other such term only adds to the confusion. However, stating that anxiety refers to a score over a criterion level on an anxiety scale enables others to realise what you mean by anxiety. Stating an operational definition forces one to identi fy the empirical referents, or terms. In this manner, ambiguity is minimised. REPLICATION: To be replicable, the data obtained in an experiment must be reliable; that is, the same result must be found if the study is repeated. If observations are not repeatable, our descriptions and explanations are thought to be unreliable.  · HYPOTHESIS TESTING: The systematic creation of a hypothesis and subjecting it to an empirical test. (Adapted from Burns, 2000: 6-7) QUANTITATIVE APPROACHES STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS STRENGTHS  · Precision - through quantitative and reliable measurement  · Control - through sampling and design  · Ability to produce causality statements, through the use of controlled experiments  · Statistical techniques allow for sophisticated analyses  · Replicable LIMITATIONS  · Because of the complexity of human experience it is difficult to rule out or control all the variables;  · Because of human agency people do not all respond in the same ways as inert matter in the physical sciences;  · Its mechanistic ethos tends to exclude notions of freedom,Show MoreRelatedQualitative and Quantitative Approaches1126 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿ Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches RES/351 June 17, 2014 University of Phoenix Professor Pamela Campbell Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches Business researchers utilize various forms of approaches to analyze and obtain information and data, and two of the most popular approaches used are the qualitative research approach and quantitative research approach. Each approach can be beneficial or in some cases may cause inconclusiveRead MoreQualitative and Quantitative Research Approaches2955 Words   |  12 Pages-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abstract Sports fandom consists of cognitive and affective, as well as behavioural components. Existing sports fan research utilises either strong qualitative, or more often, strong quantitative methodologies. The strengths and weaknesses of each approach are outlined, developing the argument that the use of a single methodology often fails to explore all of these components. The use of a mixed methods approach is suggestedRead MoreQuantitative vs Qualitative Research on which is Better1830 Words   |  7 PagesThere has always been a discussion as to which method of study was better: quantitative, or qualitative. The quantitative approach focuses more on quantifying data and generalizing results from a sample to a population of interest. The use of quantitative methods is used for general features of a population and to measure the incidence of various views and opinions in a chosen sample. Qualitative methods are used to gain an understanding of underlying reasons and motivations. This typ e of methodRead 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 MoreThe Theoretical Methods Of Quantitative And Qualitative Methods Essay1652 Words   |  7 Pagesdifferent styles and approaches, being constantly updated with new ideas and concepts, this essay will argue that in order to best reflect upon and develop an understanding of today’s world, the researcher needs to use and apply both qualitative and quantitative methods. To make this argument clear, this essay will first go into the understanding of sociological methods through epistemological and ontological views. Then this essay will explore the debate of quantitative or qualitative methods, and thenRead MoreSummary Of A Framework For Design By Creswell1536 Words   |  7 PagesFramework for Design’ by Creswell We now have many choices for research approaches. Author recommends that a general framework be adopted to provide guidance for all stages of research. Using still existing framework also allows researchers formulate ideas recognized by audiences who support proposals for research. This chapter introduces the reader to the three approaches to research quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches. To understand them Creswell considers three framework elements:Read MoreHow Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) React to Music1744 Words   |  7 PagesQualitative and quantitative methods allow researchers to investigate, explore and inquire the nature of the phenomenon being studied. It is important that the researcher develops a clear understanding of the problem and design a plan to investigate it (Cresswell, 1998, para. 1). There are a variety of research methods; nevertheless, it is important to consider which research method is appropriate for the study. Qua litative research focuses on human experiences while quantitative research reliesRead MoreComparing and Contrasting NCUs Concept Paper Requirements for Qualitative and or Quantitative Papers1409 Words   |  6 Pagesrequirements for qualitative and or quantitative papers. Northcentral Expectation Both qualitative and quantitative concept designs share design elements. Sampson (2012) states that a good or enriched qualitative and or quantitative concept paper is a product of forethought. Northcentral University (NCU) provides its Doctoral students with writing resources that are not limited to the concept template to enhance their knowledge about the development of their dissertations. Primarily, qualitative and quantitativeRead MoreFactors That Impacted Effective Diabetes Management Within The Native American Population985 Words   |  4 PagesType Two Diabetes Both quantitative and qualitative research studies provide healthcare professionals with valuable information, albeit from different perspectives. While quantitative studies emphasize numerical and statistical measurements, qualitative studies focus on themes and concepts related to a phenomenon. The following discussion contrasts these two types of research approaches as they relate to the topic of type 2 diabetes mellitus and considers the value of qualitative research within theRead MoreResearch Methodology For Academic Journal Articles1268 Words   |  6 Pagessignificant in determining the research methodology. Abstract The primary goal of this study is to systematize the knowledge in the area of different research methodological approaches applied in academic journal articles, assess their usefulness and present the results of the analysis. Key words: qualitative research, quantitative research, mixed method research Introduction Defining a case study method indicates the problem and entails choosing/finding a solution to solve it. However, to answer research