Differences between quantitative and qualitative research
Quantitative Research
Qualitative Research
Objective: To quantify data and generalize results from a sample to the population of interest.
Approach: Deductive, testing theories or hypotheses.
Methods
Surveys
Experiments
Longitudinal studies
Statistical analysis
Data Types: Numerical data, measurable.
Analysis: Statistical methods, such as descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, regression analysis.
Outcome: Numerical insights, patterns, relationships, generalizable findings.
Objective: To gain an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations.
Approach: Inductive, generating theories and hypotheses.
Methods:
Interviews
Focus groups
Case studies
Ethnography
Data Types: Textual data, visual data, audio recordings, non-numerical.
Analysis: Thematic analysis, content analysis, narrative analysis, coding.
Outcome: In-depth understanding, detailed descriptions, contextual insights.
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