Qualitative and Quantitative Research
Research can be defined as the process of studying, collecting, organizing, and analyzing data to get knowledge or an understanding regarding the subject in question. There are various ways through which one can conduct research. This can be narrowed down to two main types, namely, qualitative and quantitative.
Qualitative research generally uses non-numerical ways and unquantifiable elements to collect data. Quantitative research, on the other hand, uses numerical data.
The researcher needs to use qualitative and quantitative research because it helps collect comprehensive data by ensuring the limitation of one kind of data is balanced out by the strength of the other. Secondly, using both methods will help the researcher understand the variables much better than using one approach. The researcher can use qualitative data to interpret unexpected results from quantitative data or vice versa. Thirdly, it assists in examining the hypothesis; a researcher may generate a theory on the qualitative angle to be tested using the quantitative approach. (Yin, R. 2017)
Limitations of quantitative and qualitative research
Despite using both methods, some pitfalls come with it. These are:
There is an increasing difficulty in evaluations. Using both ways requires good planning. Since each type of research has its area of focus, much has to go into the preparation of the same. Mixed methods studies are complex to plan and conduct. They require careful planning to describe all aspects of research, including the study sample for qualitative and quantitative portions, timing, and the plan for integrating data (Yin, R. 2017). Secondly, there will be a need for more resources; mixed methods researches are labor-intensive and require more significant resources and time than those needed to conduct a single study. Lastly, choosing to go for both types of researches may require a multi-disciplinary team of researchers; the researchers must be open to methods that may not be their area of expertise.
Limitations of using the qualitative approach only include the following.
Sample bias. The researcher may be influenced consciously or unconsciously to selected a sample that favors the expected outcomes of the research. Secondly, depending on the subject matter, the sample size can be an issue. In cases where a significant number is involved, and sampling has to be done, sometimes the results are skewed (Petrovic, A et al.,2017). Thirdly, it is difficult to predict future events because the data is based on non-numerical methods. Lastly, qualitative data tends to have lower credibility in comparison to quantitative data.
Limitations of quantitative research only are outlined as follows.
The data can be misleading; this could be affected by the opinions, expectations, and biasness of the researcher. Secondly, there is the tendency to false focus on numbers meaning that this type of research foregoes other variables because its main focus is on the numbers. Yet, these other variables could be equally useful (Silverman, 2016). Thirdly, setting up a research model tends to be difficult sometimes. The process involves coming up with a hypothesis and set models for collecting and analyzing data; thus, any faults may alter the results.
What values come from undertaking both qualitative and quantitative research.
Using both methods study has several advantages; it compares quantitative and qualitative data. Using both methods is essential in understanding the contradictions between quantitative results and qualitative outcomes.
Exposes the partakers’ point of view. Using both methods give a voice to study members and ensure those study findings are grounded in participants’ experiences.
Promotes scholarly interaction. Due to the nature of research, there will be a multi-disciplinary team of researchers who will be working together towards a common goal.
Offers methodological flexibility. Mixed methods have great flexibility and are adaptable to many study designs, such as observational studies and randomized trials, to elucidate more information than can be obtained in only quantitative research. (Petrovic, A et al.,2017)
Collects rich, all-inclusive data. Mixed methods allow the researchers to collect all the information needed, some of which may not be important at the time of collecting but comes in handy when interpreting the data.
In conclusion, as much as independently qualitative and quantitative research methods provide data that is needed, it is advisable to use both ways at the same time to get comprehensive, conclusive, and informative data.
References
Curtis, E. A., Comiskey, C., & Dempsey, O. (2016). Importance and use of correlational research. Nurse Researcher, 23(6).
King, N., Horrocks, C., & Brooks, J. (2018). Interviews in qualitative research. SAGE Publications Limited.
Lazar, I., Faciu, M. E., Mata, L., & Lazar, G. (2016, June). Strengths and Limitations of Quantitative Research Applied in the Educational Sciences. In International Conference The Future of Education, 6th edition, Florence, Italy (Vol. 30, pp. 240-244).
Petrovic, A., Koprivica, V., & Bokan, B. (2017). Quantitative, qualitative and mixed research in sport science: a methodological report. South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation, 39(2), 181-197.
Queirós, A., Faria, D., & Almeida, F. (2017). Strengths and limitations of qualitative and quantitative research methods. European Journal of Education Studies.
Silverman, D. (Ed.). (2016). Qualitative research. Sage.
Yin, R. K. (2017). Case study research and applications: Design and methods. Sage publications.