Differences between Quantitative and Qualitative Research Essay Example for Free

Differences betwixt Quantitative and Qualitative Research EssayQuantitative interrogation is a formal, objective, systematic look which bases on precise figures. While conducting such kind of research, an investigator collects and analyzes selective information and statistics. The main purposes of applying quantitative method of research are description of variables examination of relationship among variables determination of cause-and-effect interactions between variables (Burns Grove,2005).Qualitative research in contrast to quantitative, is a kind of research which mainly concentrates on observations, questionnaires, reports and other(a) ways of subjective investigations. The key features of soft research are revolve about on meanings, perspectives and understandings emphasis on process inductive analysis, and grounded theory (Woods, 2006). The basic differences between quantitative and qualitative research lie in methods and instruments they apply, types of informa tion they collect and generate, in their main perspectives.The instruments used in quantitative research are harsh about extracting information and dividing it into categories. Quantitative methods are highly structured and include various surveys, questionnaires, and structured observations. In qualitative research, more flexible and frequentative instruments are applied. Qualitative methods, unlike quantitative ones, are semi-structured. To these methods belong interview, focus group, questionnaire, and participant observation. Quantitative research, in contrast to qualitative, operates with numerical data. Qualitative research, as a rule, uses textual data (Mack, Woodsong, et al., 2005).The most important feature which differentiates one research from another is flexibility. Usually, the procedure of quantitative research is appointed in advance. Therefore, it excludes any unforeseen changes during the process of research. For instance, the questions in quantitative research ar e well thought-out, concrete, and closed. Moreover, the revisal of questions is also fixed. In such a way, quantitative research, due to its inflexibility, makes meaningful contribution to common investigation. The stages of qualitative research may be changed during the research procedure.The questions in qualitative research are mostly open. It enables the participants to deed over more reasonable answers and sometimes, even to go into detail. Therefore, spontaneity became a distinctive feature of qualitative research, which do the process of research less formal (Mack, Woodsong, et al., 2005).ReferencesBurns, N., Grove, S.K. (2005). The practice of nursing research conduct, critique, and utilization (5th Ed.). St. Louis, Elsevier Saunders. Retrieved from http//www.researchproposalsforhealthprofessionals.com/definition_of_quantitative_resea.htm Mack, N., Woodsong, C., MacQueen, M. K., Guest, G., Namey, E. (2005). Qualitative research methods A data collectors field guide. Retri eved from http//www.fhi360.org/nr/rdonlyres/emgox4xpcoyrysqspsgy5ww6mq7v4e44etd6toiejyxalhbmk5sdnef7fqlr3q6hlwa2ttj5524xbn/datacollectorguideenrh.pdf Woods, P. (2006). Qualitative research. Retrieved from http//www.edu.plymouth.ac.uk/resined/qualitative%20methods%202/qualrshm.htm