Comparison Of Qualitative And Quantitative Research Approaches Coursework

Comparison Of Qualitative And Quantitative Research Approaches Coursework Comparison Of Qualitative And Quantitative Research Approaches – Coursework Example Running Head: Comparison between qualitative and quantitative research methods Comparison between qualitative and quantitative research methods InstitutionDateComparison between qualitative and quantitative research methodsQualitative research methods are more of interactive methods and seek to expound more on motivating factors, reasons on which various occurrences are based, opinions of the involved parties (Creswell, 2008). When used in problem solving, qualitative methods provide hypothesis and assumptions on which further quantitative research can be based on. The out come of this type of these methods help in establishing trends in thoughts, and opinions and commons of motivating factors the get deeper insight into the problem at hand (Noa, 2010). Qualitatively data is collected using either structured are partial structure techniques such as organized group discussions, individual and/or group interviews, participatory observation. Usually the size of the group involved is sma ll in size. During the process, participants are required to respond to general questions. The researcher probes and explores their responses to identify and define the perceptions, opinions and feelings to come up with the extent of agreement (Noa, 2010).Quantitative research method seek to identify and solve the research issues and problems by coming up with quantitative data. Measurement methods are used in generating the data. The measurement tools are perfectly structured, such as questionnaires (Creswell, 2008). They must be objective, quantitative and provide statistically valid results. There is quantification of behaviors, attitudes and opinions. The data must therefore be expressed in terms of measurable terms so as to assist in establishing quantitative trend. The size of the research group is usually determined by use of already established mathematical formula (Noa, 2010). In summary, therefore, the main differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods are:Qualitative methods are subjective while quantitative methods are objectiveQualitative methods express findings in descriptive form while quantitative methods use statistical data to express findings.ReferencesCreswell, John W, (2008). Research Designs Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Method Approaches SAGE Publishers.Punch, Keith F, (2005). Introduction to Social Research: Quantitative and Qualitative ApproachesNoa.A, (2010). Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods