Question

What is the difference between quantitative and qualitative research? Visit the Library and locate at least one research article that used quantitative research methods and another that used qualitative methods. Why did the researchers use the chosen method to complete their research? Was it effective?

Answer 1

Difference between quantitative and qualitative research:

Quantitative research	Qualitative research
Measures numbers or quantities	Measures phenomenon
Represent data in numbers and statistics	Represent in words (name, symbol,sex)
Less time consuming	More time consuming
Testing hypothesis	Formulating hypothesis
Targeted large number of participants	Targeted less number of participants

Researcher chosen Quantitative research because:

Example for quantitative research: Assess the knowledge and attitude on prophylactic information of postnatal blues among primipara working mother.

The study was conducted through a structure questionnaire and attitude scale among 60 primipara working mothers. The researcher has chosen qualitative research design as she has to measure knowledge and attitude in quantity which is not possible in qualitative research design. Researchers who choose quantitative research method are usually looking to quantify a problem to make conclusion. Study was effective as researcher spent less time, less cost and using the result of the research knowledge and attitude of the primipara mothers regarding prophylactic information of postnatal blue were identified.

Qualitative research because:

Example: Gaining access to the experiences of orphaned children- A draw –write and narrative approach

Above study was conducted in South Africa. The purpose of the study was gather information from orphaned children on their lived experience. 12 orphaned children participated in the study they open up and talk about their experiences. The study reveals the phenomenon of experiences by the orphaned children. Researcher got qualitative information by talking individually to the orphaned children and which is not possible in quantitative research.

Researcher chooses research methods that suite to their problem statements.