StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

Strengths and Weaknesses of Qualitative and Quantitative Research - Essay Example

Cite this document
Summary
The paper "Strengths and Weaknesses of Qualitative and Quantitative Research" states that the heart of the debate regarding the use of quantitative and qualitative research was to distinguish between the different forms of research and to take a detailed look at what each of them entails…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER94.2% of users find it useful
Strengths and Weaknesses of Qualitative and Quantitative Research
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "Strengths and Weaknesses of Qualitative and Quantitative Research"

Qualitative and quantitative research both have their strengths and weaknesses as well and their contributions to analyzing various issues have a unique and conclusive approach. That being said, it is quantitative research that I am more drawn to. The exploratory and in-depth analyses that it entails seem to offer much more in terms of formulating an understanding of a certain concept. Compared to the open and personal elements that qualitative research comprises qualitative research is more prone towards numbers, formulas, and models that determine a basic link between variables. I feel that qualitative research merely scratches the surface whereas qualitative research dives deep into the problem and looks at the personal experiences of participants through the use of surveys and interviews all of which aim at analyzing thoughts and emotions attached to the issue under investigation. Having always been drawn to words, images, and descriptions basing a perspective on numbers has never appealed to me. Furthermore, I feel as a researcher the contribution that you can put into qualitative research has a more unique and challenging touch to it as you get to know your subjects for what they truly are; compared to that quantitative research seems dry as you analyze and compare numbers and formulas to conclude.

Assignment 4

The argument presented by the writer is much like that of my own opinion when it comes to the debate of qualitative vs. quantitative research. It brings to my mind this interesting article that I had read online called ‘The Qualitative-Quantitative Debate’, during my research. It talks about how the debate between the differences between and relative advantages of qualitative and quantitative methods has been one on which considerable energy has been expended. So much so that it is referred to as a ‘hot-button’ issue in social research. It then goes on to deliver an interesting perspective to the issue (one that I found very fascinating) about there being little differences between qualitative and quantitative data. The pillars for the writer’s argument are firstly that ‘All qualitative data can be coded quantitatively’, that is, anything that is qualitative can be assigned meaningful numerical values. Second, All quantitative data is based on qualitative judgment that is numbers in and of themselves can't be interpreted without understanding the assumptions that underlie them.

Response to Professor Assignment 1.

I understand the common error I made during the formulation of my research question merely because I associated qualitative research questions firmly with their nature to investigate why something is the way it is. However as far as Creswell's (2009) suggestion that we avoid using the word ‘why’ I will reformulate by question from: ‘Why do juveniles commit crimes?’ to ‘What are the reasons that contribute to juveniles' ability to commit crimes?’ 

I went through the aspect of interpretive inquiry again and I see how I overlooked certain key aspects. What I meant despite my confusion is that to conduct my research I will carry out a qualitative study that will observe, explore, and understand the meaning of groups ascribed to a problem (Creswell, 2009). Although initially, case study was my mode of selection because of the in-depth analysis of the variables now that I review my work I think Narrative inquiry would be a lot more appropriate. Utilizing interviews and reviews as means of data gathering will enable me to gain information directly from the participants to carry out my research effectively.

Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“Res wk 8 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words”, n.d.)
Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/environmental-studies/1415368-res-wk
(Res Wk 8 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 Words)
https://studentshare.org/environmental-studies/1415368-res-wk.
“Res Wk 8 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 Words”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/environmental-studies/1415368-res-wk.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF Strengths and Weaknesses of Qualitative and Quantitative Research

Qualitative Vs Quantitative Research

Various forums and discussions have erupted to suggest which research method is better that the other one but each has its own strengths and weaknesses (Lee, 1998).... The paper 'Qualitative Vs quantitative research' describes and explains the assertion that qualitative research method is inclined to words while quantitative research method is biased to numbers and statistical procedures.... The author describes quantitative research as 'the method which investigates the why and how of decision making, not just what, where and when'....
8 Pages (2000 words) Essay

Inequality and Mobility in Terms of Income

Understand the Strengths and Weaknesses of Qualitative and Quantitative Research ... qualitative and quantitative research methods are complementing and also contrasting.... For instance, most analysis considers quantitative research method because it contains concrete statistical data that is considered valid and reliable for conducting research.... Therefore, it is pretty good to understand the strengths weaknesses of each method in order to make a decision on the best method to use in collecting data....
4 Pages (1000 words) Essay

Data Collection Tools, Methods, and Challenges

trengths and weaknesses of qualitative and quantitative research ... The author states that qualitative and quantitative research techniques are designed for different audiences: policymakers both in private and in government, funding agencies, academicians, various stakeholders and project clients.... This process is mandatory in both qualitative and quantitative research is common to all fields of study including social sciences, business, physical sciences, applied sciences and humanities....
7 Pages (1750 words) Essay

Strengths and Weaknesses of Research Methodologies

Discuss the Strengths and Weaknesses of Qualitative and Quantitative Research methodologies; identify the major characteristics of both methodologies. ... iscuss the Strengths and Weaknesses of Qualitative and Quantitative Research methodologies; identify the major characteristics of both methodologies. ... Sometimes, mixed methods of qualitative and quantitative research approaches are used for research studies.... Sometimes, mixed method of qualitative and quantitative research approaches are used for research studies....
6 Pages (1500 words) Essay

Strengths and Weaknesses of Qualitative Approach, as Opposed to Quantitative Approach

The paper 'strengths and weaknesses of qualitative Approach, as Opposed to Quantitative Approach', is a fascinating example of a sociology literature review.... The paper 'strengths and weaknesses of qualitative Approach, as Opposed to Quantitative Approach', is a fascinating example of a sociology literature review.... strengths and weaknesses of qualitative Approach as Opposed to Quantitative Approach Introduction Possibly one of the most important decisions in the research process involves identification of the research methodology....
9 Pages (2250 words) Literature review

Quantitative Techniques of Business Research

In fact, much of the success in health research lies in the shared application of qualitative and quantitative research perspectives, methods and tools.... A program of ongoing study, using both qualitative and quantitative research, can provide essential knowledge of the changing nature of the disease and the corresponding experience and needs of persons with the illness.... The utilization of qualitative and quantitative data for health education program planning, implementation and evaluation: a spiral approach....
8 Pages (2000 words) Essay

Strengths and Weaknesses of Qualitative and Quantitative Methods

The paper "strengths and weaknesses of qualitative and quantitative Methods" seeks to discuss these qualitative or quantitative research methods in detail.... qualitative and quantitative research ... Therefore qualitative and quantitative research approaches are very useful in the study of social sciences.... The strengths and weaknesses of each research method will be discussed to give a vivid difference between the two approaches in social studies....
6 Pages (1500 words) Term Paper

Strengths and Weaknesses of a Qualitative Approach, as Opposed to a Quantitative Approach

Effective organisational research can adopt different methods among them qualitative and quantitative research paradigm.... While both qualitative and quantitative research interviews are akin because they involve a respondent and a researcher, the process of conducting and assessing findings differ.... The paper 'strengths and weaknesses of a Qualitative Approach, as Opposed to a Quantitative Approach', is a thoughtful variant of a literature review on sociology....
9 Pages (2250 words) Literature review
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us