Quantitative method VS Qualitative method in sociological research

Chee Shu Yee PL2

Quantitative Method Qualitative Method

Advocators: Advocators:
 Positivists  Phenomenologists
 Realist
Assumptions Assumptions

 Social facts have an objective reality  Reality is socially constructed

 Variables can be identified and  Variables are complex, interwoven, and difficult
relationships measured to measure
 Etic (outside's point of view)  Emic (insider's point of view)

Purpose Purpose

 Generalizability  Contextualization
 Prediction  Understanding individuals’ perspective and
 Falsification meaning behind it
 Causal explanations

Approach Approach

 Numerical  Descriptive
 Begins with hypotheses and theories  Ends with hypotheses and grounded theory
 Manipulation of variables  Discovery of new theories logically
 Experimentation  Naturalistic
 Deductive  Inductive
 Component analysis  Searches for patterns
 Seeks consensus, the norm  Seeks pluralism, diversity
 Abstract language in write-up  Descriptive write-up

Researcher Role Researcher Role

 Detachment and neutrality  Personal involvement

 Less interpretation needed  More interpretation needed
 Objective portrayal  Empathic understanding

Research Method Research Method

 Experiment  Participant observation

 Numerical secondary data  Non-participant observation
 Close-ended questionnaire  Descriptive secondary data
 Structured interview  Open-ended questionnaire
 Unstructured interview

Advantages and Limitations Advantages and Limitations

 Generalizability ↑  Generalizability ↓
 Reliability ↑  Reliability ↓
 Representable ↑  Representable ↓
 Objectivity ↑  Objectivity ↓
 Validity ↓  Validity ↑
Quantitative method VS Qualitative method in sociological research
Chee Shu Yee PL2