MARTIN CHARLES L.

TAN

QUALITATIVE VS QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Every research has its need for analysis of data. Qualitative research and quantitative research are
done differently but they have the same goal in give the needed results in a research. In some cases a
researcher can use both to provide clearer and in depth data for researches. So let us differentiate the two
researches.

Qualitative research has with it the purpose of understanding and interpreting social interactions.
It has a small group covered to be studied upon and it could also be a selection chosen by the researcher.
We can collect data in forms of open-ended responses, interviews, observations and field notes. In
qualitative research, our analysis of data comes from the patterns, features, and themes collected in
images, words, or objects. The participants may be allowed to know the researchers as the participant’s
characteristics may be known to the researchers. What we gain from qualitative research does not
generalize the population; it is not good for statistical methods; the instruments of research used affect the
results.

On the other hand, quantitative research has the purpose of analysis in order to answer the
hypothesis confirmed by the cause/s and effect/s. It develops predictions for the future. The scales of
gathering data are larger and selected randomly. We gather data in forms of numbers and statistical
figures. Quantitative research needs validated questionnaires that will be used in data gathering. The
researchers do not know the characteristics of their participants. Some research has a bias group where in
the other group of participants have no knowledge of. We have results that are generalized; these can be
applied and/compared to other populations; the results are more precise. Conclusions therefore are limited
to the results and researchers cannot insert reasons why the phenomenon happened.