Qualitative & Quantitative

Design

QUANTITATIVE

Advantages
Observations are used
throughout studies
Formulating hypotheses
allows for speculation about
outcomes; applicable
instrument
Safeguards used to
minimize or eliminate bias

Predicts correlation between

objects
Systematic data collection
and analysis
Generalizable to other
institutions for further
research
Recognized criteria for
assessment and validity
More research conducted by
this method

Disadvantages

Should only be used if data can

be measured by numbers, results
quantified
Instrument or method chosen is
subjective and research is
dependent upon tool chosen
Lack of independent thought by
researcher when dependent on
instrument or mathematics used to
extract or evaluate data

Individuals decisions not

evaluated based on their culture
or social interactions
Decisions made without regard to
individual human thought or
choice to predict behavior
All individuals are measured
same way

Experiences
Backgrounds
Intelligence
Ability to change decisions at any
given point in time
Independent though

Qualitative

Advantages
Helps explain relationships
in detail; individualistic
Can help validate
quantitative findings by
further investigation
Can help close gap between
research and practice
Needs of individuals in
institutions
Study problems more relevant
to policy makers

Less dependent on
instrument
Can bring change in
institutions and society
In-depth
Personalized
Examines specific issues

Disadvantages
Strong dependency on sample
population
Access
Honest and valid
information
Time and resources needed
for collection and analysis is
intensive
Lack of objectivity and bias
by researcher
Inferences made
Incorrect conclusions

Convenience sampling
Lack of training or
knowledge about
methodology
Lack of ability to produce
and comprehend research
Not recognized

Thank you
not everything that can be counted
counts, and not everything that counts
can be counted.
Albert Einstein