Qualitative vs. Quantitative Quantitative vs.

Qualitative
While it may be appropriate for someone to specialize in one research paradigm or another, Im a believer that the research question guides the methods used to explore it. The questions asked are guided by one's philosophical beliefs. Ones philosophical outlook on knowledge, knowledge construction and research help guide their questioning and hence their research paradigm. While I believe that ones philosophical outlook forces them to ask certain questions, I also acknowledge that many do not wish to be forced down either the quantitative or qualitative paths exclusively. Therefore, the following comparison is not about pitting one type of research against the other in a winner takes all endeavor (although my biases show up in the descriptions). But one should have a good understanding of the characteristics of each as to help them make an educated decision on which to use and when. Quantitative (objectivisit/positivist) Identifiable variables and relationships exist outside point of view generalization prediction Philosophy The nature of reality The relationship of knower to the known The possibility of generalization The possibility of causal linkages The role of values can be value-neutral Approach hypothesis based on theory intervention and control instrument measurement comparison to norm causal relationships objective, single, tangible Qualitative (subjectivist/naturalist) variables are complex and difficult to measure inside point of view contextualization interpretation perspective socially constructed, multiple, holistic

Assumptions Purpose

independent

dependent, inseparable

can be time and context free

time and context bound

real cause and effect exists

holistic interactions make assigning cause & effect impossible can not be value-neutral exploration grounded in theory emergent & naturalistic pattern/theme searching pluralistic & complex

numerical data deductive explanation guides development Role of Researcher impartial objective analyzer Role of Participants/Subjects Research question characteristics manipulated subjects what is the hypothesis how do I test the hypothesis how do I define the concepts what scientific theory explains the results how do I interpret the results Other differences validation being a participant observer taints the data try to eliminate bias theory leads research since all research should add to some independent truth Traditional terms - internal validity, external validity, reliability, objectivity

quality data inductive explanation grows out of the data involved and biased participant observer subjective interpreter co-investigators how do I learn about the phenomenon what concepts do the participants use to describe experiences how are these concepts defined by them how do I translate these experiences description being outside tabulator reduces trustworthiness recognizes & acknowledges biases theory supports and may be developed by research Naturalistic terms credibility, transferability, dependability, confirmability

Creswell, J. W. (2003). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Eisner, E. W., & Peshkin, A. (1990). Qualitative inquiry in education: The continuing debate. New York: Teachers College Press. Krathwohl, D. R. (1998). Methods of educational and social science research: An integrated approach (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Addison Wesley Longman, Inc. Rossman, G. B., & Rallis, S. F. (2003). Learning in the field: An introduction to qualitative research (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.