Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed methods research

Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed methods research Quantitative research involves data collection procedure that results primarily in numerical data.(then analyzed by statistical methods). For example survey research using a questionnaire. qualitative research involves data collection procedure that result primarily in open-ended, non-numerical data.(non-statistical methods.) e.g. interview research. Mixed methods research: including different combinations of Qual and Quan research either at the data collection or at the analysis levels.II. The qualitative-quantitative distinction:

Ideological differences(it was started as a result of dominant number-based statistical research in the middle of 20th century) Contrasting categorizing/coding practices: qualitative and quantitative are quite different in the way of using the codes and categorization. numerical Quantitative codes precisein advance verbalQualitative codes they are open and flexible and not determined beforehandDifferent approaches to individual diversity: Qualitative and quantitative use different strategies to interpret individual diversity 1. Quant. Researchers meaning in general2. Qual. Researchers meaning in particular

Statistics vs. researcher sensitivity : while the quantitative method is systematic and objective, the qualitative method is sensitive and subjective The qual-quan Contrast and the paradigm war-The differences between quant. and qual. had been so expanded that it led to two different perspectives as macro-perspective for quantitative and micro- perspective for qualitative.There are three positions regarding the Qual-Quant differences: 1. Purist arguing that the qualitative and quantitative methodologies are mutually exclusive 2. Situationalist they believe that either of the methods can be effective regarding research content3. Pragmatist believes the integration of two methods can be beneficial and fruitful as far as they help to corroborate, elaborate the findings of other methods.Quantitative research: (involves data collection procedures that result in numerical data). Main characteristics of quantitative research1. Using numbers 2. A priori categorization 3. Variables rather than cases 4. Statistics and the language of statistics5. Standardized procedures to assess objective reality6. Quest for generalizability and universal lawsx Strengths and weaknesses of quantitative research:*It is systematic,rigorous,and tightly controlled,Involving precise measurment.(strength)*the general exploratory capacity of quant.research is limited,so researchers view as overly simplistic,reductionist in terms of its generalization(weakness)

Qualitative research (involves data collection procedures that result in non-numerical data) Main characteristics of qualitative research:1. Emergent research design2. The nature of qualitative data3. The characteristics of research4. Insider meaning5. Small sample6. Interpretive analysis

Mixed methods research (comprises both quantitative and qualitative. i.e. it has the already mutual features)Strengths of mixed method research1. increasing the strength while eliminating the weaknesses2. Multilevel analysis of complex3.improve validity 4.reach multiple audiences The weaknesses of mixed method research. Researchers lack methodological skills to handle both qualitative and quantitative data.