Current Issues in Pharmacoeconomics 2 __________________________________________ --____ __ Quantitative and qualitative research complementaIy In the future, health services research may combine quantitative and qualitative approaches, in response to the multidimensional and multidisciplinary problems that are encountered in this field, says Dr Rosaline Barbour of the University of Glasgow, Scotland. Technically distinct Technically, quantitative and qualitative research methods are distinct and separate, each addressing different sorts of questions, collecting different types of data, and producing different sorts of answers. However, according to Dr Barbour, these 2 research approaches can be combined for several purposes. • Qualitative methods may be used to develop sophis- ticated quantitative research tools or to further explore the mechanisms by which variables are connected following a large-scale survey. • If shortcomings in I system of data collection are identified mid-way through a project, alternative methods can be used to redress the imbalance. • Either method can be used to validate or qualify the findings of the other. Each can contribute to the other It is useful to consider the complementary role of quantitative and qualitative research in terms of the contributions that either method can make to the other, notes Dr Barbour. Within the quantitative paradigm, qualitative methods can be used to provide insights into the process of data construction, identify relevant variables to be studied, furnish explanations for unexpected or anomalous findings, and generate hypotheses for further investigation. Within the qualitative paradigm, quantitative methods can be used to analyse data, inform qualitative sampling strategies, and amalgamate findings from separate studies. Barbour RS . The case for combining qualitative and quantitative approaches in health services research. Journal of Health Services Research and Policy: 39-43, Jan 1999 800731599 PharmacoEconomics & OIm::omes News 6 Mar 11K19 No. 202 1173-5503199/0202-0002/$01.00° Adl. International Llmltad 11199. All right. rnerved

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Current Issues in Pharmacoeconomics 2 __________________________________________ --____ __

Quantitative and qualitative research complementaIy

In the future, health services research may combine quantitative and qualitative approaches, in response to the multidimensional and multidisciplinary problems that are encountered in this field, says Dr Rosaline Barbour of the University of Glasgow, Scotland.

Technically distinct Technically, quantitative and qualitative research

methods are distinct and separate, each addressing different sorts of questions, collecting different types of data, and producing different sorts of answers. However, according to Dr Barbour, these 2 research approaches can be combined for several purposes. • Qualitative methods may be used to develop sophis

ticated quantitative research tools or to further explore the mechanisms by which variables are connected following a large-scale survey.

• If shortcomings in I system of data collection are identified mid-way through a project, alternative methods can be used to redress the imbalance.

• Either method can be used to validate or qualify the findings of the other.

Each can contribute to the other It is useful to consider the complementary role

of quantitative and qualitative research in terms of the contributions that either method can make to the other, notes Dr Barbour.

Within the quantitative paradigm, qualitative methods can be used to provide insights into the process of data construction, identify relevant variables to be studied, furnish explanations for unexpected or anomalous findings, and generate hypotheses for further investigation.

Within the qualitative paradigm, quantitative methods can be used to analyse data, inform qualitative sampling strategies, and amalgamate findings from separate studies. Barbour RS. The case for combining qualitative and quantitative approaches in health services research. Journal of Health Services Research and Policy: 39-43, Jan 1999

800731599

PharmacoEconomics & OIm::omes News 6 Mar 11K19 No. 202 1173-5503199/0202-0002/$01.00° Adl. International Llmltad 11199. All right. rnerved