Quantitative vs Qualitative Research

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research

Quantitative Methodology

Preference for precise hypothesis stated at the onset.

Qualitative Methodology

Preference for hypotheses that emerge as study develops

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research

Quantitative Methodology

Preference for precise definitions stated at the onset.

Qualitative Methodology

Preference for definitions in context or as study progresses.

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research

Quantitative Methodology

Data reduced to numerical scores.

Qualitative Methodology

Preference for narrative description.

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research

Quantitative Methodology

Much attention to assessing and improving reliability of scores obtained from instruments.

Qualitative Methodology

Preference for assuming that reliability of inferences is adequate.

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research

Quantitative Methodology

Assessment of validity through a variety of procedures with reliance on statistical indices.

Qualitative Methodology

Assessment of validity through cross-checking sources of information (triangulation).

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research

Quantitative Methodology

Preference for random techniques for meaningful samples

Qualitative Methodology

Preference for expert informant (purposive) samples.

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research

Quantitative Methodology

Preference for precisely describing procedures.

Qualitative Methodology

Preference for narrative/literary descriptions of procedures.

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research

Quantitative Methodology

Preference for design or statistical control of extraneous variables

Qualitative Methodology

Preference for logical analysis in controlling or accounting for extraneous variables.

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research

Quantitative Methodology

Preference for specific design control for procedural bias.

Qualitative Methodology

Primary reliance on researcher to deal with procedural bias.

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research

Quantitative Methodology

Preference for statistical summary of results.

Qualitative Methodology

Preference for narrative summary of results.

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research

Quantitative Methodology

Preference for breaking down complex phenomena into specific parts for analysis.

Qualitative Methodology

Preference for holistic description of complex phenomena.

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research

Quantitative Methodology

Willingness to manipulate aspects, situations, or conditions in studying complex phenomena.

Qualitative Methodology

Unwillingness to tamper with naturally occurring phenomena.

Reference

Fraenkel, J. R. & Wallen, N. E. (2009). How to design and evaluate research in education (7th ed.). San Francisco: McGraw-Hill, 422.