Topic 5 - RESEARCH METHODS: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS

Need for Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis in Research Methods:

Quantitative and Qualitative analysis play a major role in Research Methods by means of providing different ways to measure the practical concepts and theoretical concepts accordingly. Quantitative analysis in depth provides statistical power and accurate measurement at a higher lever whereas Qualitative analysis in depth provides wider knowledge about the information in specific research surroundings.

Based on the theoretical and substantive interests of the researcher, skills and preferences, case being studied and the research questions, the researcher chooses either quantitative or qualitative approach.

What is Quantitative Analysis?

Quantitative research is “explaining phenomena by collecting numerical data that are analysed using mathematically based methods (in particular statistics).”

(Source - http://www.skillsyouneed.com/learn/quantitative-and-qualitative.html ) 

• Mathematical formulas are used to define the relationships
• By setting up necessary conditions and determining whether the output contains the desired values, we can test this quantitative approach
• Major sources of quantitative analysis includes Making Observations, Conducting Surveys and any form of Secondary data

What is Qualitative Analysis?

Qualitative research seeks to answer questions about why and how people behave in the way that they do. It provides in-depth information about human behaviour.

(Source - http://www.skillsyouneed.com/learn/quantitative-and-qualitative.html )

• Verbal methods are used to state the approach rather than using mathematical formulas
• Variables that are important along with their interactions are also stated in this analysis
• Major sources of qualitative analysis includes Making Observations, Conducting Interviews, Post cards, Focus Groups and any form of Secondary data

VIDEO 1:

The above video takes us through the world of Quantitative and Qualitative analysis. It has characterised both the approaches based on their Purpose, Research questions / Hypothesis, Data, Analysis and the Final outcome. 

VIDEO 2:

The above video begins with the differentiation of quantitative and qualitative data. It states that the quantitative data can be counted whereas qualitative data cannot be counted. Two types of quantitative data in further are discrete and continuous data. Though quantitative data are more valuable they come out with few limitations like just identifying the problems but don’t help in addressing or finding a solution for the problem. On the other hand, qualitative data generates new ideas to find solutions and thereby follows quantitative approach. Finally the video ends by summarising the differences between the both.

VIDEO 3:

From the above video, we assume that Quantitative and Qualitative approaches are like two children of research methods born with the same head. Hence, one can’t live without the other. Thus, no Quantitative analysis exists without Qualitative analysis and no Qualitative analysis exists without Quantitative analysis.