quantitative vs qualitative data

Question 1

what is a study aim

Answer 1

a statement describing the purpose of the study

Question 2

what is a research question

Answer 2

a specific question describing the
primary aim of the research study

Question 3

what is a research hypothesis

Answer 3

a specific, clear, and testable
statement about the possible outcome of a research study

Question 4

what is qualitative data

Answer 4

definition:understanding of
experiences, perceptions,
motivations, intentions, behaviours
based on description/observation

involves: Observations described in words

Starting point: A situation the researcher can observe

Goals of study design: Participants are comfortable with
researcher, are honest and
forthcoming which allows
researcher to make robust
observations

Examples of methods:
-Semi-structured interviews
-Focus groups
-Participant observation

Question 5

what is quantitative data

Answer 5

Definition:
Based on numerical data and usually
seeks to establish causal relationships
and/or differences between variables

Involves: Observations measured numerically

Starting point: A testable hypothesis

Goals of study design: Findings can be repeatedly tested by others. Variables are defined and statistical analyses test relationships and differences between variables/groups

Examples of methods:
-Surveys
-Randomized control (or clinical) trials
-Laboratory experiments

Question 6

summary of qualitative

Answer 6

1.Methods provide textual/narrative
information to identify themes
2.More subjective: describes a
problem/condition/phenomenon from the
point of view of those experiencing it
3.Word- or narrative-based
4.More in-depth information fewer participants
5.Unstructured or semi-structured response
6.No statistical tests
7.Can be valid and reliable: largely depends
on skill and rigor of researcher
8.Less generalizable

Question 7

summary of quantitative data

Answer 7

1. Methods provide numerical information
2. More objective: provides observed effects
   (interpreted by researcher) of an
   intervention or risk factor on a problem
3. Number-based
4. Less in-depth but more breadth of
   information with more participants
5. Fixed response options
6. Statistical tests used for analyses
7. Can be valid and reliable: largely depends
   on measurement device or instrument used
8. More generalisable

Question 8

influences of what type of research to do

Answer 8

1. Choice between quantitative or qualitative methods will influence the research question!
2. The research question will influence the choice of quantitative or qualitative methods!
3. There are a vast number of quantitative/qualitative methods: which should be used?