Qualitative and Quantitative methods Essay Example

need to be very careful about the data collection process as it can be observational as well. In the case of quantitative data collection if the research is based on structured questionnaire with closed ended questions least involvement of researcher would be required.The researcher can collect data as long as he is in the field or the area of his research. Once he has left the filed it will be very difficult for him to recollect the same data. Qualitative Methods: There have been various debates over which technique is best.

But later on the importance of qualitative researches grew as it provided a tool of analysis for the complicated and complex subjects like psychology, communication, sociology, medical sciences where the theme of research was analyzing behavior, emotional component or the factors unknown. Qualitative researchers study things in their natural settings, attempting to make sense of or interpret phenomenon in terms of the meanings people bring to them. ”(Denzin & Lincoln, 2000, p. 3) Qualitative research will be very effective when the detailed and complete description is required where as quantitative analysis will be useful when features of research which can be quantified are available and can construct some form of statistical model to explain these features and related results.Qualitative analysis is always recommended before any quantitative analysis as it provides the factors or features which can be quantified.

“Qualitative research is an inquiry into the personal world of others that, if one is fortunate, becomes a journey into oneself. Qualitative inquiry offers opportunities for the researcher to inquire into oneself while inquiring into the other. (Sears 1992, p. 147)” Qualitative research requires more time

and efforts to collect data as compared to quantitative.Data analysis is complicated and based on the ability of researcher.

In the recent past the mixed methods have been considered to be the best way to conduct any research. It is usually a qualitative research at the initial stage. Based on the results of the initial stages quantifiable factors or features are decided and the quantitative research is carried out. “Qualitative research methods have descended from several disciplines and belong to twenty or more diverse traditions (Miller & Crabtree, 1992).Despite such diversity the core qualitative methods can be described as follows: • In-depth interviewing of individuals and small groups.

• Systematic observation of behavior. • Analysis of documentary data. ” (Darlington and Scott, 2002) There are several methods of conducting qualitative research. The interviews are one of the oldest methods among these. The extended form of interviews are focus group studies in which two or more participants are involved and each participant can be involved in discussion with other.The new research method Action research allows voluntary participation of participants.

Usually the researchers today use mixed methodology based on their research requirements. In qualitative analysis most of the time researcher can not expect the results and the results might be very different from the hypothesis. Researcher or the research team forms main tool of data collection and their presence is required for the data collection process. The involvement of researcher is essential at each and every level of the qualitative research.