PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1 - Qualitative and Quantitative Research - EP.5 (Research Simplified)

Summary

This video from 'Research Simplified' explores the key differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods. It covers objectives, data description, sampling, data gathering, analysis, and outcomes. Quantitative research tests hypotheses with numerical data and statistical tools, while qualitative research aims to understand human experiences through words, narratives, and thematic analysis. Both approaches use inquiry and immersion to improve human lives, but the choice between them depends on the researcher's comfort with numbers or words and the nature of the research topic.

Takeaways

• 🎯 The primary objective of quantitative research is to prove or disprove a hypothesis, while qualitative research aims to understand human experiences, behaviors, and emotions.
• 📊 In quantitative research, data is numerical and analyzed using statistical tools to measure variables, whereas qualitative research uses descriptive words, narrations, and stories to convey information.
• 🔍 Quantitative research typically involves a large sample size from the population, in contrast to qualitative research, which may only require a few participants depending on the topic and research nature.
• 📝 Data gathering in quantitative research is standardized, often using surveys and questionnaires with closed-ended questions, while qualitative research employs open-ended questions through interviews, immersion, and group discussions.
• 📐 Quantitative data analysis relies on statistical tools and formulas, such as Pearson's or Spearman's correlation, whereas qualitative analysis involves thematic analysis to categorize participant responses into themes.
• 📜 Both quantitative and qualitative research use textual forms for data analysis and interpretation, emphasizing the importance of understanding the human perspective.
• 🔑 Both research types begin and end with a problem, applying inquiry, investigation, and potentially immersion to improve human lives by finding solutions or improvements.
• 📉 Quantitative research outcomes are presented as conclusions that answer the research questions, while qualitative research outcomes are new insights that aim to enhance the understanding of the human mind.
• 🤔 The choice between quantitative and qualitative research depends on the researcher's comfort with numbers or words and the nature of the research topic.
• 🌟 Neither research method is inherently better than the other; the selection should be based on the specific requirements and goals of the research at hand.
• 👋 The video concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding the similarities and differences between the two research methods and choosing the appropriate one for the research topic.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of quantitative research?

The primary goal of quantitative research is to prove or disprove a hypothesis using statistical tools and numerical data.

What is the main objective of qualitative research?

The main objective of qualitative research is to understand human behavior, experiences, and emotions without necessarily testing a hypothesis.

How is data described in quantitative research?

In quantitative research, data is described using numbers, which are calculated and interpreted using statistical tools to measure variables.

What method of data description is used in qualitative research?

Qualitative research uses words to describe data, including narrations, stories, experiences, perceptions, and viewpoints of the observed subjects.

What is the typical sample size for quantitative research?

Quantitative research typically uses a large sample size from the population, which can range from 30 to 100 or even thousands of participants.

How many participants are usually required in qualitative research?

Qualitative research requires a limited number of participants, which can be as few as three, depending on the topic and nature of the research.

What are some common methods of data gathering in quantitative research?

Common methods of data gathering in quantitative research include survey questionnaires and checklists, where answers are tallied and percentages are calculated.

How is data gathered in qualitative research?

Data in qualitative research is gathered through open-ended interviews, immersion where researchers participate in the lives of participants, and group discussions.

What tools are used for data analysis in quantitative research?

Quantitative research uses statistical tools and instruments such as Pearson's correlation, Spearman's rank, and percentile deviation for data analysis.

What is the primary method of data analysis in qualitative research?

The primary method of data analysis in qualitative research is thematic analysis, where answers are categorized into themes or categories.

What are the outcomes referred to in quantitative research?

In quantitative research, the outcomes are referred to as conclusions, which identify answers to the questions set forth in the study.

How are the outcomes of qualitative research described?

The outcomes of qualitative research are described as new insights, aiming to cultivate a higher validity of understanding the human mind.

What similarities exist between quantitative and qualitative research?

Both quantitative and qualitative research apply inquiry, investigation, and immersion, aim to improve human lives, use textual forms for data analysis, and start and end with a problem.

Which type of research is considered easier to write, and what determines this?

The ease of writing either quantitative or qualitative research depends on the writer's comfort with numbers or words, descriptions, and explanations.