Empirical Studies: Qualitative vs. Quantitative

Summary

This video script distinguishes between quantitative and qualitative empirical studies, highlighting their differing goals, methods, and data analysis techniques. It illustrates these concepts with examples of adolescent mental health studies, showcasing how each approach contributes unique insights. The script emphasizes that neither method is superior, and sometimes a mixed-methods approach is employed for a comprehensive understanding.

Takeaways

• 🔍 The purpose of empirical studies is to answer research questions through observation or experimentation, with a distinction between quantitative and qualitative approaches.
• 📊 Quantitative research is characterized by its use of experiments, statistics, and the goal to measure, test, predict, and describe phenomena numerically.
• 🌟 An example of a quantitative approach is analyzing the correlation between a child's participation in a HeadStart program and their likelihood of attending college.
• 📚 Qualitative research is naturalistic and interpretive, aiming to richly describe behaviors and realities without necessarily quantifying them.
• 👧 An example of a qualitative approach is observing children in a preschool and conducting open-ended interviews to understand classroom behaviors.
• 🧑‍🔬 Quantitative studies may use structured methods like surveys, questionnaires, and experiments, and their data is numerical or quantifiable.
• 📝 Qualitative studies often employ unstructured methods such as open-ended interviews and observations, with data including transcripts and notes.
• 📈 Data analysis in quantitative studies typically involves statistical analysis, while qualitative studies might use text analysis and thematic coding.
• 📊 The presence of numbers, charts, and graphs does not automatically indicate a quantitative study, as qualitative studies may also present numerical demographic information.
• 🔑 The script provides three examples of studies to illustrate the differences between quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches.
• 🤔 The effectiveness of a study is not determined by its methodological approach alone; rather, it depends on how well the methods and analyses fit the research question.
• 📚 For assistance in understanding different research methodologies, one can consult a librarian.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of an empirical study?

The primary goal of an empirical study is to answer research questions through observation or experimentation.

How are quantitative and qualitative empirical studies different?

Quantitative studies focus on measurement, testing, prediction, and description using statistics, while qualitative studies aim to richly describe behaviors and realities through naturalistic and interpretive methods.

What type of research approach would you consider if you are conducting a statistical analysis of a correlation?

If you are conducting a statistical analysis of a correlation, you are taking a quantitative approach.

What is an example of a qualitative research method?

An example of a qualitative research method is conducting open-ended interviews and observations in a natural setting, such as a preschool classroom.

What are some common data collection methods used in quantitative studies?

Common data collection methods in quantitative studies include experiments, surveys, questionnaires, analysis of large datasets, and structured interviews and observations.

How is data typically analyzed in a qualitative study?

In a qualitative study, data is often analyzed through text analysis and coding for themes to interpret the data.

What types of visuals might you expect to see in a quantitative study?

In a quantitative study, you would likely see visuals such as numbers, charts, and graphs.

Can a study be both quantitative and qualitative?

Yes, a study can combine both quantitative and qualitative methods, which is known as a mixed methods study.

What is the significance of the research question in choosing the appropriate study approach?

The research question is significant in choosing the appropriate study approach because it determines how well the methods and analyses fit the needs of the investigation.

How can one gain further assistance in understanding quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method studies?

One can gain further assistance by consulting a librarian who can provide guidance on these different study approaches.

What is the role of statistical analysis in a quantitative study?

In a quantitative study, statistical analysis is used to analyze numerical data and to present information about the correlation between variables using tables.

How does a mixed methods study differ from a purely quantitative or qualitative study?

A mixed methods study differs by combining both qualitative and quantitative methods and data analysis techniques, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the research topic.

Outlines

00:00

🔍 Understanding Quantitative and Qualitative Research

This paragraph introduces the concept of empirical studies and distinguishes between quantitative and qualitative approaches. It emphasizes the goal of empirical studies to answer research questions through observation or experimentation and highlights the characteristics of scholarly articles in both styles. Quantitative research is associated with experimentation and statistics, aiming to measure and predict, while qualitative research focuses on naturalistic and interpretive methods to describe behaviors and realities. The paragraph also outlines the different methods and data types used in each approach, such as experiments, surveys, and structured interviews for quantitative studies, and field research, case studies, and open-ended interviews for qualitative studies. It concludes by noting the distinct data analysis techniques, including statistical analysis for quantitative and text analysis with theme coding for qualitative studies.

05:00

📊 Distinguishing Between Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods Studies

The second paragraph delves into the specifics of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies, using examples from adolescent mental health research. It describes a qualitative study focusing on female adolescents' experiences of depression through open-ended interviews and phenomenological analysis. A quantitative study is then detailed, which investigates the correlation between sleep issues and suicidal behaviors in children, utilizing structured interviews and statistical analysis. The paragraph concludes with a mixed methods study examining the impact of mental illness labels on adolescents' psychological well-being, combining semi-structured interviews, rating scales, and clinical information, and employing both textual analysis and statistical analysis. The importance of matching the research methods and analyses to the research question is stressed, and the paragraph ends with an invitation for further assistance from a librarian for understanding these research approaches.

Keywords

💡Empirical Study

An empirical study refers to research that is based on observable and measurable evidence derived from experiments or observations. It is a fundamental approach in the scientific method, aiming to answer research questions through direct experience. In the video, empirical studies are the central theme, with a focus on distinguishing between quantitative and qualitative approaches within this broader category.

💡Quantitative Research

Quantitative research is a method of inquiry that involves numerical data and employs statistical tools for analysis. It aims to measure, test, and predict phenomena. The video script uses the example of a statistical analysis of the correlation between a child's participation in a HeadStart program and their likelihood of attending college to illustrate a quantitative approach.

💡Qualitative Research

Qualitative research focuses on understanding the depth and richness of human experiences, behaviors, and the meanings people ascribe to their experiences. It is interpretive and naturalistic, often using methods like ethnography or phenomenology. The script contrasts this with quantitative research by describing an observational study in a preschool classroom, emphasizing open-ended interviews and the exploration of behaviors.

💡Statistical Analysis

Statistical analysis involves the interpretation of data and the testing of hypotheses to draw conclusions. It is a key component of quantitative research, as it allows researchers to quantify relationships and make predictions. The video mentions statistical analysis in the context of examining the link between sleep issues and suicidal behaviors in adolescents.

💡Experiments

Experiments are a controlled method of research used in quantitative studies to test hypotheses and determine causal relationships. They involve manipulating variables to observe effects. The video script implies the use of experiments as a method in quantitative research but does not provide a specific example.

💡Surveys and Questionnaires

Surveys and questionnaires are tools used in quantitative research to collect data from a large number of respondents. They are structured and aim to gather numerical data for statistical analysis. The script mentions these as methods that might be used in a quantitative study to gather data.

💡Field Research

Field research is a qualitative method where researchers directly observe and participate in the setting they are studying. It allows for a deep understanding of the context and the behaviors of the participants. The video script does not provide a direct example of field research but implies its use in qualitative studies.

💡Data Analysis Techniques

Data analysis techniques are the methods used to process and interpret data. Quantitative studies often use statistical analyses, while qualitative studies might use text analysis and coding for themes. The video script explains that the choice of analysis technique depends on whether the study is quantitative or qualitative.

💡Mixed Methods Study

A mixed methods study combines both quantitative and qualitative approaches to research. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of a research question by leveraging the strengths of both methods. The script describes a study on self-labeling among adolescents with mental disorders as an example of a mixed methods study, using both interviews and rating scales.

💡Ethnographic Research

Ethnographic research is a qualitative method that involves the study of cultures, focusing on the everyday lives of people within their natural settings. It is interpretive and descriptive. The video script mentions ethnographic research as a term that might be used to describe qualitative research.

💡Phenomenological Analysis

Phenomenological analysis is a qualitative research method that aims to explore the essence of experiences as they are lived by individuals. It seeks to understand the subjective meaning of experiences. The script provides an example of this method being used in a study about female adolescents' experiences of depression.

Highlights

The goal of an empirical study is to answer research questions through observation or experimentation.

Empirical studies can be quantitative or qualitative, highlighting the importance of understanding the difference.

Quantitative research focuses on measurement, testing, prediction, and description using statistics.

Qualitative research aims to richly describe behaviors and realities through naturalistic and interpretive methods.

Quantitative studies may involve experiments, surveys, and structured interviews for data collection.

Qualitative studies often use open-ended interviews, observations, and field research for data collection.

Data in quantitative studies is numerical or quantifiable, while qualitative data includes transcripts and notes.

Quantitative data analysis features statistical analyses, whereas qualitative analysis may involve text analysis and theme coding.

The presence of numbers, charts, and graphs does not automatically indicate a quantitative study.

Three studies on adolescent mental health are used to illustrate the differences between quantitative and qualitative approaches.

The first study on female adolescent depression uses open-ended interviews and phenomenological analysis, classifying it as qualitative.

The second study investigates the association between sleep issues and suicidal behaviors using structured interviews and statistical analysis, making it quantitative.

The third study combines semi-structured interviews with rating scales, employing both textual and statistical analyses, thus being a mixed methods study.

Quantitative and qualitative studies are not inherently better or worse; they are simply different approaches to research.

Mixed method studies can provide a fuller picture by combining quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Evaluating a study's approach involves assessing how well the methods and analyses fit the research question.

Librarians can offer assistance with understanding quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method studies.

Transcripts

The goal of an empirical study is to answer research questions through

observation or experimentation. Empirical studies can be quantitative or

qualitative, and it's important to understand the difference. In this video,

we'll explore characteristics of quantitative and qualitative scholarly

articles. In order to understand these different approaches to research, let's

start by comparing the goals of quantitative and qualitative approaches.

When you think quantitative, think experimental and statistical. The goal

here is to measure, test, predict, and describe using statistics. If you conduct

a statistical analysis of the correlation between a child's

participation in a HeadStart program and their likelihood of going to college,

you're taking a quantitative approach, but if you go into a preschool classroom,

observe children playing, and conduct open-ended interviews with children and

teachers about classroom behaviors, you're taking a qualitative approach.

Qualitative approaches are naturalistic and interpretive. You might hear terms

like ethnographic or phenomenological to describe qualitative research. The goal

here is to richly describe people's behaviors and realities, rather than to

quantify or measure them. Since the goals of quantitative and qualitative studies

are different, their methods and data are different too. A quantitative study might

use experiments, surveys, or questionnaires, analysis of large

datasets, like US census data, or structured interviews and observations

where questions and observation criteria are exactly the same for each

participant. Data in a quantitative study is numerical in the first place, or is

quantifiable. The qualitative study might use field research case studies or more

open-ended interviews and observations where there is more room for flexibility,

and follow-up. The data in a qualitative study might be interview or focus group

transcripts, observation notes or journal entries. Because methods are different,

data analysis techniques also vary. Between quantitative and qualitative

studies, quantitative studies will feature statistical analyses while

qualitative studies might use text analysis and a coding for themes in

order to interpret data. While you'll probably see more numbers, charts, and

graphs in a quantitative study, be careful, just because you see these

doesn't automatically mean the study is quantitative. Qualitative studies might

report basic demographic information numerically before diving into

qualitative analysis, so it's always important to read the study for

additional information. Let's take a look at some examples: here are three studies

about adolescent mental health. We'll focus on their goals, methods, data and

data analysis techniques to determine if they are quantitative or qualitative. Our

first study is about depression in female adolescents. According to the

article, the goal of this exploratory study was to gain an understanding of

female adolescents own experiences of depression, and give voice to their

experiences. The method for doing this was 6 open-ended interviews regarding

participants experiences of depression. The data consisted of interview

transcripts, and the article includes quotes from the interviews. The data

analysis technique was interpreted phenomenological analysis in which

researchers distilled themes from the interview transcripts. This is an example

of a qualitative study. Our second example is about sleep issues as a risk

factor for suicidal behavior in depressed children and adolescents.

According to the article, the goal of this study was to investigate the

association between sleep complaints and suicidal behaviors. In this population,

the method for doing this was through a structured interview about sleep. The

same questions for every participant, plus two tests, the children's depression

rating scale, and the children's global assessment scale. The data consisted of

frequency of sleep issues from the interviews as well as a numerical score.

For the two scales the researchers used statistical analysis to analyze the data

and presented the information about the correlation between variables using

tables. This is an example of a quantitative study. Our last example is

about self labeling among adolescents with mental disorders or the impact of

mental illness labels on teens psychological well-being. According to

the article, the goal of this study was to investigate associations between self

labeling and perceived negative treatment by other clinical and

demographic factors. The researchers had the hypothesis that many teens wouldn't

self label, and those that did would have worse

psychological well-being. The researchers combined the methods to test this

hypothesis. They did semi-structured interviews with some open-ended

questions where teens could express their thoughts and emotions. They also

use rating scales to quantify teens experiences, like the Rosenberg

self-esteem scale, and clinical information about each patient, like

their type of disorder and age of first treatment for mental health issues. The

data in this study consisted of interview transcripts, scores from the

scales, and clinical information. Because researchers combined two methods they

also needed to use several data analysis techniques. The researchers used textual

analysis to find themes in the interview transcripts and they ran statistical

analyses for relationships between the variables on the scales and the clinical

information. The articles included quotes from the teens, as well as statistical

tables. Because this study uses both qualitative and quantitative methods, we

call it a mixed methods study. So what makes a better empirical study?

Quantitative studies aren't automatically better or worse than

qualitative studies, these two approaches are just different. Sometimes researchers

even combine approaches to present a fuller picture through a mixed method

study. When you're evaluating a study's approach ask yourself, how well do the

methods and analyses fit the research question? If you need help with

quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method studies, you can always ask a

librarian!