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.

Outlines

00:00

🔍 Understanding Research Objectives: Quantitative vs. Qualitative

This paragraph introduces the video's focus on comparing qualitative and quantitative research methods. It highlights the different objectives of each approach: quantitative research aims to prove or disprove hypotheses using statistical tools, while qualitative research seeks to understand human behavior, experiences, and emotions without relying on hypotheses. The paragraph sets the stage for further exploration of the two methodologies.

05:00

📊 Data Description, Sampling, and Gathering in Research

This section delves into the specifics of data description, sampling techniques, and data gathering for both quantitative and qualitative research. Quantitative research uses numerical data and large samples, employing statistical analysis for variable measurement. In contrast, qualitative research relies on words, narratives, and smaller, more focused participant groups. The paragraph also mentions various sampling methods and the structured nature of quantitative data gathering through surveys and questionnaires, versus the open-ended, interview-based approach of qualitative research.

📚 Data Analysis and Research Outcomes

The final paragraph discusses the analysis and outcomes of both research types. Quantitative research utilizes statistical tools and formulas to analyze data, aiming for conclusions that answer predefined questions. Qualitative research, on the other hand, employs thematic analysis to categorize participant responses into themes or categories. The outcomes of quantitative research are conclusions, while qualitative research provides new insights into the human mind. The paragraph concludes by emphasizing the similarities between the two approaches, such as their investigative nature, goal of human improvement, and textual analysis of data, and ends with a reminder that the choice of research method depends on the researcher's comfort with numbers or words.

Keywords

💡Qualitative Research

Qualitative research is an exploratory approach that seeks to understand human experiences, behaviors, and emotions through non-numerical data. It is characterized by its focus on in-depth observation and interpretation of words, stories, and perceptions. In the video, this concept is central to explaining the type of research that aims to gain insights into the human mind without relying on statistical analysis.

💡Quantitative Research

Quantitative research involves the collection and analysis of numerical data to test hypotheses and draw conclusions. It is structured and often uses statistical tools to measure variables and interpret results. The video script describes it as having a clear objective to prove or disprove a hypothesis, contrasting it with the more exploratory nature of qualitative research.

💡Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation or prediction made in quantitative research that can be tested through empirical observation and experimentation. The script mentions that in quantitative research, the goal is to prove or disprove a hypothesis, which serves as the basis for the research design and analysis.

💡Data Description

Data description refers to the way information about the research topic is presented. In quantitative research, this is done using numbers and statistical tools, while in qualitative research, it involves the use of words, narrations, and detailed accounts of participants' experiences. The script highlights the difference in data description as a key aspect distinguishing the two research methods.

💡Sampling

Sampling is the process of selecting a subset of individuals from a larger population to participate in a study. The script notes that quantitative research often requires a large sample size, while qualitative research may involve a smaller, more select group of participants, depending on the research topic and its nature.

💡Data Gathering

Data gathering involves the methods used to collect information for a study. The script explains that quantitative research typically uses surveys and questionnaires with closed-ended questions, whereas qualitative research employs open-ended questions through interviews, immersion, and group discussions to understand the participants' perspectives.

💡Thematic Analysis

Thematic analysis is a method used in qualitative research to identify, analyze, and report patterns or themes within data. The script describes it as a way to categorize participants' responses into themes, which helps in understanding the deeper meanings and connections in the data collected.

💡Conclusions

In the context of quantitative research, conclusions are the definitive answers or findings derived from the data analysis. The script contrasts this with the qualitative research approach, which aims to provide new insights rather than definitive conclusions.

💡Insights

Insights in qualitative research refer to the deep understanding and new perspectives gained about human experiences and behaviors. The script suggests that these insights are hoped to enhance the validity of understanding the human mind, which is a key outcome of qualitative research.

💡Improvement

Improvement is a common goal for both quantitative and qualitative research, as mentioned in the script. It implies that the ultimate aim of conducting research, whether through numbers or words, is to contribute to the betterment of human life by understanding situations and finding solutions.

💡Inquiry

Inquiry is the process of asking questions and seeking answers, which is fundamental to both types of research described in the script. It represents the investigative nature of research, whether it is through the structured approach of quantitative methods or the more interpretive approach of qualitative methods.

Highlights

Introduction to identifying similarities and differences between qualitative and quantitative research.

Objective of research: Quantitative aims to prove/disprove a hypothesis; Qualitative seeks to understand human experiences.

Data description: Quantitative uses numbers and statistical tools; Qualitative uses words, narrations, and stories.

Sampling differences: Quantitative often uses larger sample sizes, while Qualitative may require fewer participants.

Data gathering methods: Quantitative uses surveys and questionnaires; Qualitative employs interviews and immersion.

Data analysis techniques: Quantitative utilizes statistical analysis; Qualitative focuses on thematic analysis.

Outcomes of research: Quantitative leads to conclusions; Qualitative provides new insights into human understanding.

Similarities between the two: Both involve inquiry, investigation, and may require immersion.

Both research types aim to improve human lives by understanding situations and seeking solutions.

Both use textual forms for data analysis and interpretation.

Research processes in both types start and end with a problem.

The choice between quantitative and qualitative depends on the writer's comfort with numbers or words.

Neither research method is inherently better; the choice depends on the nature of the topic.

Discussion of various sampling methods such as random sampling, fishbowl method, and purposive sampling.

Importance of building trust and creating a comfortable atmosphere in qualitative research for participant sharing.

Explanation of structured and unstructured questions in qualitative research to understand the human mind.

Quantitative research's standardized and structured approach with closed-ended questions.

Future discussions on data analysis techniques in both research types in upcoming videos.

Transcripts

[Music]

finally the time has arrived for us to

identify the similarities and the

differences between qualitative

and quantitative research this is mamika

and you're watching

research simplified

[Music]

for this lesson we're going to look at

the following aspects

objective data description sample

data gathering data analysis

and outcomes

[Music]

let us start with the objective the

objective serves as the goal or the end

of a research if you are writing a

quantitative research

then your goal is to either prove or

disprove a certain hypothesis

that means you have a hypothesis in mind

and your task is to test if this

hypothesis

is null or alternative whereas when we

say qualitative research

your goal or your objective has nothing

to do with hypothesis

rather your goal is to understand

the minds of humans their behavior

and their experiences that is when we

conduct a qualitative research

our main goal is to gain an

understanding of humans

feelings experiences and emotions

next is data description in describing

our data

when it is for quantitative research we

use numbers

these numbers are calculated and

interpreted using statistical tools

for us to measure the variables that we

have in the study

however when we say qualitative instead

of using numbers

we use words in describing or in giving

information

about our topic here we include

narrations

the stories or the lives of the people

that we are observing

and their experiences their perceptions

their viewpoints

the next one is sampling when it comes

to sampling

in quantitative research we use

a large sample from our population

whereas when we write a qualitative

research very limited participants are

required

the number depends of course upon your

topic

and the nature of your research

quantitative may require

about probably 30 to 100 or even

thousands of participants

but when it comes to qualitative it may

only require

even just three participants again it

depends upon

the topic and the nature of your study

there are many methods when it comes to

sampling we have the random sampling

fishbowl method purposive sampling

cluster sampling

and a lot more we will be further

discussing those in our next videos

next is data gathering when it comes to

gathering our data in quantitative

research

we use survey questionnaires or

checklists

wherein what we do is we tally the

answers of our participants

that is why we make use of numbers here

the majority always

wins we calculate the percentage of the

people who answered yes and who answered

no

who answered satisfied and unsatisfied

that is how we conduct

the data gathering in quantitative

research it is standardized or

structured

and we use close-ended questions

wherein we provide a limited set of

options for the answers of our

participants

however when we say qualitative research

the questions are open-ended it may be

structured

and unstructured at the same time

because the way we gather data is by

interviewing our participants again our

goal here

our objective is to understand the human

mind

we want to hear their stories in their

experiences

their beliefs and their perceptions and

in order to do that

we conduct interviews we may also do

immersion

wherein we participate as the

researchers we participate

in the lives or in the work of our

participants

for us to better understand where

they're coming from

or we may also do group discussions

wherein we gather our participants and

then we discuss with them

our topic it is very important that we

build

the trust and the right atmosphere so

that our participants will

feel comfortable to share the things

that they want to share

next in data analysis when it comes to

quantitative research

we use statistical tools instruments and

treatment

here you will encounter pearson's are

spearman's role percentile deviation and

a lot more

formulas and computations required for a

particular type of quantitative study

however when it comes to qualitative

research what we do

is thematic analysis thematic analysis

is again when from the answers of our

participants

we find the themes or the categories

where their answers may be categorized

into we will further discuss this as

well

in our future videos now for the

outcomes when it comes to

quantitative research we use the word

conclusions

that is we identify the answers to the

questions that we've set

in our chapter 1. in qualitative

research however

we use the term new insights game hoping

that through these

insights these new insights we have

cultivated

a higher validity of understanding the

human mind

now that we know their differences at

this point let us look at

how similar they are

[Music]

both guanti and quali apply inquiry

investigation and immersion again

immersion if it is necessary

both of them also aim for improving the

lives of humans

by helping us understand the situations

that we are in

the way people think and by looking for

solutions

or further improvements to the current

solutions that we have

both of them also make use of textual

forms

in analyzing and interpreting their data

of course both

of them also start and end with a

problem

now for the most popular question which

is easier

is it easier to write a quantitative

research or a qualitative research

the answer is it depends upon the writer

if you are more comfortable using

numbers

then i suggest you use the quantitative

research writing but if you are more

comfortable with words

with descriptions with explanations then

i suggest you go for

qualitative research writing now these

sum up the similarities and the

differences between the two

again nothing is better than the other

it really depends upon the nature of

your topic

that's it for this episode see you on

the next video

god bless