1.
Compare and contrast quantitative and qualitative research
methodologies.
a.
What are the distinguishing features of each approach?
Quantitative approach
is that method that can be directly measured. Results
in this kind of method
is easier to get and more identifiable as it deals
directly with numbers
or statistics.
Data gathering is based
on figures gathered. It uses questionnaires, surveys,
and other measurable
data as tools in getting the result. As
discussed in
Chapter 4, refer to
measures that can be more directly tapped with less
likelihood of
subjective biases such as total expenses, total number of sales,
accident rate, etc.. Since
it gives a definite number result,
quantitative approach
is objective in nature.
On the other hand,
Qualitative approach is more complex in nature. It does
not deal with numbers
or as to how many respondents. It deals on how the
respondents reacted or
behaved in a stimulus. It gives a description of the
behavior. It deals
more on verbal data instead of numbers. In qualitative
approach, the
researcher himself is the primary instrument in conducting the
research. He adapts a
data-gathering strategies such as interviews, essay,
narrative and
documentary analysis.
b. Discuss the benefits and limitations of each approach.
Benefits
of Qualitative Research Method – One of the prevailing
benefits of
qualitative approach is that is answers the how and why and it
can be used in
situations where there are no data available. There is also a
detailed information
when it comes to data collection because here, the
researcher has to
record every reaction of the subjects of research.
It also leaves the
participants’ perspective unchanged. The research is as
inclusive as possible
because it gives the participants the chance to explain
about their behavior.
The researcher himself learns as the process of
research goes because
he has to understand the culture of the participants.
Limitations of Qualitative Research Method – As mentioned earlier, the
primary limitation of
this method is that the researcher might become biased
When it comes to the
interpretation of the data gathered. The researcher
may tend to give his
interpretation based on his own point of view. And
since there are no
statistical data , it cannot be verified objectively.
Benefits of Quantitative Research Method – This method is easier and
more reliable since data
gathering is through numbers and it can be
measured
statistically. In that case too, it can be verified objectively.
Limitations of Quantitative Research Method – the use of statistical
Analyses are quite
difficult and might make the Analyses complex if
researcher is not
careful. It also removes population behavior out of context
which makes it
impossible in real setting.
