Qualitative vs Quantitative Research

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of qualitative research?

Gathering numerical data for statistical analysis

Exploring attitudes and perceptions through unstructured methods (correct)

Measuring the effectiveness of medical treatments

Testing existing hypotheses with structured methodologies

Which of the following is NOT a goal of qualitative studies in health?

Statistically analyzing clinical processes (correct)

Improving health promotion programs

Identifying themes and patterns in health perceptions

Understanding health-related decision-making

Which philosophical orientation focuses on the nature of knowledge and truth?

Objectivism

Subjectivism

Ontology

Epistemology (correct)

What does positivism emphasize in research?

Reality can be measured with structured approaches Signup and view all the answers

In the context of qualitative studies, why is it important to consider the researcher's biases?

They may shape the design and interpretation of the study Signup and view all the answers

How do relativists view success in pain management according to qualitative research?

Dependent on individual patient perspectives and values Signup and view all the answers

What type of methods are most commonly used in qualitative studies?

In-depth interviews and participant observations Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of qualitative research in health studies?

Inability to measure phenomena directly Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of qualitative research compared to quantitative research?

To understand the meaning of phenomena Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key characteristic of constructivism/interpretivism?

Focuses on the subjective experience of individuals Signup and view all the answers

What role does bracketing play in phenomenological research?

It helps researchers set aside biases to understand participant meanings Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of grounded theory in qualitative research?

The development of general theories through inductive reasoning Signup and view all the answers

Which methodological approach is characterized by systematic study within natural environments?

Ethnography Signup and view all the answers

In a case study, what is the role of multiple data sources?

To provide a comprehensive understanding of a single entity Signup and view all the answers

What does axiology refer to in the context of research?

The impact of values and biases on study outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes mixed-method studies from purely qualitative or quantitative studies?

They collect data sequentially and compare results Signup and view all the answers

Which theoretical paradigm is associated with a realist perspective and is commonly used in quantitative studies?

Positivism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method used in qualitative research?

Statistical surveys Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Qualitative Studies

Quantitative research uses structured, hypothesis-driven approaches to gather data that can be statistically analyzed; focused on numbers.
Qualitative research uses in-depth interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and other unstructured or semi-structured methods to explore attitudes and perceptions, aiming to identify themes and patterns. It focuses on the "why" and "how".
Qualitative research aims to answer questions about reasons behind behaviours, perceptions of health, and the processes behind health-related decisions.

Types of Questions

Quantitative: Who? Where? When? What? (seeking measurable data)
Qualitative: Why? How? (seeking reasons and processes)

Participants

Quantitative: Large, randomly sampled populations.
Qualitative: Small, purposefully recruited populations.

Data Collection

Quantitative: Structured surveys, questionnaires, closed-ended questions, numeric data, statistical analysis to test existing hypotheses.
Qualitative: Unstructured or semi-structured interviews, focus groups, observations, open-ended questions; textual data, themes and theories.

Data Analysis

Quantitative: Using statistics, evidence in forms of effect estimates.
Qualitative: Formulating theories, identifying themes.

Health Studies - Qualitative Aims

Improve health promotion programs
Define optimal clinical processes (best care plans)
Understand social change related to health behaviors
Explore perceptions of health related behaviours and disease
Examine why people adopt or reject health behaviours.

Research Challenges

Understand researcher biases, experiences, and assumptions.
Researcher perspective impacts design and interpretation.

Philosophical Orientation

Ontology: Nature of reality; ranging from realism (single objective reality) to relativism (multiple, subjective realities).
Epistemology: Nature and definition of knowledge and truth (positivism, interpretivism, critical theory)
Axiology: Nature and impact of values.

Qualitative Study Designs

Phenomenology: Explore how individuals interpret meaning in their lives, experiences and feelings.
Ethnography: Study people and cultures in natural environments, understanding their perceptions.
Grounded Theory: Develop theories about a phenomenon by analyzing collected data using inductive reasoning.
Case Studies: In-depth examinations of individuals, groups, or events using multiple data sources (e.g., observations, interviews, records).
Mixed Methods: Combine quantitative and qualitative methods in a single study.

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Description

This quiz delves into the differences between qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Explore various aspects such as types of questions, data collection methods, and participant selection. Understand the significance of each approach in the context of health-related studies.