Quantitative vs Qualitative Research Quiz

Research Methods Introduction and Chapter 1

• Research is defined as a process of investigation, examination of a subject from different points of view, a hunt for truth, and a way to educate oneself.
• Research seeks information to answer a specific question or problem.
• Research begins with a question by the researcher.
• Research requires a plan.
• Research requires a clear statement of the problem.
• Research deals with the main problem through sub-problems.
• Research seeks direction through appropriate hypotheses.
• Research deals with facts and their meaning.
• Research is cyclical.

Characteristics of Research

• Research is empirical, based on observations and experimentation from theories.
• Research is systematic, following an orderly and sequential procedure.
• Research is controlled, where all variables except those tested are kept constant.
• Research uses hypotheses to guide the investigation process.
• Research is analytical, involving a critical analysis of all data.
• Research is objective, unbiased, and logical, based on empirical data.
• Research uses quantitative or statistical methods to transform data into numerical measures.

Differentiate Qualitative and Quantitative Research

• Quantitative research uses numerical data and analyzes through mathematical and statistical methods (more dots).
• Qualitative research uses methods to gain understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations and explore trends in opinions/dive deeper into the problem; uses a small number of participants.
• Qualitative research uses unstructured/semi-structured techniques/questions.

Comparisons between Qualitative and Quantitative Research

• Quantitative research uses measurable data, needs a large number of respondents, uses structured tests, describes and tests relationships, examines cause-and-effect relationships, and has different data collection methods.
• Qualitative research uncovers trends in opinions and dives deeper into the problem; needs a small number of participants; uses unstructured or semi-structured techniques/questions.

Comparisons between Qualitative and Quantitative Research (cont.)

• Quantitative research includes methods like surveys, interviews, and longitudinal studies.
• Qualitative research includes methods like group discussions, individual interviews, participation, and observation.
• Quantitative research aims to numerically convey observable conclusions from the research.
• Qualitative research aims to observe and understand the researched subject.

4 Basic Types of Quantitative Research

• Survey
• Correlational
• Causal-comparative
• Experimental

Survey Research

• Uses interviews, questionnaires, and sampling polls to understand behavior with high precision.
• Uses expressed percentages.
• Can be used one group or compare several groups.
• Emphasizes sampling techniques.
• Relies on statisticians.

Descriptive Research

• Describes the current status of a variable or identified phenomenon.

Correlation Research

• Tests for relationships between variables.
• Investigates effects of one variable on another (positive or negative correlation).
• Measures the extent of relationships using statistical data.
• Does not manipulate variables; studies occur naturally.

Causal-Comparative/Quasi-Experimental Research

• Uncovers cause-and-effect relationships.
• Similar to experiments but the independent variable isn't manipulated; it's identified.
• Measures effects of the IV.
• Not focused on statistical relationships.
• Studies how different groups respond to circumstances (naturally formed or pre-existing groups).

Experimental Research

• Uses true experimentation.
• Employs scientific method.
• Studies relationships among variables.
• Subjects are randomly assigned.
• Manipulates an independent variable.
• Investigates the effects of a dependent variable.

Kinds of Variables and Their Uses

• A variable is any element or entity that can be measured for quantity or quality.

Quantitative Variables

• Measured numerically.
  • Discrete variables
  • Continuous/Interval variables
  • Ratio variables

Discrete Variables

• Counted; denoted by positive whole numbers; not described in ranges.
  • Examples: frequency of behavior, group sizes

Continuous/Interval Variables

• Measured in ranges; can be non-whole numbers; can have positive and negative values or fractions.
  • Example: temperature

Ratio Variables

• Special type of continuous variable.
• Cannot be negative.
  • Examples: age, height, weight, distance, test scores.

Qualitative Variables

• Categorical variables; assigning values to specific categories or groups.
  • Examples: blood type, color.
    • Dichotomous
    • Nominal

Dichotomous Variables

• Two distinct categories or values.
  • Example: yes/no responses

Nominal Variables

• More than two categories or values.
  • Examples: hair color, marital status

Ordinal Variables

• Exhibit characteristics of both quantitative and qualitative types.
• Values can be ranked or ordered; often numerical, but also sometimes non-numerical (e.g., frequency classes: rare, seldom, sometimes, almost always).
• Examples: ratings, frequencies

Variables Based on Purpose and Role

• Independent variable: cause, force, condition that acts on something else.
• Dependent variable: effect, result, outcome of another variable.

Extraneous and Confounding Variables

• Extraneous variables: compete with independent variables in explaining study outcomes.
• Confounding variables: extraneous variables that influence the dependent variable.