Research Methods: Quantitative vs Qualitative

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Questions and Answers

Match the research approach with the characteristic of data collection:

Qualitative Research = Involves analysis of numerical data Quantitative Research = Involves participant observation and in-depth interviews

Match the research approach with the characteristic of data analysis:

Quantitative Research = Analysis of data such as words, pictures, or objects Qualitative Research = Analysis of numerical data

Match the research approach with the characteristic of research design:

Quantitative Research = The design emerges as the study unfolds Qualitative Research = All aspects of the study are carefully designed before data is collected

Match the research approach with the characteristic of data generalizability:

Quantitative Research = Results are less able to be generalized to the target population Qualitative Research = Results can be easily generalized to the target population Signup and view all the answers

Match the research approach with the characteristic of data efficiency:

Quantitative Research = Data collection is more time-consuming Qualitative Research = Data collection is more efficient Signup and view all the answers

Match the research approach with the characteristic of research objective:

Quantitative Research = Seeks individuals' interpretation of events Qualitative Research = Seeks precise measurement and analysis of target concepts Signup and view all the answers

Match the following research approaches with their characteristics of data collection and analysis:

Quantitative Research = Data can be collected from a distance and can be collected from widely dispersed members of the population Qualitative Research = Data collection is more time consuming so uses smaller samples Signup and view all the answers

Match the following research characteristics with their corresponding research approach:

Data can be statistically analyzed = Quantitative Research Data cannot be statistically analyzed = Qualitative Research Data can be loosely measured = Quantitative Research Data can be measured precisely = Qualitative Research Signup and view all the answers

Match the following research approaches with their characteristics of sample size and dispersion:

Quantitative Research = Data collection is more time consuming so uses smaller samples Qualitative Research = Data can be collected from a wide geographical area Signup and view all the answers

Match the following research characteristics with their corresponding research approach:

Data collection tools are highly structured and are time consuming to develop = Quantitative Research Data collection tools are more loosely structured = Qualitative Research Data collection is quick and cheap = Qualitative Research Data collection is time consuming and expensive = Quantitative Research Signup and view all the answers

Match the following research approaches with their characteristics of data analysis:

Quantitative Research = Data analysis is time consuming and expensive Qualitative Research = Data analysis is quick and cheap Signup and view all the answers

Match the following research characteristics with their corresponding research approach:

Information can be precisely measured = Quantitative Research Information can only be loosely measured = Qualitative Research Data can be collected quickly and analyzed statistically = Quantitative Research Data can be collected face to face and analyzed qualitatively = Qualitative Research Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of research with its characteristic of generalizability:

Qualitative Research = Results are highly generalizable to a larger population Quantitative Research = Results are limited to the specific study context Signup and view all the answers

Match the population type with its description:

Target Population = The group of people the researcher wants to make inferences about Accessible Population = The group of people the researcher has access to for data collection Signup and view all the answers

Match the research setting with its characteristic:

Naturalistic Setting = Fewer controls are imposed, and the setting is more natural Laboratory Setting = More controls are imposed, and the setting is more artificial Signup and view all the answers

Match the population definition with its characteristic:

Homogeneous Population = A group of people with similar characteristics Heterogeneous Population = A group of people with diverse characteristics Signup and view all the answers

Match the sampling method with its characteristic:

Purposive Sampling = Participants are selected based on their knowledge or experience with the phenomenon Random Sampling = Participants are selected randomly from the population Signup and view all the answers

Match the research approach with its sampling method:

Qualitative Research = Purposive sampling is often used Quantitative Research = Random sampling is often used Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Data Collection Methods

Quantitative research utilizes questionnaire surveys, structured observation schedules, and record analysis for data collection.
Qualitative research gathers data through individual interviews, focus groups, and less structured observation.

Researcher Role

In quantitative research, the researcher employs tools like questionnaires or equipment for collecting numerical data.
Qualitative research positions the researcher as the data-gathering instrument, making their interpretation crucial.

Research Objectives

Quantitative research focuses on objective measurement and analysis of concepts, emphasizing tools like surveys and questionnaires.
Qualitative research is subjective, prioritizing individual interpretations, often through participant observation and in-depth interviews.

Data Characteristics

Quantitative data is efficient for hypothesis testing but may lack contextual details.
Qualitative data offers rich insights, though it's time-consuming and less generalizable.

Study Design

In quantitative research, all study aspects are carefully designed before data collection.
Qualitative research design is often emergent, evolving as the study progresses.

Data Analysis

Quantitative research involves analyzing numerical data statistically.
Qualitative research focuses on data types such as words, pictures, or objects, which cannot be statistically analyzed.

Sample Size and Collection

Quantitative research allows for quick data collection from large samples, often remotely.
Qualitative research typically engages in face-to-face data collection, requiring smaller, localized samples.

Structure of Tools

Data collection tools in quantitative research are highly structured and require significant development time.
Qualitative tools are more loosely structured, facilitating a more flexible approach to data collection.

Cost and Time Efficiency

Quantitative methods enable quick and cost-effective data collection once the tools are created.
Qualitative research is generally time-consuming and comparatively expensive, with more intensive data analysis required.

Nature of Data

Quantitative data is primarily numerical, whereas qualitative data consists of narrative material that is more subjective.
Qualitative research is non-numerical, capturing feelings, emotions, and other intangible elements, often considered unsuitable for mathematical analysis.

Importance and Value

Qualitative research explores phenomena deeply, especially beneficial in understanding healthcare delivery and nursing practices.
Historically seen as the "soft science," qualitative methodologies have gained significance and recognition over recent decades for their invaluable contributions to patient care.

Researcher’s Role in Qualitative Research

The success of qualitative studies hinges on the researcher’s ability to gather trustworthy data.
Researchers must engage in active listening and observation, effectively becoming students of the subjects being studied.

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Description

Understand the differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods, including data collection techniques and researcher roles. Learn about the characteristics of each approach and how they are used in research studies.