Quantitative vs Qualitative Research on which is Better

There has always been a discussion as to which method of study was better: quantitative, or qualitative. The quantitative approach focuses more on quantifying data and generalizing results from a sample to a population of interest. The use of quantitative methods is used for general features of a population and to measure the incidence of various views and opinions in a chosen sample. Qualitative methods are used to gain an understanding of underlying reasons and motivations. This type of method provides an insight into the setting of a problem. This can be used to generate ideas for later quantitative research. It is being argued that quantitative criminology is no longer required and this method is dead. To understand why people commit crimes, the best way to conclude this would be to switch to a more qualitative approach. Although this may be true in some cases, I do not completely agree with these two statements. I disagree with the statement about the quantitative approach being â€Å"dead,† however, I do agree with the statement about switching to a more qualitative approach to fully understand why people commit crimes. However, incorporating the quantitative approach and qualitative approach into one study will result in a thorough conclusion. This paper will explain the quantitative and qualitative approaches in research, discussing the positive and negative aspects of each approach, along with including how a combination of these approaches in a study will result in theShow MoreRelatedThe Learning Goals For A Professional Nurse987 Words   |  4 Pagescombination of personal fears and topics which are needed to improve my standing as a professional nurse. The first learning goal of this course is understanding the research process. This will be covered in module four of the course. The basic understanding of the framework of the research process is an important first step in deciphering the verbosity of research studies. Individuals attempting to research a problem and those reading and studying the research data must be able to determine the primaryRead MoreQualitative And Quantitative Research Methods936 Words   |  4 PagesQualitative and quantitative research methods are two alternative applications for research methods. Both are very different in how data is collected, what data is collected, and how data is measured. Both of these research methods are utilized amongst the major areas of psychology and the social sciences. This paper will provide a brief description of qualitative and quantitative methods, provide the differences between the two approaches along with the terminology used for both; I will alsoRead MoreUnderstanding Piaget Theory And Information Processing Theory1208 Words   |  5 Pagesdifferent aspects that have been debated many years ago. Developmental psychologists try to explain cognitive development approaches which describe the process of human s thought. One of the developmental psychol ogist who studied on the area of cognitive was Jean Piaget. Jean Piaget a Swiss psychologist was the first developmental researcher who has extensive research on cognitive development. In addition, the revolution of Jean Piaget’s cognitive theory has changed the development psychology foreverRead MoreEssay on Marketing Research: Primary vs. Secondary Research1195 Words   |  5 PagesMarketing Research: Primary vs. Secondary Research â€Å"Primary data are gathered specifically for the research project at hand. Secondary data is data that have been previously gathered for some other purpose.† (Burns Bush, 2006). This paper will explore the differences in primary and secondary research when using qualitative and quantitative approaches. The paper will further discuss the tools that are used for each approach. Quantitative Qualitative Approaches â€Å"Quantitative research is definedRead MoreIntroduction To Research808 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿Introduction to Research Research is a high-hat word that scares a lot of people. It is a welcoming attitude towards change. The research state of mind can apply to anything. It is a problem-solving mind. What is Research? Research is defined as a careful, systematic study in a field of knowledge, undertaken to discover or establish facts or principles (Webster, 1984). Research is defined as a systematic process of collecting and analyzing data to find an answer to a question or a solution to aRead MoreResults and Conclusions Hcs 4651359 Words   |  6 PagesResults and Conclusion of Research Process HCS 465 June 3, 2012 Results and Conclusion of Research Process The purpose of this paper is to further analyze the study done on trends in teen pregnancy rates from 1996-2006, a comparison of Canada, Sweden, United States, and England. The items of discussion include data collection methods, data analysis procedures, qualitative, quantitative data, and study findings. Results: Data Collection Methods The data collection methods used in thisRead More The Nature of Quantitative Research Essay1334 Words   |  6 PagesThe Nature of Quantitative Research Quantitative Research Defined: According to Huysamen (1997), descriptions of quantitative research typically discern a cycle of successive phases of hypothesis formulation, data collection, analysis and interpretation. Using a deductive approach, quantitative research seeks to establish facts, make predictions, and test hypotheses that have already been stated. A large part of the data analysis of quantitative research is statistical, striving to showRead MoreStrengths And Weaknesses Of Research Methodology Essay1562 Words   |  7 Pagessocial research, we need to balance the strengths and weaknesses of the methodologies available to us. We need to consider what is the question that we want to answer and how we want to answer it. What is our purpose and what methodology makes more sense to achieve it. How do we justify using one method over the other? What is our reasoning behind it? These are some of the questions we have to answer before we start involving ourselves in research. They would help us choose betwe en qualitative researchRead MoreQuantitative Vs. Qualitative : A Comparative Analysis Of Research Methods Essay1606 Words   |  7 PagesQuantitative vs. Qualitative: A Comparative Analysis of Research Methods Engaging in a research project can be a frightening and intimidating task for anyone. However, Polansky and Waller (2015) provide a six-step process that is designed to simplify the research process by alleviating anxiety and ensuring that the researcher is able to complete the project in a timely manner. The first step is defining the problem so that it is clearly understood. Once there is clarity on what needs to be doneRead MoreChapter Three : Research Methodology1634 Words   |  7 PagesThree: Research Methodology 3.1 Introduction Having recognized the theoretical framework in relation to the research purpose, the following procedure is to identify, analyze and evaluate research techniques required for data collection. In order to meet the objectives set out by this study, one must ensure that the appropriate research methods have been adopted. This chapter critically analyses the available research methods; while providing justification for the approach used in this research. The