Qualitative+vs.+Quantitative+Research

=Qualitative Versus Quantitative Research= //comparing and contrasting//

**Intro**
The strengths and weaknesses of qualitative and quantitative research regarding which method is superior are an ongoing hot debate. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and in general, both methods are vital in conducting proper research and/or experiments. Qualitative and quantitative data are both related to each other in the sense that, "All quantitative data is based on qualitative judgements; and all quantitative data can be described and manipulated numerically."(Trochim, 2006)

Qualitative Research
Qualitative research explores information in a descriptive and understanding way. The aim of qualitative analysis is a complete and detailed description. Qualitative data collection is recommended during the early phases of research. It often involves use of words (ex. Interviews), visuals (ex. Pictures, videos), or objects (ex. Artifacts). Some prominent examples of qualitative data collection include focus groups and in-depth interviews - both extract detailed, descriptive, but also frequently subjective information. Qualitative research is used to examine people’s belief’s, experiences, attitudes, behaviour and interactions. This research method is designed to help researchers understand the meanings people assign to social situations and to elucidate the mental processes underlying their behaviours.

Quantitative Research
Quantitative research is the collection of objective data in the form of numbers and statistics. In quantitative research we classify features, count them, and construct statistical models in an attempt to explain what is observed. Quantitative data analysis is recommended during the final phases of research. Researchers use tools such as questionnaires and surveys to collect numerical information. Quantitative data is more efficient, able to test hypotheses, but may miss contextual details. Rather than emphasize emotional and feeling descriptions, it seeks to measure opinions and observations statistically. Quantitative research attempts to ensure objectivity, generalizability, and reliability.

//References//

http://www.wilderdom.com/research/QualitativeVersusQuantitativeResearch.html http://www.psy.dmu.ac.uk/michael/qual_aims.htm William M.K. Trochim, //The Qualitative Debate// (2006) http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/qualdeb.htm