Joanna Marie Sardido
11 – Pacioli
Practical Research I
Assignment
I. Definition of Qualitative and Quantitative Research
A. Defining Qualitative Research
Qualitative research is the process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting non-
numerical data, such as language. It can be used to understand how an individual
subjectively perceives and gives meaning to their social reality.
Qualitative researchers study things in their natural settings, attempting to make sense of,
or interpret, phenomena in terms of the meanings people bring to them. (Denzin and
Lincoln (1994, p. 2))
o Key Features
- Events can be understood adequately only if they are seen in context. Thus, the
researcher must immense him/herself in the natural field.
- Qualitative research is an interactive process in which the persons studied teach
the researcher about their lives by speaking and sharing their perspectives.
- The qualitative researcher is an integral part of the data, without the active
participation of the researcher, no data exists.
- Theory is data driven, and emerges as part of the research process, evolving from
the data as they are collected.
- For the qualitative researcher, there is no single reality, it is subjective and exist
only in reference to the observer.
B. Defining Quantitative Research
Quantitative research involves the process of objectively collecting and analyzing
numerical data to describe, predict, or control variables of interest.
Data is gathered using structured instrument. The results are based on large sample sizes
that are representative of the population and can be replicated. (Babbie, 2010)
Quantitative research is essentially about collecting numerical data to explain a particular
phenomenon.
o Key Features
- The research aims for objectivity (i.e., without bias), and is separated from the
data.
- For the quantitative researcher reality is objective and exist separately to the
researcher, and is capable of being seen by anyone.
- The design of the study is determined before it begins.
- Research is used to test a theory and ultimately support or reject it.
II. Purpose of Doing Research
To be honest, I've always thought that research was a waste of time and effort for
students, just because it is a requirement for the curriculum. I saw how many of them
struggled; I experienced that struggle firsthand when we had our "minor research" during
the online classes while I was still in Grade 10. But after all that immense studying and
finding the right answers to the questions asked, I suddenly realized that this is exactly
what brought humanity to where it is today. With research, we discovered things and
learned how to control them. Through research, we were able to shape our society.
Because of that first-hand experience, I learned that the purpose of research is to further
understand the world and to learn how this knowledge can be applied to improve
everyday life. It is an essential component of problem-solving. Through research, we are
constantly evolving, and our knowledge is constantly advancing. Additionally, I also
realized that it is fun to uncover new things via research and investigation.
III. Approaches of Qualitative and Quantitative Research
A. The Qualitative Approach:
- Is focused on understanding a phenomenon from a closer perspective. Hence,
smaller but focused samples are more often used.
- Qualitative researchers aim to gather an in-depth understanding of human
behavior and the reasons that govern such behavior. The qualitative method
investigates the why and how of decision making, not just what, where, when.
- The aim of qualitative research is to understand the social reality of individuals,
groups and cultures as nearly as possible as its participants feel it or live it. Thus,
people and groups, are studied in their natural setting.
o Methods (used to obtain qualitative data)
- The researcher has several methods for collecting empirical materials, ranging
from the interview to direct observation, to the analysis of artifacts, documents,
and cultural records, to the use of visual materials or personal experience. (Denzin
and Lincoln (1994, p. 14))
- A good example of a qualitative research method would be unstructured
interviews which generate qualitative data through the use of open questions.
- Diary accounts
- In-depth interviews
- Documents
- Focus groups
- Case study research
- Ethnography
B. The Quantitative Approach:
- Tends to approximate phenomena from a larger number of individuals using
survey methods.
- Often uses deductive logic, in which researchers start with hypotheses and then
collect data which can be used to determine whether empirical evidence to
support that hypothesis exists. Quantitative analysis requires numeric information
in the form of variables.
- It aims to classify features, count them, and construct statistical models in an
attempt to explain what is observed. (Babbie, 2010)
o Methods (used to obtain quantitative data)
- Experiments typically yield quantitative data, as they are concerned with
measuring things.
Experimental methods limit the possible ways in which a research participant can
react to and express appropriate social behavior.
- Controlled observations (e.g., rating scale)
- Closed questions questionnaires (e.g., “yes” or “no” answers)
