QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS
QUALITATIVE
QUANTITATIVE
Naturalist
Positivist
Subjective
Objective
Inductive
Deductive
Small group predictions about the larger group
Analyzing larger group making prediction about
smaller group
Holistic paradigm
Reductionist
Multiple realities; reality not fixed
Objective reality
Multiple interpretations
Systematic approach
Describe life experiences
Looks for relationships among concepts
Phenomenon (common in QL studies)
Variables
Develops a theory or framework
Theory guides the study
Rich thick data
Variables (NOIR: categorical versus continuous)
Ongoing analysis and interpretation
Bias and beliefs are held in check
Data is narrative
Precise measurement using statistical methods
Findings are assessed for transferability
Generalizability
Inability to address human experiences
Other variables: confounding, dichotomous,
antecedent
Trustworthiness
Reliability
Credibility
Validity
Hypothesis
Describe, test, and examine cause and effect
interactions (determinism)
Questions are broadly worded
Specifically worded questions
Similarities in both paradigms:
◼ ultimate goal is knowledge
◼ evidence is gathered and analyzed through the senses-empirically
◼ cooperation and willingness of participants
◼ ethical constraints are always involved
◼ virtually all studies have limitations
◼ bias/systematic bias
◼ Conceptual/operational definitions
◼ Code of Ethics
◼ Research Ethics approval
◼ Consent
