Quantitative vs Qualitative Research

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research Quantitative Methodology Preference for precise hypothesis stated at the onset. Qualitative Methodology Preference for hypotheses that emerge as study develops

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research Quantitative Methodology Preference for precise definitions stated at the onset. Qualitative Methodology Preference for definitions in context or as study progresses.

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research Quantitative Methodology Data reduced to numerical scores. Qualitative Methodology Preference for narrative description.

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research Quantitative Methodology Much attention to assessing and improving reliability of scores obtained from instruments. Qualitative Methodology Preference for assuming that reliability of inferences is adequate.

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research Quantitative Methodology Assessment of validity through a variety of procedures with reliance on statistical indices. Qualitative Methodology Assessment of validity through cross-checking sources of information (triangulation).

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research Quantitative Methodology Preference for random techniques for meaningful samples Qualitative Methodology Preference for expert informant (purposive) samples.

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research Quantitative Methodology Preference for precisely describing procedures. Qualitative Methodology Preference for narrative/literary descriptions of procedures.

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research Quantitative Methodology Preference for design or statistical control of extraneous variables Qualitative Methodology Preference for logical analysis in controlling or accounting for extraneous variables.

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research Quantitative Methodology Preference for specific design control for procedural bias. Qualitative Methodology Primary reliance on researcher to deal with procedural bias.

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research Quantitative Methodology Preference for statistical summary of results. Qualitative Methodology Preference for narrative summary of results.

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research Quantitative Methodology Preference for breaking down complex phenomena into specific parts for analysis. Qualitative Methodology Preference for holistic description of complex phenomena.

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research Quantitative Methodology Willingness to manipulate aspects, situations, or conditions in studying complex phenomena. Qualitative Methodology Unwillingness to tamper with naturally occurring phenomena.

Reference Fraenkel, J. R. & Wallen, N. E. (2009). How to design and evaluate research in education (7th ed.). San Francisco: McGraw-Hill, 422.