1. Quantitative vs Qualitative Research

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

3. 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.

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

5. 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.

6. 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).

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

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

9. 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.

10. 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.

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

12. 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.

13. 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.

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