The 9 differences between qualitative and quantitative research
Scientific research methods are classified into two broad categories: quantitative and qualitative. While the former focus on the mathematical analysis of observable phenomena, qualitative research is based on language and aims at a deep understanding of its objects of study.
In this article we will analyze The 9 main differences between quantitative and qualitative research .
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Differences between qualitative and quantitative research
The differences between qualitative and quantitative research occur in many different aspects, from the goals and applications of the studies to their psychometric properties. Each of them has, in turn, advantages and disadvantages that make it more appropriate in certain circumstances .
Although many people underestimate the usefulness of qualitative methods, as we will see, they allow the analysis of phenomena different from those that constitute the focus of interest of quantitative methods, in addition to allowing to approach the same facts from a deeper perspective.
1. Object of study
The object of study of quantitative research is static data from which probabilistic conclusions are drawn. Qualitative methods focus mainly on processes , that is, in dynamic aspects, and focus on the subjective experience of the phenomena from the perspective of the subjects of analysis.
2. Objectives and applications
Qualitative research has as its main objective the initial exploration, description and understanding of a phenomenon. In this sense we can say that qualitative methods focus on the generation of hypotheses around specific events; Sometimes conclusions can be drawn from these studies through induction.
On the other hand, quantitative methods are usually used at a more advanced point in the scientific process: the testing of hypothesis, that is, in its confirmation or refutation . Thus, they have a mainly deductive character and in many cases they are associated to the analysis of the theory and to the recommendation of courses of action around specific problems.
3. Analysis point of view
Since qualitative research focuses on exploring phenomena from the perspective of particular individuals, it inevitably has a subjective character, although this does not necessarily imply a lack of methodological rigor. Quantitative methods, on the other hand, try to analyze effects that can be measured objectively.
However, and unlike what is often defended, Quantitative methods are not totally objective : they depend notably on the action of the researchers, who choose the variables that will be studied, carry out the analyzes and interpret the results of these. Therefore, they are clearly susceptible to human error.
4. Type of data
The data of the quantitative investigations are of numerical type; for this reason they are presupposed a certain solidity and capacity for replication that will allow making inferences beyond the data itself. In qualitative research, the depth and richness of the information about a specific event are prioritized and the inferences are limited to it.
5. Methodology
Being focused on numerical aspects, quantitative methods allow the specific and controlled measurement of many concrete aspects of reality. Also this makes it possible carry out statistical analyzes using the data , which in turn will favor the comparison of different sets of information and the generalization of results.
In contrast, qualitative research uses primarily data based on language, particularly narrative records. The methods of analysis have a much more naturalistic character and greater importance is given to the context and the relationships between the elements that make up the phenomenon of study, and not only to these separately.
6. Techniques used
Researchers who use qualitative methodology employ methods such as In-depth interviews, participant observation or debates and group conversations. These techniques have a lower level of structure than the quantitative approach, which includes methods such as questionnaires and systematic observation records.
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7. Level of analysis
While quantitative research analyzes specific aspects of the objects of study, qualitative research has a more holistic character; this means that it tries to understand the structure of the facts and the dynamics among the elements that compose them in a global rather than a particularist way.
8. Degree of generalization
In theory, quantitative methods use samples representative of a larger population in order to draw conclusions and generalize to this higher level; In addition, there are techniques that allow to measure and reduce the probability of error . The difficulty for the generalization of results is the most characteristic defect of qualitative research.
9. Validity and reliability
The reliability and reliability of quantitative research depend mainly on the techniques and instruments used to measure and elaborate the data. In the case of the qualitative methodology, these properties are related to a greater extent with the rigor and capacity of the researchers, and may have a more subjective character.
