| You are embarking upon your dissertation journey, completed the required coursework, and now the project begins! During your studies, you learned of two primary methodologies: qualitative and quantitative. Today, let’s explore the high-level basics for both. Now, remember, your dissertation should be simple in focus and clearly based upon the gap that you identified in the literature, based upon noted limitations and recommendations for future research! Show
Quantitative ResearchWhen compiling and analyzing data, this methodology deploys numbers and statistics, while qualitative research explores with words and meanings. Both are critical for gaining different types of knowledge. Quantitative research is expressed in numbers and graphs. It is used to test or confirm theories and assumptions. This type of research can be used to establish generalizable facts about a topic. Common quantitative methods include experiments, observations recorded as numbers, and surveys with closed-ended questions. Qualitative ResearchQualitative research is presented in words. It is used to understand concepts, thoughts or experiences. This type of research enables you to assemble in-depth insights on topics that are not well understood. Common qualitative methods include interviews with open-ended questions, observations described in words, and literature reviews that explore concepts and theories. The below table provides a visual representation. Quantitative and qualitative research use different tools to collect and analyze data, and they allow you to answer different kinds of research questions.
Data collection methodsQuantitative and qualitative data can be collected using various methods. It is important to use a data collection method that will help answer your research question(s). Many data collection methods can be either qualitative or quantitative. For example, in surveys, observations or case studies, your data can be represented as numbers (e.g. using rating scales or counting frequencies) or as words (e.g. with open-ended questions or descriptions of what you observe). However, some methods are more commonly used in one type or the other. Quantitative data collection methods
Qualitative data collection methods
When to use qualitative vs. quantitative researchA guideline for deciding whether to use qualitative or quantitative data is:
For most research studies, you can choose a qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods approach. Which type you choose depends on, among other things, whether you’re taking an inductive vs. deductive research approach; your research question(s); whether you’re doing experimental, correlational, or descriptive research; and practical considerations such as time, money, availability of data, and access to respondents. Research question: How satisfied are students with their studies? Quantitative research approachYou survey 300 students at your university and ask them questions such as: “on a scale from 1-5, how satisfied are your with your professors?” You can perform statistical analysis on the data and draw conclusions such as: “on average students rated their professors 4.4”. Qualitative research approachYou conduct in-depth interviews with 15 students and ask them open-ended questions such as: “How satisfied are you with your studies?”, “What is the most positive aspect of your study program?” and “What can be done to improve the study program?” Based on the answers you get you can ask follow-up questions to clarify things. You transcribe all interviews using software like NVIVO and try to establish common themes Mixed methods approachYou will deploy interviews to find out how satisfied students are with their studies. Through open-ended questions you learn things you never thought about before and gain new insights. Later, you use a survey to test these insights on a larger scale. One can also begin with a survey to determine the overall trends, followed by interviews to better understand the root causes behind the trends. Steps to analyze qualitative and quantitative dataQualitative or quantitative data alone cannot confirm anything, but has to be analyzed to uncover meaning in relation to the research questions. The method of analysis is differentiated for each type of data. Analyzing quantitative dataQuantitative data is grounded in numbers. Simple math or more advanced statistical analysis is used to discover consistency in the data. The results are then represented in graphs and tables. Applications such as Excel, SPSS, or R can be used to calculate things like:
Analyzing qualitative dataQualitative data is more difficult to analyze than quantitative data. It consists of text, images or videos instead of numbers. Some common approaches to analyzing qualitative data include:
In summary, this article has presented a high-level review of common methods used in dissertation research. To learn more, join us — we are here to coach and guide you to success! Schedule your free strategy call today! This document utilizes material from https://www.scribbr.com. DOWNLOAD OUR FREE EBOOK The Dissertation Success Handbook DOWNLOAD
Download “The Fast Dissertation” eBook for FreeThis FREE ebook was written by our experts who have completed their own dissertations and coached nearly 1,000 doctoral scholars working on their dissertations. It contains over 100 tips and explains our proven process to help you complete your dissertation fast! What are the 3 types of approaches to research?The three common approaches to conducting research are quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods.
What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative approaches?Quantitative studies rely on numerical or measurable data. In contrast, qualitative studies rely on personal accounts or documents that illustrate in detail how people think or respond within society.
What are mixed methods approaches?'Mixed methods' is a research approach whereby researchers collect and analyse both quantitative and qualitative data within the same study.
What are the differences between qualitative and quantitative data approaches list at least 3 differences between the two?Quantitative research methods are measuring and counting. Qualitative research methods are interviewing and observing. Quantitative data is analyzed using statistical analysis. Qualitative data is analyzed by grouping the data into categories and themes.
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