Unit 9 Qualitative Analysis

Runninghead: QUALITATIVE VS. QUANTITATIVE 1

Qualitative Vs. Quantitative

Sandra Exum

Kaplan University

QUALITATIVE VS. QUANTITATIVE 2

Abstract

This paper will discuss the debate of qualitative versus quantitative research. We will learn the rigorous methods in which one does fieldwork. We will learn the importance of the credibility of the researcher, along with learning the philosophical belief in the value of qualitative inquiry. We will be learning which methodology is more credible, and which methodology is used more often in the scientific community. Some people may have the impression that research is simply looking up some information but this paper will show that it is much more than that.

QUALITATIVE VS. QUANTITATIVE 3

Qualitative research is information that is not in number form, whereas quantitative research deals more with numbers. Qualitative research is helpful in studies that are at the individual level. Quantitative research gathers data that is in numerical form which can be listed into categories, or measured in units. When it comes to collection methods of qualitative research they are in groups, in-depth interviews, and even in uninterrupted observation. Quantitative research is conclusive and its main purpose is to quantify the problem and some collection methods are using surveys online, over the phone, and it is targeted toward a large population. It would be perfect if possible for the researcher to use both qualitative and quantitative research since both of them provide different views but often complement each other. Conducting interviews is a two-way exchange in which questions are asked and answered, some experiences are shared and attitudes are outlined (Keightley, Pickering, & Allett, 2012).

Before one can enter into fieldwork they have to be able to pay attention to what they see...