This document compares and contrasts quantitative and qualitative research. Quantitative research uses numeric data from structured instruments to test hypotheses and make generalizable conclusions. It examines quantities, trends and relationships. Qualitative research relies on text data from open-ended interviews and observations to understand social interactions. It explores qualities and complex behaviors. Key differences are that quantitative research has larger randomly selected groups, aims to predict and be objective, while qualitative research has smaller non-random groups, aims to explain and understand with a subjective perspective.

1. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN
QUANTITATIVE
AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

2. WHAT IS QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH?
 Quantitative research is a type of educational
research in which the researcher decides
what to study; asks specific, narrow
questions; collects quantifiable data from
participants; analyzes these numbers using
statistics; and conducts the inquiry in an
unbiased, objective manner.

3. WHAT IS QUALITATIVE RESEARCH?
 Qualitative research is a type of educational
research in which the researcher relies on
the views of participants; asks broad, general
questions; collects data consisting largely
words (text) from participants; describes and
analyzes these words for themes; and
conducts the inquiry in a subjective, biased
manner.

4. QUALITATIVE QUANTITATIVE
Purpose •To understand and
interpret social interactions
• To test hypothesis
• Look at cause and effect
• make predictions
Group studied • Smaller and not randomly
selected
• Larger and randomly
selected
Type of data Collected • Words, images or objects • Numbers and statistics
Forms of Data Collected • Qualitative data such as
open-ended interviews,
participants observation,
field notes and reflections.
• Quantitative data based
on precise Measurements
using structured and
validated data collection
instruments
Results • Not conclusive nor
generalizable
• Generalizable findings
that can be applied to
other population

5. QUALITATIVE QUANTITATIVE
Final Report •Narrative report with
contextual Description and
direct quotations from
research participants
• statistical report with
correlations, comparison of
means and statistical
significance of findings
What is to be observed? • qualities, behavior and
complexities
• Quantities, scales and
trend
What are the type of
question asked?
• How? Why? • How many? What?
How the results are
interpreted? (Analysis)
• Explore, explain and
Understand
• Narrative
• Describe, Measure and
Predict
• Statistical table and charts

6. Similarities of Quantitative and
Qualitative Research
You have examined and compared qualitative and quantitative categories of
research. Further, Bechman (2009) identifies the following commonalities:
1. Empirical research is aimed at creating new knowledge.
2. Research creates knowledge by observing phenomena.
3. All the entities of interest like attitudes, motives, and learning can be
inferred from observing what people do or say in a given setting.
4. All researchers are concerned about the universality of ideas or
expressing an idea in a general statement; that is, they desire to find
meaning for the research results beyond a particular study.

7. Differences Between Methodologies
Quantitative Methodologies Qualitative Methodologies
Preference for precise hypothesis
stated at the outset
Reference for hypothesis that emerge
as the study develops
Preference for precise definition
stated at the outset
Reference for definitions in context or
a study progresses
Data reduced to numerical scores Reference for narrative description
Much attention to assessing and
improving reliability of scores
obtained from instruments
Preference for assuming that
reliability of interferences is adequate
Assessment of validity through a
variety of procedures with reliance
and statistical indices
Assessment of validity through cross-
shaking sources of information
(triangulation)

8. Differing Philosophical Assumptions of
Quantitative and Qualitative
Researchers
Assumptions of Quantitative
Researchers
 There exist a reality – Out there,
independent of us, waiting to be known.
The task of science is to discover the
nature of reality and how it works.
 Research investigations can potentially
result in accurate statements about the
way the world really is.
 It is possible for the researcher to
remove him or herself – to stand apart –
from what is being researched.
Assumptions of Qualitative
Researchers
 The individuals involved in the
research situations construct reality;
thus, realities exist in the form of
multiple mental constructions.
 Research investigations produce
alternative visions of what the world
is like.
 It is impossible for the researchers to
stand apart from the individual he or
she is studying

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