Qualitative methods such as focus groups, interviews, and document reviews are used to understand themes through an inductive process and subjective point of view, providing in-depth information on a few cases. Quantitative methods like surveys, structured interviews, and records reviews use deductive testing of concepts through statistical analysis of numeric data to generalize results across a large number of cases in a more objective manner. Both can be valid and reliable depending on the rigor of the research process and instruments used, but qualitative requires more analysis time while quantitative needs more planning.

1. Qualitative MethodsQuantitative MethodsMethods include focus groups, in-depth interviews, and reviews of documents for types of themesSurveys, structured interviews & observations, and reviews of records or documents for numeric informationPrimarily inductive process used to formulate theory or hypothesesPrimarily deductive process used to test pre-specified concepts, constructs, and hypotheses that make up a theoryMore subjective: describes a problem or condition from the point of view of those experiencing itMore objective: provides observed effects (interpreted by researchers) of a program on a problem or conditionText-basedNumber-basedMore in-depth information on a few casesLess in-depth but more breadth of information across a large number of casesUnstructured or semi-structured response optionsFixed response optionsNo statistical testsStatistical tests are used for analysisCan be valid and reliable: largely depends on skill and rigor of the researcherCan be valid and reliable: largely depends on the measurement device or instrument usedTime expenditure lighter on the planning end and heavier during the analysis phaseTime expenditure heavier on the planning phase and lighter on the analysis phaseLess generalizableMore generalizable<br />Comparison Between Quantitative and Qualitative Nursing Research<br />**Source: Differences Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods. Retrieved from http://www.orau.gov, as of October 11, 2010.<br />