Quantitative data involves numbers and statistics while qualitative data involves words and opinions. Quantitative research gathers numerical data through things like questionnaires with closed-ended questions that can be statistically analyzed. Qualitative research gathers non-numerical information through open-ended questions and focuses on experiences and feelings, with analysis through summarization. The type of data collection and analysis used depends on the aims and purpose of the research.
Quantitative and qualitative data, questionnaires, interviews
1. Quantitative and Qualitative data
L/O: to describe the differences between quantitative and
qualitative data. To apply this to questionnaires and
interviews (AO3).
Starter: In pairs
Recap QUESTIONNAIRES
What kinds of questions do they include?
Specific names and layouts?
Quantitative or qualitative data? Why?
2. L/O: to describe the differences between
quantitative and qualitative data (AO3).
Quantitative research
What are the likely features of quantitative research
then?
• Gathering numerical data – numbers
• The researcher assigns numerical values.
• Always involves measuring in some way e.g. ‘how
many times…’
• Analysis: Statistically analysed for numerical
patterns / relationships.
• Objective = limited opinion and interpretation.
3. L/O: to describe the differences between
quantitative and qualitative data (AO3).
Qualitative research
…and for qualitative research?
• Gathers non-numerical information – words.
• Focuses on experiences and feelings.
• Open ended questions e.g. ‘What is your
experience of…’
• Analysis: usually summarised.
• Subjective = lots of opinion and interpretation.
4. L/O: to describe the differences between
quantitative and qualitative data (AO3).
Why choose one over the other?
Aims and purpose of the research?
Create an aim for research that would require
gathering:
a. Quantitative data
b. Qualitative data
c. Both quantitative and qualitative data.
5. L/O: to describe the differences between
quantitative and qualitative data (AO3).
Can we?
Quantitative Qualitative
• To do with QUALITY.
• Very controlled.
• Focus on collecting
opinions.
• Is less controlled.
• To do with QUANTITY.
• Analysis can be subjective
(lots of interpretation).
• Focus on collecting
numbers.
• Analysis can be objective
(limited interpretation).
6. To apply this to questionnaires and
interviews (AO3).
Questionnaires: self-report technique
Types of questions
Type 1: Closed questions
- Rank order questions
- Likert scale questions
Generate
- Checklist questions QUANTITATIVE data
- Dichotomous questions
- Semantic differential questions.
Generate
Type 2: Open questions.
QUALITATIVE data
7. To apply this to questionnaires and
interviews (AO3).
Interviews: self-report technique
Structured interview: A.K.A. ‘verbal questionnaire’.
Verbal response to a set of set questions.
Semi-structured interview: no fixed questions but a
guided interview with a set of predetermined topics.
The way questions are asked can vary.
Unstructured interview: just a topic set and the
participant talks about anything they like.
8. To apply this to questionnaires and
interviews (AO3).
Interviews: self-report technique
Structured interview:
Generates
Semi-structured interview: quantitative
or qualitative
Unstructured interview: data? How?
Reliability? Validity? Bias? Ethical Issues?