Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Quantitative
data deal with measurable
numbers and quantities such as length, height,
area, volume, weight, temperature, radiation
level, humidity, sound level, speed, acceleration,
time, cost, or person's individual characteristics
described by numbers. Quantitative numerical
data are usually categorized, put in a rank order
in units of measurement. Data are kept objectively
separated from the subject matter and a selected
research method.
We call our research quantitative when it ex-
amines the relationship between variables that are
measured, (usually on instruments) and thus it tests
objective theories in a deductive style based on
logical analysis of the data. Quantitative research
relates to the gathering, measuring quantitative
data in numerical form, and then analyzing the
data with the use of statistical procedures in order
to answer the questions, test hypotheses, or solve
a problem. The quantitative research design is
aimed at preventing biases, controlling variables
that may influence the result, and securing pos-
sibility to generalize and replicate the results. A
structured form of reporting the results of quanti-
tative research comprise a theoretical framework,
review of literature, questions and hypotheses,
data collection, methods, data analysis, results and
interpretation, discussion and validation.
Qualitative
data take form of both the words and
images. They may result from observations that are
done in particular, non-determined settings about
colors, textures, tunes as note sequences, tastes,
smells, appearances, styles, aesthetic perceptions,
psychological experiences, and emotional feelings.
Qualitative data are non-numerical, mostly verbal,
and often translated by coding. They often serve
the initial phases of a research study and are help-
ful in preparing a quantitative research design as
its next phase. Research goes from particular data
to general themes that evolve during the research
and causes that further questions and procedures
emerge as a consequence.
Qualitative research allows exploring what
meaning the individual people or the whole groups
ascribe to some notions, ideas, or problems, both
individual and social. It assumes an inductive style
of looking at the findings based on conclusions
derived from the evidence and reasoning. We
call our research qualitative when it is relating to
quality of the subject of our study, examining what
people think about other people, rules, projects, or
behaviors. In a qualitative research the data are in
the form of interviews, open-ended questionnaires,
diary accounts, unstructured observations, videos,
rather than numbers. Records on individual level
may support studies of human direct experience
and consciousness with a phenomenological ap-
proach; however, pursuits are often undertaken
aside from the social context. Qualitative research
seeks an understanding of human behavior and
its reasons; data processing is often subjective
in approach. A final report of the research has a
flexible structure.
Mixed methods
research incorporates, with
a pragmatic worldview, methods of quantita-
tive and qualitative research and combines in a
sequence or associates some kinds of data such
as closed questions on a questionnaire, structured
interviews, or coded observations, which may
produce both quantitative and qualitative infor-
mation. The mixed methods research is useful
when either the quantitative and qualitative re-
search approach is inadequate to provide the best
understanding of a research problem. They are
taking into account that, in pragmatist framework,
reality is not independent of the mind or within
the mind (Creswell, 2008). This kind of research
approaches the collected and analyzed data by
introducing some philosophical assumptions.
For example, a reason for mixing both research
methods may be in a need for a postmodern study
of social, historical, political, and other contexts
that is reflective of social justice and political
aims (Creswell, 2008).
