Qualitative vs Quantitative Research: Why it Matters
The research supporting many popular reading programs is problematic because it is based on qualitative research.
- Qualitative research uses the subjective measure of observations which is not based on structured and validated data-collection.
- Study groups are not randomly selected, nor are they controlled for variables.
- Qualitative research is bottom up research: it generates a theory based on the data collected rather than testing a theory with the data.
- Qualitative research is not double-blind, and allows bias into the research: this alone invalidates an entire study and makes it worthless.
Criteria | Qualitative | Quantitative |
Purpose |
|
|
Group Studied |
|
|
Variables |
|
|
Type of Data Collected |
|
|
Form of Data Collected | Qualitative data such as:
| Quantitative data based on:
|
Type of Data Analysis | Identify
| Identify
|
Objectivity and Subjectivity |
|
|
Role of Researcher |
|
|
Results |
|
|
Scientific Method | Exploratory or bottom–up:
| Confirmatory or top-down:
|
View of Human Behavior |
|
|
Most Common Research Objectives |
|
|
Focus |
|
|
Nature of Observation |
|
|
Nature of Reality |
|
|
Final Report |
| Statistical report with
|
The content in the above table was taken directly from an Xavier University Library publication using the following sources:
- Johnson, B., & Christensen, L. [2008]. Educational research: Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches [p. 34]. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
- Lichtman, M. [2006]. Qualitative research in education: A user’s guide [pp. 7-8]. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Share this page
with your friends…
In which type of qualitative research do the researchers intend to generate a theory that based on data systematically gathered and analyzed?
Grounded theory is a systematic procedure of data analysis, typically associated with qualitative research, that allows researchers to develop a theory that explains a specific phenomenon.
Which type of qualitative research could be used to generate theory based on the data collected about a particular phenomenon?
Grounded theory is a qualitative method that enables you to study a particular phenomenon or process and discover new theories that are based on the collection and analysis of real world data.
What type of qualitative research is theory development?
Grounded theory is a qualitative research approach developed by two sociologists, Glaser and Strauss [1967]. Grounded theory studies are studies in which data are collected and analyzed and then a theory is developed that is grounded in the data.
What approach is the use of a theory in qualitative research?
There are two ways in which qualitative researchers think about using theory: [1] as a way of theorizing the project or study as a whole; the general theoretical lens through which the researcher approaches the topic, study and study design, methodology and method; and [2] as a way of analyzing and interpreting the ...