Assignment : Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research
The qualitative approach to research involves the collection of extensive amounts of narrative and written data in order to gain insight into an event, occurrence, strategy, or phenomenon. Quantitative research involves the collection of numerical measurement data in order to explain, predict, or control the interest area of research.
Under what conditions would a person choose the qualitative approach over the quantitative or vice versa when investigating a forensic behavioral science situation? When would a mixed-methods design be the best option? Through your research provide examples and support for the points you are making.
Review the points of others and add additional examples, challenging a response or drawing conclusions from the response.
Post your responses in a minimum of 300 words.
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Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research
There are two general approaches that researches might use in data collection research namely qualitative and quantitative research. The qualitative approach to research entails collecting extensive amount of written data or narratives so as to gain more insight on an occurrence, event, phenomenon or strategy. On the other hand quantitative research entails collecting numerical measurement data so as to give an explanation or prediction or control an area of research significance.
A researcher might make use of quantitative approach when they want to quantify or count something. The qualitative approach is normally related to psychometrics which entails studying psychological or educational measurement. The issue of interest in forensic behavior is tests and questionnaires used in measuring abilities, personalities, attitudes and knowledge of the test subjects. These measurements are then given or allocated a number value which is an indication that they have a quantitative value.
A researcher might opt for a qualitative approach when they are trying to give descriptions to the test scores they already have. The qualitative approach is also used in instances where the researcher wants to take a more hand on approach such as field research, phenomenology, grounded research or ethnography (Anderson, 2007). Qualitative research approached is viewed as being more descriptive in that it focuses on the observation and giving description to events as well as retelling a story from the participants' perspective.
Mixed methods design would be the best option in a situation whereby the data that has been collected needs to be quantified and an explanation of the results needs to be given. For the mixed method design to be a success, researchers are required to choose appropriate qualitative and quantitative that will be necessary to answer the research question and hence design the mixed method on the basis of the chosen approaches.
References
Anderson, N. (2007). Application of functional measurement in psychology: Research meeting. Department of general psychology. University of Padua. Padua: Italy