Quantitative vs Qualitative research Flashcards
1
Q
What is quantitative data?
A
- Numerical format
- Scientific (positivist favoured)
- Closed questions and experiements
2
Q
Which research methods use quantitaive techniques?
A
- Questionnaires
- Interviews (structured and unstructured)
- Experiments
3
Q
What are the advantages of quantitative data?
A
- Test hypotheses
- Study trends
- Reliable
- Make comparisons
- Establish causality
- Easy to analyse
- Representative
- Objective
4
Q
What are the disadvantages of quantitative data?
A
- Lacks depth
- No meaning
- No focus on the individual
- Distorts reality
5
Q
What is qualitative data?
A
- Expressed in detailed descriptions, words, images
- Describes behaviour, experience and feelings
- Form of words
- Data from open questions/case studies
6
Q
Which research methods use qualitative techniques?
A
- Naturalistic observations (overt, covert)
- Interviews (structured, unstructured)
- Questionnaires
- Case studies
- Experiments
7
Q
What are the advantages of qualitative data?
A
- Close to reality
- More personal
- In depth feelings and meanings
- No researcher imposition
- Rich description
8
Q
What are the disadvantages of qualitative data?
A
- Subjective
- Unreliable
- Not measurable
- Unscientific
- Cannot generalise
- Mis-interpretation
9
Q
How to overcome weaknesses of qualitative and quantitative data?
A
- Triangulation: provide more credibility
- Check for validity and reliability
