Quantitative vs Qualitative Research Methods

Quantitative research assumes that variables and the relationships between them can be identified and objectively measured. The purposes includes making causal explanations, predictions, and generalizations. Statistical analyses involve numbers and norms.

Qualitative research assumes that variables are complex and interwoven. Accurate measurement is deemed difficult within the social structure. It seeks to understand the actors' perspective and behaviors. The scientist is the instrument who becomes immersed in a natural setting.

Which is better? It depends upon your research questions and the nature of information you seek. Examples:

Let's say that you wanted to study rituals that elite athletes perform when preparing for high-level competitions. Asking interview questions that allow athletes to describe their ritualistic activities prior to sport competition qualitatively would allow you to record and summarize their behaviors patterns. This approach would best help you find the answers you seek.

If you were interested in determining whether one training method for developing running speed was superior to another, you would probably choose an experimental design to test your hypothesis. You could compare scores quantitatively and determine which method (if either) produced significantly faster sprint times and make inferences and generalizations based upon your findings.

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