Question:

Differentiate between quantitative, qualitative and mixed research methods

highlighting the characteristics of each method and illustrate each of them.

•Qualitative research is a means for exploring and understanding the meaning

individuals or groups ascribe to a social or human problem. The process of research
involves emerging questions and procedures, data typically collected in the participant's
setting, data analysis inductively building from particulars to general themes, and the
researcher making interpretations of the meaning of the data. The final written report
has a flexible structure.
Those who engage in this form of inquiry support a way of looking at research that
honors an inductive style, a focus on individual meaning, and the importance of
rendering the complexity of a situation (adapted from Creswell, 2007).

• Quantitative research is a means for testing objective theories by examining the

relationship among variables. These variables, in turn, can be measured, typically on
instruments, so that numbered data can be analyzed using statistical procedures. The
final written report has a set structure consisting of introduction, literature and theory,
methods, results, and discussion
(Creswell, 2008). Like qualitative researchers, those who engage in this form of inquiry
have assumptions about testing theories deductively, building in protections against
bias, controlling for alternative explanations, and being able to generalize and replicate
the findings.

• Mixed methods research is an approach to inquiry that combines or associates both

qualitative and quantitative forms. It involves philosophical assumptions, the use of
qualitative and quantitative approaches, and the mixing of both approaches in a study.
Thus, it is more than simply collecting and analyzing both kinds of data; it also involves
the use of both approaches in tandem so that the overall strength of a study is greater
than either qualitative or quantitative research (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2007).

CHARACTERISTICS OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

​ •​ The data is usually gathered using structured research instruments.

​ •​ The results are based on larger sample sizes that are representative of
the population.
​ •​ The research study can usually be replicated or repeated, given its high
reliability.
​ •​ Researcher has a clearly defined research question to which objective
answers are sought.
​ •​ All aspects of the study are carefully designed before data is collected.
​ •​ Data are in the form of numbers and statistics, often arranged in tables,
charts, figures, or other non-textual forms.
​ •​ Project can be used to generalize concepts more widely, predict future
results, or investigate causal relationships.
​ •​ Researcher uses tools, such as questionnaires or computer software, to
collect numerical data.
The overarching aim of a quantitative research study is to classify features, count them,
and construct statistical models in an attempt to explain what is observed.

Illustration:
A study analyzing the correlation between daily exercise (in hours) and weight loss (in
kilograms) over 6 months. Participants complete a standardized activity log, and results
are analyzed statistically to confirm trends.

CHARACTERISTICS OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Qualitative research has several distinct characteristics that set it apart from quantitative
research. Here are the primary features of qualitative research:
​ 1.​ pop Focus on Understanding Context and Meaning**
Qualitative research seeks to understand social phenomena from the perspective of the
participants. It emphasizes the meanings, experiences, and interpretations individuals
attach to their actions and the world around them.

2. Subjective Data Collection**

Data collected in qualitative research is often subjective, encompassing insights and
viewpoints. This can include interviews, focus groups, observations, and open-ended
surveys, allowing participants to express their thoughts in their own words.

3. Inductive Approach**
Qualitative research often uses an inductive approach, where researchers gather data
and then derive patterns, themes, or theories rather than starting with a hypothesis to
test.

4. Flexibility**
The research design in qualitative studies is generally flexible. Researchers can adapt
their methods as new insights emerge throughout the study, allowing for deeper
exploration of complex issues.

5. Smaller Sample Sizes**

Qualitative research typically involves smaller sample sizes compared to quantitative
research. This allows for a more in-depth exploration of a few cases or contexts rather
than broad generalizations.

6. Rich, Detailed Data**

Qualitative research produces rich, descriptive data that provides depth and context.
This can include narratives, quotes, and observations that capture the complexity of
human behavior and social phenomena.

7. Holistic Perspective**
Qualitative research takes a holistic approach, considering the broader context of
participants' lives and circumstances. This helps researchers understand how various
factors influence experiences and behaviors.

8. Emphasis on Researcher’s Role**

In qualitative research, the researcher plays a significant role in data collection and
analysis. Their interpretations and understanding of the data are crucial, which can
introduce subjectivity, but also adds depth to the findings.

9. Iterative Process**
Qualitative research often involves an iterative process of data collection and analysis.
Researchers may analyze data as they collect it, leading to new questions and areas of
inquiry.

10. Use of Themes and Patterns**

The analysis in qualitative research focuses on identifying themes, patterns, and
categories within the data. This thematic analysis helps to organize findings and convey
the complexities of the participants’ experiences.

These characteristics make qualitative research particularly valuable for exploring

complex social issues, understanding individual experiences, and generating rich
descriptions of phenomena.
Mixed methods research combines both qualitative and quantitative approaches to
provide a more comprehensive understanding of a research problem. Here are the key
characteristics and commonly used methods in mixed methods research

Illustration:
A study exploring how patients with chronic illnesses perceive their healthcare
providers. Data is collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed to identify
recurring themes such as empathy, communication, or trust.

CHARACTERISTICS OF MIXED METHODS RESEARCH

1. Integration of Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches:

- This research design blends qualitative data (rich, descriptive) with quantitative data
(numerical, statistical) to draw from the strengths of both methodologies.

2. Complementarity:
- The two types of data are used to complement each other. Qualitative data can help
explain the "why" behind quantitative findings, while quantitative data can provide
generalizable patterns to qualitative insights.

3. Flexibility:
- Researchers have the flexibility to choose different designs based on the research
question. They can decide when and how to collect qualitative and quantitative data.

4. Sequential or Concurrent Design:

- Mixed methods research can occur simultaneously (concurrent) or one after the
other (sequential). For instance, qualitative data might be collected first to inform a
quantitative survey.

5. Rigorous Methodological Standards:

- It requires adherence to rigorous standards from both qualitative and quantitative
research paradigms, ensuring credibility, validity, and reliability of results.

6. Diverse Data Sources:

- Mixed methods research often draws from various data sources, which can include
surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observational data.

7. Richness and Depth:

- It allows for a more nuanced understanding of complex issues by providing both
depth (qualitative) and breadth (quantitative) of insight.
COMMON METHODS IN MIXED METHOD RESEARCH

1. Surveys with Open-Ended Questions:

- Combining structured questionnaires (quantitative) with open-ended questions
(qualitative) allows for numerical analysis alongside rich textual responses.

2. Interviews Followed by Surveys:

- Conducting qualitative interviews to gather detailed insights before developing a
survey for broader quantitative analysis.

3. Focus Groups Coupled with Experimental Designs:

- Using focus groups to explore perceptions and ideas qualitatively, then testing
hypotheses derived from those discussions through experiments or controlled studies.

4. Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Designs:

- Employing both cross-sectional data (quantitative) and longitudinal studies
(qualitative), allowing researchers to study changes over time and understand
underlying reasons for those changes.

5. Case Studies with Quantitative Metrics:

- Utilizing case studies (qualitative) alongside quantitative measurements to assess
specific outcomes and understand the context behind them.

6. Content Analysis and Statistical Analysis:

- Performing qualitative content analysis on textual or visual data while also
conducting statistical analyses to quantify certain themes or occurrences.

7. Triangulation:
- Using multiple perspectives or data sources (e.g., qualitative interviews and
quantitative surveys) to validate findings and enhance the study's overall credibility.

​ •​ Conclusion

Mixed methods research is particularly valuable in fields where complex phenomena

must be understood in detail. By leveraging the strengths of both qualitative and
quantitative approaches, researchers can achieve a more comprehensive
understanding of their questions.

Illustration:
A study investigating workplace stress:
​ •​ Quantitative: Survey with numerical stress levels and productivity metrics.
​ •​ Qualitative: Follow-up interviews to understand underlying causes of
stress.
Integration reveals that high workloads, lack of support, and interpersonal conflicts are
key stressors.

Comparison

Aspect​ Quantitative​ Qualitative​ Mixed-Methods

Objective​ Measure & analyze variables​ Understand experiences​ Combine
perspectives
Data​ Numerical​ Textual/visual​ Both
Analysis​ Statistical​ Interpretative​Integrated
Approach​ Structured, deductive​ Flexible, inductive​ Flexible, integrative