Qualitative Versus Quantitative Research

The objective of this book is to fill the gap combining several studies from qualitative and quantitative research methods. The various chapters presented here follow several approaches that researchers explore in different context. This book intends to contribute to better understanding of the application areas of qualitative research method and to show how these business practices in social sciences can stimulate in various areas.

This book focuses on a key issue in the methodology of the social and behavioural sciences: the mixing of different research methods. The extent to which qualitative and quantitative research differ from one another has long been a subject of debate. Although many methodologists have concluded that the two approaches are not mutually exclusive, there are few books on either the theory or the practice of mixing methods. Mixing Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Research presents a comprehensive discussion of the theoretical, methodological and practical issues. It also covers a number of case studies of research which have successfully combined qualitative and quantitative approaches. Contributors include sociologists who have written extensively on the methodology of the social sciences and researchers who have concerned themselves with important social policy issues in the fields of further education, community services and household finances.

Approaching qualitative research for the first time and unsure how to get started? This book captures what you need to know to jump into effective qualitative or mixed methods research. The book gets you up to speed on the specifics of qualitative research, while showing how it complements quantitative research and how to draw on and hone your existing skills to conduct impactful research. It covers the whole research process, from explaining what theories are for and planning your research design, through gathering and working with your data, to developing good practice in research reporting and dissemination. The book also: • Showcases the value of qualitative research, helping you understand its relevance, credibility and validity. • Grapples with how to decolonise your approach, do research in an ethical and inclusive way, and debias your thinking. • Challenges you to rethink how you conduct research and choose the most appropriate methods for your project. Giving you a fuller understanding of methods and methodologies to benefit your work regardless of the approach you choose, this book encourages you to discover the joy of qualitative research.

Some in the social sciences argue that the same logic applies to both qualitative and quantitative methods. In A Tale of Two Cultures, Gary Goertz and James Mahoney demonstrate that these two paradigms constitute different cultures, each internally coherent yet marked by contrasting norms, practices, and toolkits. They identify and discuss major differences between these two traditions that touch nearly every aspect of social science research, including design, goals, causal effects and models, concepts and measurement, data analysis, and case selection. Although focused on the differences between qualitative and quantitative research, Goertz and Mahoney also seek to promote toleration, exchange, and learning by enabling scholars to think beyond their own culture and see an alternative scientific worldview. This book is written in an easily accessible style and features a host of real-world examples to illustrate methodological points.

Through graphic and narrative descriptions, Newman and Benz show research to be a holistic endeavor in the world of inquiry. To clarify their argument, they provide a diagram of the "qualitative-quantitative interactive continuum" showing that qualitative analysis with its feedback loops can easily modify the types of research questions asked in quantitative analysis research and that the quantitative analysis results and its feedback can change what will be asked qualitatively.

PreambleIn the book "Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods Simplified" I attempt to acquaint the beginning researcher with the available options in the field. I sought to present the information in a simple way so as to demystify Research methods which are thought to be complex by most beginner researchers.The basic aim of this book is to provide a simple flexible readership of technical issues in research in glossary format one at a time. Therefore subtopics are explained in their own stead to be picked and understood as and when necessary. The book is written principally for university students at masters, undergraduate, diploma and tertiary college level that haven't had prior encounter with structured research. It is hoped that they will find invaluable information for use in writing term papers, thesis, dissertations and academic reports. It is also a good read for anyone eager to know what research is all about as a leisure reader manual.I have included a sample thesis for reference. The thesis was a student requirement for the award of a diploma in real estate management. Though not the best, and not being at the highest educational level of academia, the thesis is meant to illustrate at the lowest level and in the simplest layout possible, the steps a beginner ought to take to construct the best research project possible at the lowest end of learning. Building on this knowledge, I hope the reader will have acquired the basic understanding to inquire deeper into the field if necessary.Samuel M Maina PhD

The bestseller that pioneered the comparison of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research design continues in its Fourth Edition to help students and researchers prepare their plan or proposal for a scholarly journal article, dissertation or thesis.

This easy-to-understand textbook offers a comprehensive introduction to nursing research concepts and methods. Evidence-based practice is emphasised throughout, with clear guidelines for evaluating research and applying scientific evidence to practice. Coverage includes qualitative and quantitative research, appraising and critiquing research, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making using research information.