Characteristics of quantitative and qualitative research
|
| Question |
Quantitative |
Qualitative |
What is the nature
of reality?
|
Reality is objective and singular, separate from the researcher. |
Reality is subjective and multiple, as seen by participants
in the study. |
What is the relationship of the researcher to what is being researched?
|
Researcher is independent from what is being researched. |
Researcher interacts with what is being researched. |
What is the relationship between facts and values?
|
Facts are value-free and unbiased. |
Facts are value-laden and biased. |
What is the language of research?
|
Formal |
Informal |
What is the process of research?
|
Deductive |
Inductive |
| |
Cause and effect |
Mutual simultaneous shaping of factors |
| |
Static design - categories isolated before the study |
Emerging design -categories identified during research process |
| |
Context-free |
Context-bound |
| |
Generalisations leading to prediction, explanation and understanding |
Patterns and theories developed for understanding |
| |
Accurate and reliable through validity and reliability |
Accurate and reliable through verification |
| |
Quantitative |
Qualitative |
Table taken from 'Developing your research idea' (Page 11 - Table of
comparison) by Keith Chantler, R&D Manager, Central Manchester and
Manchester Children's University Hospitals
|