Comparison between

Qualitative and
Quantitative Research
Adam Ariff bin Zulkifli
Ain Fatihah binti Mohd Kasim
Farah Mudrikah binti Zaimy
Fatin Daratul Ain binti Johari

Definition:

Quantitative research is defined as entailing the collection of numerical data

and exhibiting the view of relationship between theory and research as
deductive, a predilection for natural science approach and as having an
objectivist conception of social reality (Bryman and Bell, 2005, p.154).

Qualitative research involves any research that uses data that do not indicate
ordinal values (Nkwi, Nyamongo, and Ryan, 2001, p. 1). Qualitative
researchers are interested in understanding the meaning people have
constructed, that is, how people make sense of their world and the
experiences they have in the world. (Merriam, 2009, p. 13)

Difference Goals or aims of research

Qualitative Research aims to provide a complete, detailed

description of the research topic.

Quantitative Research focuses more in counting and

classifying features and constructingstatistical modelsand
figures to explain what is observed.

Hypothesis
Description
Type of Research

Qualitative
Broad
Whole picture
Exploratory

Quantitative
Narrow
Focused
Conclusive

Difference - Usage

Qualitative Research is ideal for earlier phases of research

projects.

Quantitative Research is highly recommended for the

latter part of the research project.

Difference Data Gathering Instrument

In Qualitative Research, the researcher serves as the primary data

gathering instrument.

Examples of data-gathering strategies:

individual in-depth interviews, structured and non-structured interviews,

focus groups, narratives, content or documentary analysis, participant
observation and archival research.

Quantitative Research makes use of tools such as questionnaires,

surveys, standardized tests, checklists, measurements and other
equipment to collect numerical or measurable data.

Difference Type of Data

The presentation of data in a Qualitative Research is in

the form of words (from interviews) and images (videos)
or objects (such as artifacts).

In conducting a Quantitative Research, what will most

likely appear in the discussion are tables containing data
in the form of numbers and statistics.

Difference - Approach

Qualitative Research is primarily subjective in approach as it

seeks to understand human behavior and reasons that govern
such behavior.

Researchers have the tendency to become subjectively

immersed in the subject matter in this type of research method.

In Quantitative Research, researchers tend to remain objectively

separated from the subject matter.

This is because Quantitative Research is objective in approach in

the sense that it only seeks precise measurements and analysis
of target concepts to answer his inquiry.

Difference Type of questions

In Quantitative Research,

Closed-ended

Specific and narrow

Contains responses possibilities developed in advanced.

In Qualitative Research,

Open-ended

General and broad

Difference- Reporting and Evaluating

In reporting Quantitative Research;

Standardized structure

Format with predictable pattern : introduction, review of literature, methods, results

and discussion.

Specific criteria to evaluate

The result is reliable and valid and was not influenced by personal biases and values

In reporting Qualitative Research;

Wide range of format

Realistic and persuasive

Bias

Flexible

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Number of respondents

More respondents

Less respondents

Types of questions

Specific questions

Open-ended questions

Methods/Techniques

Surveys (main method)

Data collection techniques

vary

Data analysis

Relies on standardized data Varied techniques in data

analysis
analysis

Theory

Support and expand

existing theory

Develops new theory

Sampling

Sampling focuses on
probability and
representatives

Sampling depends on what

needs to be learned

Causality

Suggest causality

Explore causality

Reference

Explorable.com(Nov 3, 2009). Quantitative and Qualitative Research.

Retrieved Jan 13, 2015 from Explorable.com: https://
explorable.com/quantitative-and-qualitative-research

http://
www2.uncp.edu/home/acurtis/Courses/ResourcesForCourses/QuantitativeQual
itative.html

Source: SEEP-AIMS 2000 Learning from Clients: Assessment Tools for

microfinance practitioners. Washington, DC: AIMS/Management Systems
International ()