Abbreviated Research Methods Plan

Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Research Method Comparison

Definitions of Methods

Qualitative

Information collected in a qualitative approach is non-numerical and may consist of the response to open-ended questionnaire, answers to an essay question, dialogue with a focused group, or ideas brainstormed by any group (Johnson and Christensen, 2010). Although, this data is not limited to words, it may include the contents from an art or design portfolio.

Quantitative

All of the data collected in quantitative method is quantifiable and can be counted. For example, in relation to the research topic of stress, factors and elements causing stress among studied population can be studied through quantitative research (ACET, 2013).

Mixed Method

Incorporation of qualitative and quantitative research methods is called a mixed research method. It is used in such a way that both qualitative and quantitative methods complement each other. For instance, with the use of qualitative approach, researcher collects in-depth information to the answers of certain questions (Johnson and Christensen,2010). On the other hand, quantitative method helps researcher collect numerical information. For example, a same survey may be the combination of both methods in which quantifiable questions are formed on the basis of the information gathered through qualitative study of past studies, case-studies, and information.

Advantages

Qualitative approach provides the advantage that the contextual information is collected when the data is gathered. It helps in providing the answer of “why” question regarding the issue to be studied. On the other hand, quantitative approach is efficient in collection of information for large number of people (Johnson and Christensen,2010). For example, large number of people can be investigated for causes of stress and its affects at the same time through survey method (ACET, 2013).

In contrast to both quantitative and qualitative methods, mixed method approach balances the shortcomings of data collection process of both methods through literature study and first-hand data collection (Driscoll, et al. 2007).

Disadvantages

Qualitative research method is time consuming, due to the fact that researcher have to interview participants one by one, contrary to the quantitative method in which survey can be conducted at the same time (ACET, 2013). On the other hand, carrying out secondary research i.e. data collection from literature and case-studies also consumer more time. Data analysis of qualitative method also takes time as compare to the quantitative method. Time consumption is often related to the cost, qualitative approaches are often more expensive than the quantitative research approach.

Quantitative research method also has its limitations. For instance, quantitative method only collect numeric data which often fails to answer the “why” question of an issue. Quantitative method may help in assessing the number of people affected by stress; however, it is not able to define the psychological factors behind prevalence of stress or why the affected people are exactly suffering from stress, which qualitative approach can find out.

Mixed method approach is also marked with certain challenges. For example, it is important for a mixed method to ensure that both the research methods complement each other, rather than ...