Scribd
Upload
320 views2 pages

Quantitative and Qualitative Data

There are four main differences between quantitative and qualitative data analysis: 1) Goals - quantitative aims to prove/disprove hypotheses objectively while qualitative generates ideas from participants' perspectives; 2) Process - quantitative is deductive while qualitative is inductive; 3) Data gathering - quantitative uses pre-set codes and large random samples while qualitative has emergent coding and small purposeful samples; 4) Results - quantitative produces statistical results for generalizations while qualitative generates descriptive models and new theories.

Uploaded by

api-138018801
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
320 views2 pages

Quantitative and Qualitative Data

There are four main differences between quantitative and qualitative data analysis: 1) Goals - quantitative aims to prove/disprove hypotheses objectively while qualitative generates ideas from participants' perspectives; 2) Process - quantitative is deductive while qualitative is inductive; 3) Data gathering - quantitative uses pre-set codes and large random samples while qualitative has emergent coding and small purposeful samples; 4) Results - quantitative produces statistical results for generalizations while qualitative generates descriptive models and new theories.

Uploaded by

api-138018801
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Four differences between quantitative and qualitative data analysis:

1. Goals
a. Quantitative Analysis
i. Objectively analyzes data to prove or disprove a hypothesis
ii. Discovers facts regarding specific experiences
b. Qualitative Analysis
i. An interpretive paradigm that uses the subjective experience where
researchers identify social themes
ii. Generates ideas concerning participants perspective
2. Deductive vs. Inductive
a. Quantitative Analysis
i. Primarily a Deductive Process
ii. Systematically follows scientific method and therefore begins with a
hypothesis to be tested
b. Qualitative Analysis
i. Primarily an Inductive Process
ii. The research process is used to form a theory or hypothesis

3. Data Gathering
a. Quantitative Analysis
i. Content characteristics related to hypothesis or research question
ii. Before process begins, code is set on how to capture data
iii. Respondents choose from fixed responses
iv. Large, random samples
b. Qualitative Analysis
i. Themes emerge through the process of gathering data
ii. Respondents given unstructured options for responses
iii. Coding methodology is reactive to the data gathered
iv. Emergence of new information influences coding and analysis
v. Small, specifically chosen sample group

4. Results
a. Quantitative Analysis
i. Results produce descriptive statistical data
ii. Findings can be used to draw generalizations
iii. Computers can interpret manifest data and calculate margin of error or
confidence interval of the data set
b. Qualitative Analysis
i. Results are descriptive data, conveyed through textual and descriptive
models
ii. Contributes to the development of new theories
iii. Often generates hypotheses for later quantitative research
Conceptualization of Data

Quantitative Data Qualitative Data


Uses previous studies to develop hypothesis Generates new theories
Influenced by statistical measurement Influenced by ideas
Example: Measurable income Example: Idea of wealth
Organizes raw data (coding) from which Recognizes themes & uses these to develop
concepts emerge concepts

You might also like