Qualitative And Quantitative Studies In Nature
Introduction
Quantitative research involves use of mathematical theories and hypothesis to generate collect, analyze and evaluate empirical data. Measurements are quite crucial in quantitative research as it provides a clear understanding of the close relationship between mathematical expressions and empirical observations. Generally, researchers employing quantitative research methods usually use random sampling to determine the population group to be used in the study. Qualitative research studies are aimed at establishing the truth in a number of hypotheses such that only the most critical hypothesis is studied and the other are identified as mere suggestions. Smaller samples of population are used in qualitative studies as the two crucial aspects of the study include identifying why certain things happen in addition to their emergence. Similarly, qualitative data is more of theoretical explanations rather than numerical figures hence it involves plenty of explanations and observations.
Discussion
Qualitative Nature study: why there are more male smokers than females
When a researcher is trying to find out why a larger percentage of smokers are men, the most appropriate procedure involves identification of a sample population which is rather small. The researcher lays assumptions that by cutting across the various age groups, all sectors of the population will be represented (Silverman, 2004).The study based on the percentage of men who smoke being higher is based on behavioral excerpts of the sample population which is exemplified by all. This is categorized as the why question after which the question on how the habit came about is asked. Most behavioral studies are conducted using this research method as majority of them entail plenty of explanations and very limited mathematical formulae in addition to figures (Hunter and Erin, 2008).Qualitative studies are exemplified by possession of characteristics which are easily visible.
This is significant as the study incorporates plenty of observations. Similarly, the observed traits are important of predicting the course taken by the study as well as forming the fundamental aspect of the research project (Ziman, 2000).The researcher using qualitative research method should take up a position way before embarking on the study. This is attributed to the fact that a neutral position is biased especially in data collection. In this case, a critical position of the researchers may be that there are more men who smoke due to peer pressure. Such a position is equivocal because it shows the role of the researcher in the study which in this case could be advocating for censored peer groups (Silverman, 2004).
Data collection in qualitative research entails very interactive sessions which involve plenty of participation and discussion. The researcher carrying out the study on smoking percentages is obliged to use observation as one of the data collection criterion. However, the observation is made more successful by the researcher participating in discussions of smokers as well as non-smokers who are part of the sample population. These interactions generate a form of rapport which is essential in gaining comprehensive understanding of the situation at hand (Ziman, 2000).Similarly, interviews are conducted in an equally manner fashion such that over the day to day discussions involving why an individual started smoking and how they associate smoking habits to gender are achieved.
Due to the problem of data validity the researcher is supposed to conduct subsequent similar interviews and discussions with different groups to ensure that the data collected is dependable. The same issue may call for prolonged interactions as well as briefing the sample population on the intended course of the study (Hunter, 2008).Quantitative studies are important in understanding why the population of smokers is mostly made up of men. Due to its exploratory nature, the study gives clear guidelines on reasons as to why this statement is stated in that manner. The efficiency at which these questions are answered is quite satisfying although it is quite difficult to present the same information in graphical or other mathematical data presentation formats (Silverman, 2004).
Quantitative nature study: is intravenous drug administration superior to oral administration
Quantitative research involves testing scientific hypothesis and then incorporation of mathematical data analysis methods. This form of study is more practical and it entails minimal use of theory as every aspect is used in numerical form (Hunter, 2008).A researcher trying to establish the most appropriate mode of drug administration among the two has to ensure that they incorporate a neutral position as a way of eliminating any biasness in the results. The sample population should not be given a hint on the position taken by the researcher as it may lead to undependable data being collected (Ziman, 2000).In quantitative studies, a very big sample population is selected which is crucial as the numerical aspect of the research is equally important. Another portion of the population is used as a control for the experiment such that in this case a part of the sample population uses intravenous dosages and the control population uses orally administered drugs.
Hence the essence of the big sample is to ensure that all sides are equally presented (Ziman, 2000).Due to the large population sample used, an equally large amount of data is collected which is used to identify the empirical relationships between variables used in the experiment. All data is collected through experimental observation and the researcher does not have to participate in the experiment as their only role is to supervise the population sample then tabulate any information which is obtained (Hunter, 2008).Theoretical explanation of the data is usually not prioritized as after collection, the researcher carries out data analysis using special analytical applications such as statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). This data is then presented in graphical format which makes it easier to interpret hence no need for theoretical explanations (Hunter, 2008).
Conclusion
The research methods involving quantitative and qualitative studies are quite different although all are used in contrasting fields of study. Quantitative research methods are more practical as they involve the researcher carrying out intense experiments concerning the study while in qualitative, the researcher is more or less establishing the validity of the hypothesis. Both methods are related and at various points in the course of high level research, the two may be incorporated into the same project but at different stages due to their diverse characteristics.
References
Hunter, L. and Erin L. 2008. “Collaborative Research in Sociology: Trends and Contributing Factors”. American Sociologist vol. 39, pp.290–306
Silverman, D. (2004), qualitative research: theory, method and practice. London: Sage publications
Ziman, John (2000). Real Science: what it is, and what it means. Cambridge, Uk: Cambridge University Press.
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