Differences between qualitative and quantitative research

Scientific research methods are classified into two broad categories: quantitative and qualitative. While the former focus on the mathematical analysis of observable phenomena, the research qualitative is based on language and aims at deep understanding of its objects of study.

In this article we will analyze the 9 main differences between quantitative and qualitative research.

• Related article: "The 15 types of research (and characteristics)"

Differences between qualitative and quantitative research

The differences between qualitative and quantitative research occur in many different ways, from the goals and applications of the studies to their psychometric properties. Each of them has, in turn, advantages and disadvantages that make it more appropriate in certain circumstances.

Although many people underestimate the usefulness of qualitative methods, as we will see they allow us to analyze phenomena other than those that constitute the focus of interest of the quantitative ones, in addition to allowing the same facts to be addressed from a more deep.

1. Object of study

The object of study of quantitative research is made up of static data from which probabilistic conclusions are drawn. Qualitative methods focus primarily on processes, that is, in dynamic aspects, and they focus on the subjective experience of the phenomena from the perspective of the subjects of analysis.

2. Objectives and applications

Qualitative research has as its main objective the initial exploration, description and understanding of a phenomenon. In this sense we can say that qualitative methods focus on the generation of hypotheses around certain facts; conclusions can sometimes be drawn from these studies through induction.

By contrast, quantitative methods are often used at a more advanced point in the scientific process: in the testing of hypotheses, that is, in their confirmation or refutation. Thus, they are mainly deductive in nature and in many cases are associated with the analysis of theory and the recommendation of courses of action around specific problems.

3. Analysis point of view

Since qualitative research focuses on exploring phenomena from the perspective of certain individuals, inevitably has a subjective character, although this does not have to imply a lack of rigor methodological. Quantitative methods, on the other hand, seek to analyze effects that can be measured objectively.

However, and unlike what is frequently defended, quantitative methods are not totally objective: they depend notably on the action of the researchers, who choose the variables to be studied, carry out the analyzes and interpret the results of these. Therefore, they are clearly susceptible to human error.

4. Type of data

The data of the quantitative investigations are of a numerical type; For this reason, a certain robustness and replication capacity are assumed that will allow making inferences beyond the data itself. In qualitative research, the depth and wealth of information on a specific fact are prioritized and inferences are limited to this.

5. Methodology

Being focused on numerical aspects, quantitative methods allow the specific and controlled measurement of many concrete aspects of reality. Furthermore this makes it possible carry out statistical analyzes using the data, which in turn will favor the comparison of different sets of information and the generalization of results.

In contrast, qualitative research primarily uses language-based data, particularly narrative registers. The methods of analysis have a much more naturalistic character and a greater importance is given to the context and to the relationships between the elements that make up the phenomenon under study, and not only to these separately.

6. Techniques used

Researchers using qualitative methodology employ methods such as in-depth interviews, participant observation or discussions and group conversations. These techniques have a lower level of structuring than the quantitative approach, which includes methods such as questionnaires and systematic observation records.

• Related article: "The different types of interview and their characteristics"

7. Analysis level

While quantitative research analyzes specific aspects of the objects of study, qualitative research has a more holistic nature; this means that it tries to understand the structure of the events and the dynamics between the elements that compose them in a global way rather than a particular one.

8. Degree of generalization

In theory, quantitative methods use representative samples from a larger population in order to draw conclusions and generalize at this higher level; in addition, there are techniques to measure and reduce the probability of error. Difficulty in generalizing results is the most characteristic defect of qualitative research.

9. Validity and reliability

The reliability and reliability of quantitative investigations depend mainly on the techniques and instruments used to measure and process the data. In the case of qualitative methodology, these properties are more closely related to the rigor and capacity of the researchers, and can be more subjective.