1. ) What are the major differences between a quantitative and qualitative research?

Qualitative and quantitative research are different in many aspects. Qualitative

research seeks to develop an understanding on human and social sciences.
Quantitative research, on the other hand, aims to generate numerical data and hard
facts by utilizing statistical, logical, and mathematical techniques. Furthermore, they
are both different in terms of nature, approach, research type, reasoning, data,
elements of analysis, goal, methods, and result.

Qualitative research is holistic in nature, and approaches the topic in a subjective

manner. It is an exploratory research that uses inductive reasoning on the verbal data
that was collected through non-structured, flexible techniques such as in-depth
interviews, and group discussions. Its aim is to explore and discover ideas used in the
ongoing processes using words, pictures, and objects as elements of analysis. The end
result of a qualitative research is to develop an initial understanding on the topic.

In comparison, quantitative research, by nature, is particularistic. Contrary to

qualitative research, quantitative approaches the problem objectively. It is a
conclusive research that uses deductive reasoning on the data gathered. The nature of
data in a quantitative research is variable and measurable. The objective of a
quantitative research is to examine the cause and effect relationship between the
variables by analyzing the data (numerical data) gathered through structured
techniques such as surveys, questionnaires, and observations. The final product of a
quantitative research is to recommend a final course of action regarding the subject
being studied.

Additionally, qualitative and quantitative research also differs on terms of focus,

philosophical roots, and objective. Qualitative research focuses on the quality and
meaning of experience, while quantitative research focuses on the magnitude,
quantity or frequency. Qualitative research has its philosophical roots on
constructivism and interpretivism. Constructivism is a philosophical theory on how
people acquire knowledge and learn. Interpretivism requires the researcher to
interpret elements of a study. On the other hand, quantitative research is rooted on
positivism, which believes that everything very rationally justifiable assertion can be
scientifically verified or is capable of logical or mathematical proof. Lastly,
qualitative research aims to describe, explore, discover, and understand, while
quantitative research seeks to confirm, try, test, or control a subject or variable.
 Basically, qualitative research tends to be interpretative, while quantitative
research is concrete. Even though these two researches are different, and might seem
contrary to one another, let us keep in mind that they are not exclusive to each other,
rather, they can be used together in conducting a study.

2. ) What are the major ethical considerations in conducting social investigations?

Ethics are the moral guidelines for making decisions and defining professions.
Being ethical means maintaining the integrity of the profession, and protecting the
welfare of both subject and researchers. Being ethical also has the advantage of
having a guide in facing ethical dilemmas.

There are five ethical considerations in sociological research or investigations:

professional competence, integrity, professional and scientific responsibility, respect
for people’s rights, dignity, and diversity, and lastly, social responsibility.

Having professional competence means striving to maintain the highest levels of

competence in their work. A researcher recognizes their limitation and focuses on the
expertise. It also means having to recognize the need for continuous learning or
education in order to remain professionally competent. Sociological researches
should acknowledge the fact that there will always be points for improvement on the
topic being studied.
Sociological investigations and their researchers should be honest, fair, and
respectful of others in order to have integrity. Integrity refers to a firm adherence to a
code or principle.

Professional and scientific responsibility refers to accepting the responsibility

that comes with their work, this includes adhering to the highest scientific and
professional standards.

Sociological investigations should prevent and avoid unethical conduct. They

should also acknowledge the rights, dignity, and worth of all people.

Lastly, sociological investigations should be made with the awareness of their

responsibility to the communities and societies that the study took place in. They
should contribute to the benefit of the public good.

References:
www.thoughtco.com/ethical-considerations-definition-3026552

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