I.

Quantitative, Qualitative, and

Mixed methods research


Quantitative research involves data collection

procedure that results primarily in numerical data.

(then analyzed by statistical methods). For example
survey research using a questionnaire.

 qualitative research involves data collection

procedure that result primarily in open-ended, nonnumerical data.(non-statistical methods.) e.g.

interview research.

 Mixed methods research: including different

combinations of Qual and Quan research either at

the data collection or at the analysis levels.

II. The qualitative-quantitative distinction:

A.

Ideological differences(it was started as a result of

dominant number-based statistical research in the
middle of 20th century)

B.

Contrasting categorizing/coding practices:

qualitative and quantitative are quite different in
the way of using the codes and categorization.

Quantitative codes

numerical
precise
in advance
verbal

Qualitative codes

and

they are open

flexible and not determined beforehand

C. Different approaches to individual diversity:

Qualitative and quantitative use different strategies

to interpret individual diversity
1. Quant. Researchers meaning in general
2. Qual. Researchers
meaning in particular

D. Statistics vs. researcher sensitivity : while the

quantitative method is systematic and objective,

the qualitative method is sensitive and subjective

E. The qual-quan Contrast and the paradigm war

-The differences between quant. and qual. had been

so expanded that it led to two different perspectives
as macro-perspective for quantitative and microperspective for qualitative.

F. There are three positions regarding the Qual-Quant

differences:
1. Purist arguing that the qualitative and
quantitative methodologies are mutually exclusive
2. Situationalist they believe that either of the
methods can be effective regarding research content
3. Pragmatist believes the integration of two
methods can be beneficial and fruitful as far as they
help to corroborate, elaborate the findings of other
methods.

III. Quantitative research: (involves data collection

procedures that result in numerical data)

. Main characteristics of quantitative research
1. Using numbers
2. A priori categorization
3. Variables rather than cases
4. Statistics and the language of statistics
5. Standardized procedures to assess objective
reality
6. Quest for generalizability and universal laws

x
Strengths and weaknesses of quantitative research:

*It is systematic,rigorous,and tightly controlled,

Involving precise measurment.(strength)

*the general exploratory capacity of quant.research is

limited,so researchers view as overly
simplistic,reductionist
in terms of its generalization(weakness)

IV. Qualitative research (involves data collection

procedures that result in non-numerical data)

Main characteristics of qualitative research:
1. Emergent research design
2. The nature of qualitative data
3. The characteristics of research
4. Insider meaning
5. Small sample
6. Interpretive analysis

V.

Mixed methods research (comprises both quantitative and

qualitative. i.e. it has the already mutual features)
Strengths of mixed method research
1. increasing the strength while eliminating the weaknesses
2. Multilevel analysis of complex
3.improve validity
4.reach multiple audiences

The weaknesses of mixed method research.

Researchers lack methodological skills to handle both

qualitative and quantitative data.