Assurance vs Audit

Research is a process that allows for the collection of data in order to test hypotheses. There are two main types of research: qualitative and quantitative. Both have their own benefits, but they also possess differences that make them unique from each other.

The difference between qualitative and quantitative research is one of the most common questions asked by business owners. Qualitative research is a study involving an analysis of responses to open-ended, subjective questions. Quantitative research is a study that relies on objective data collected through surveys or experiments. Both types are useful for answering different types of business questions, but each has its strengths and weaknesses.

  Qualitative research

Inductive research starts with a specific observation then and generalizing theory, it is also known as qualitative research. qualitative research is used to gain a deeper understanding of the subject. 

Quantitative research

 active research starts with a theory which then ends to conclusion deductive research is also known as quantitative research 

Quantitative research may be a way of collecting numerical research knowledge which then is often converted into usable statistics a deductive approach is aimed at testing theory common methods utilized in deductive approach our questionnaires and service so directive research starts with theory then and to a conclusion is also known as quantitative research.

 quantitative research or deductive research used statistical tools to test a theory now we can see the 

differences of qualitative research and quantitative research

Qualitative research Vs Quantitative Research

There are several key differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods including gathering, analyzing and interpreting results as well as purposes for conducting each type of study. Researchers often choose one method over the other based their own expertise and resources as well as the goals and interests of those funding a particular study.

1.Subjects under study: 

Qualitative research is conducted on human thoughts, beliefs, opinions, emotions or motives where the respondents are not things/objects they cannot be quantified in terms of numbers so this is qualitative research. Quantitative research is conducted on tangible things like actions where the respondents are things that can be quantified in terms of numbers so this is quantitative research;

2.Target population selection:

 Qualitative research selects generalizations based on thought sampling whereas quantitative methods select probabilistic samples;

3.Research design and tools used for data collection:

 For qualitative method, there is no pre-d sequence of steps to follow as the main objective is to get the interpretations or meanings from respondents; data collection tools are observations, interviews, documents and focus groups whereas for quantitative method the steps are pre-d there's a questionnaire to answer through survey research design with questionnaires as data collection tool;

4.Nature of findings or interpretations of findings:

 This will include parameters to use as reference in further research studies Qualitative research provides rich description about phenomena so need probabilistic samples but not representative while quantitative methods provide pre-defined parameters so need representative samples;

5.Suggestions for applications to real world problems: 

This is where differences between qualitative and quantitative become more apparent though making less difference when conducting either method it depends on personal but when presenting findings from both types of research need to be able to take into account how it can be applied to solve real world problems;

6.Limitations of the study and suggestions for further research:

 Quantitative methods are more suitable in cases where there is a priori knowledge about research subjects while qualitative methods are advisable when no clear assumptions exist e.g. educational institutions like schools, colleges or universities;

7.Recommendations on how the results from this study could be disseminated into practice or policy-making process: 

The recommendations will depend upon how insights were achieved i.e. made either through interviews, documents or observations; if interviews make recommendations based on transcripts while if by document make recommendations based on findings then if by observation include any particular behavior that was observed and recommend.

8.Ethical issues

Ethical issues that were encountered during the course of conducting the research project from both perspectives (researchers and respondents), this will include any direct benefits derived from either side, if any: Ethical issues regarding qualitative methods such as attending focus groups where sensitive topics are discussed like drugs or sexual matters while for quantitative methods ethical approval is required to conduct a study;

9.Validity and reliability of tools used for data collection: 

For qualitative method, there is no need for having large sample sizes because generalizations will be made based on thought sampling and not representative samples whereas in quantitative method representative samples should be collected so needs questionnaires with large sample sizes;

10.Language and style of presentation:

 For qualitative method, the format is very open and is free flowing so needs to be written in a personal tone where as for quantitative method it needs to be more factual and is mostly written in the third person;

Conclusion:

Research is the key to knowledge and there's no such thing as a perfect method everyone should use both types of research for better results hopefully these differences help in some way.