The primary difference between qualitative and quantitative research design lies in their approach to data collection and analysis.
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Nature of Data:
- Qualitative Research: Focuses on understanding phenomena through in-depth exploration of subjects. It involves non-numerical data, such as words, images, or experiences. The aim is to gain insights into perceptions, motivations, and social contexts.
- Quantitative Research: Involves the collection and analysis of numerical data. It seeks to quantify the problem, typically through statistical methods and mathematical models. The focus is on measurable variables and establishing patterns or relationships.
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Purpose:
- Qualitative Research: Aims to explore concepts, generate hypotheses, and gain a deeper understanding of complex issues. It often seeks to explain "why" and "how" something occurs.
- Quantitative Research: Aims to test hypotheses, measure variables, and establish relationships. It often seeks to explain "how many" or "to what extent" something occurs.
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Data Collection Techniques:
- Qualitative Research: Utilizes methods such as interviews, focus groups, observations, and open-ended surveys.
- Quantitative Research: Employs structured methods like surveys with closed-ended questions, experiments, and statistical analyses.
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Analysis:
- Qualitative Research: Involves thematic analysis, coding, and interpretation of text or visual data to identify patterns and insights.
- Quantitative Research: Uses statistical techniques to analyze numerical data, often employing software for data analysis to derive conclusions.
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Results Presentation:
- Qualitative Research: Results are often presented in narrative form, highlighting themes and quotes from participants.
- Quantitative Research: Results are typically presented through graphs, charts, and tables, emphasizing statistical significance and relationships.
In summary, qualitative research seeks to understand the underlying reasons and motivations behind behaviors and experiences, while quantitative research focuses on quantifying data and generalizing results across larger populations.