Quantity and Quality in Social Research Free Essay Example, 1500 words

In fact in order for the research to be valid, measuring instruments used in the research must be of the appropriate standards. In qualitative methodologies, reasoning is not measured. As such, there is no use of any gadget or requirement to measure anything. The explanation of phenomena is derived or implied from observable aspects of the occurrence. The method of obtaining data in a qualitative study is through communication and observation of the occurrence. Since the data collected in a quantitative research is always numerical in nature, the use of statistical tools is imperative in their analysis. To derive any meaning from the data, computer-based statistical tools like SPSS software and Spreadsheets can be used to present the data in a format that makes more meaning. The basic element of analysis of data from a qualitative research is the main source of difference between the two types of research method. In qualitative research, the use of words as a basic element of analys is implies that the researcher has to use personal deductions on the data to come up with a meaning. point of divergence between these research methods comes from the way each handles a theory. We will write a custom essay sample on Quantity and Quality in Social Research or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now In the quantitative methodology, the aim of the researcher is to test a theory within the study conducted. Testing a theory implies that the researcher develops a hypothesis and then tests it by measuring different attributes of the hypothesis. This can be done experimentally or through a survey. In the end, the researcher determines whether the hypothesis is true or false based on the results of the tests. Qualitative research does not aim at testing a theory. Here, the main aim of a researcher is to come up with a theory. The result is an explanation that is grounded on facts about a phenomenon. It does not seek any disapproval of a position. The explanation provided by the research about a subject becomes a theory because it is based on observable facts and is deduced from rational thinking about facts.