EDU604 Assignment 1 solution| Spring 2023 | EDU 604 Assignment 1 solution #edu604 #spring2023 #vu

 

EDU604 Assignment 1 solution| Spring 2023 | EDU 604 Assignment 1 solution

 

EDU604 Assignment 1 solution| Spring 2023

Q: Differentiate Qualitative and quantitative Approach on the basis of theory, purpose and structure, also evaluate how to Choose qualitative and quantitative as more accurate research. Discuss your answer with logical justification.

 

Answer:

 

Difference between Qualitative and Quantitative Approach theory:

Quantitative approach:

·         It relies on numbers and data collection. It is always interested in looking at extent of things, it takes large data bases. Data will be collected in numbers because they are interested in quantity.

 

·         Statistical methods are used for analysis. They can be very rigorous and they can be even broadly descriptive like u can get answer in percentage.

 

·         It describes relationships between variables. Gender is a variable and scholarship is the variable, school attendance are variable so you tried to established relationships because you would like to predict consequences and sees the advantage.

Qualitative approach:

 

·         Qualitative approach interested in context.

·         Quantitative research says what is happening while qualitative research is looking at why it’s happening.

·         It is looking at the basic meaning of the thing within a given context.

·         Its aims are describing things and describe holistically.

·         It’s not just look at numbers.

·         It tried to interpret things from how it is experienced within a given context, like; what the teachers think of it.

 

Differences on the basis of Purposes:

 

Qualitative Approach & Purpose

·         This is not there to measure quantity; it is there to measure quality of things.

·         It aims at In-depth understanding of context that what is going on and find out what is the nature of processes that going on.

·         It looks for Reasons behind decision making and processes.

·         A very important thing that differentiates it from the quantitative approach is the difference between participants and subject. In qualitative research we don’t say subject we say participants. Participants are people who understand the context, you go over there and with the help of participants you try to understand what does the specific things like schooling means to people who are actually experiencing it.

·         People’s perspective and the insight view of the participant are very important.

·         Values are very important.

·         Actions, experiences are also very important.

·         Objectivity is challenged. In the choice of subject or variable’ your researcher bias does go in there and when participants answer you so whoever the researcher is, it’s an instrument of data collection.

·         Researcher and participant’s gender and age difference and demographics, social background matter.

·         The qualitative research aims at emic-view (the insider’s view).

·         It is an empathetic understanding.

It is known as co-construction of knowledge. Both Researcher and participate co-construct knowledge and try to find out what is going on in a specific context.

 

 

 

Quantitative Approach Purposes:

 

The purpose of quantitative approach is:

 

Identifications of laws:

The purpose of quantitative approach is the identifications of laws. The primary reason why people hold or use quantitative research is they want to identify the laws that underline different phenomenon.

Explain and predict:

They want to see different abstract because they want to predict what is sort if happen.

Casual links:

They want to sort of the casual links. They tried to delineate laws and want to make links through cause-and-effect relationship.

 

·                 Quantified data:

Quantitative approach is interested in quantified data. You are not writing anything so it’s all about quantity. Something that you can’t observe with your senses is not seen as a part of the research.

 

                   Quantitative approach relies on:

 

·     Questionnaires

·     Database

·     Scores and surveys

·     It’s Numerical

 

Difference on the basis of structure:

 

Qualitative Approach & Structured Approach:

In a structured qualitative approach, the research design and data collection procedures are pre-determined and follow a specific framework or set of questions. The structure provides a systematic and organized way of gathering data. Key characteristics of a structured qualitative approach include:

 

• Fixed Research Design:

The research design, including the research questions, methods, and instruments, is established before data collection begins.

 

• Standardized Data Collection:

The data collection process involves using standardized instruments, such as questionnaires or interview guides, to collect data from participants.

 

• Predetermined Categories:

The data analysis is often based on predetermined categories or themes derived from the research questions or existing theories.

 

• Replication and Generalizability:

Structured qualitative approaches often aim for replication and generalizability, seeking to apply findings to a broader population or context.

 

 

Quantitative Research and Structured Approach:

 

Let us look what qualifies quantitative research from other type of research:

 

·         Tightly structured:

 

A basic principle of quantitative research is that it is tightly structured.

 

·         Design

 

It is highly structured in terms of design.

 

·         Pattern and tools

 

You follow the pattern and use tools.

 

·         Questionnaires

 

You code the questionnaires.

 

·         Observations

It is strictly structured observations.

 

·         No biasness

 

Your personal comments do not matter.

·         Particular concepts

 

Maintain the focus on particular concepts.

 

·         Reduces complexity

It reduces complexity.

 

·         Maintain objectivity

 

It Maintain objectivity, you measure things and your perceptions are not included.

 

·         Leads to rigour, reliability and persuasiveness

Leads to rigour and strengthen your research and it also leads to reliability and persuasiveness because you are showing people numbers. You are clearly defining relationship according to the theory.

 

The choice between qualitative and quantitative research depends on several factors, including the research objectives, the nature of the research questions, and the context of the study. Both approaches have their strengths and weaknesses, and the decision should be made based on the specific research requirements. Logical justifications for choosing qualitative or quantitative research are:

1.     Qualitative Research:

 

• Exploring Complex Phenomena:

Qualitative research is well-suited for exploring complex phenomena, capturing the richness and depth of participants' experiences, perceptions, and meanings. It allows researchers to uncover contextual factors, social dynamics, and subjective perspectives that may not be easily captured using quantitative methods.

 

• Generating New Insights:

Qualitative research is valuable when there is limited existing knowledge or when the research aims to generate new theories, hypotheses, or conceptual frameworks. It can provide a foundation for future quantitative studies by informing the development of research questions and identifying relevant variables.

 

• Contextual Understanding:

Qualitative research offers a deep understanding of the social, cultural, and contextual factors that influence individuals' behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs. It can provide detailed and nuanced information that quantitative methods may not capture.

 

• Flexibility and Adaptability:

Qualitative research allows for flexibility and adaptation during data collection and analysis. Researchers can adjust their research design and explore new avenues as they discover new insights, emerging themes, or unexpected findings.

 

 

2.     Quantitative Research:

 

• Generalizability and Replicability:

Quantitative research aims to generalize findings to a larger population. It provides statistical measures of relationships, trends, and patterns, allowing for replication and generalization of findings to other settings or populations.

 

• Objective Measurement and Control:

Quantitative research relies on standardized measurement tools and procedures, which can enhance the objectivity and reliability of data collection. It allows for precise measurement of variables, statistical analysis, and control of extraneous variables.

 

• Testing Hypotheses and Relationships:

Quantitative research is particularly useful when the research aims to test specific hypotheses or examine relationships between variables. It provides numerical data that can be analyzed statistically, enabling researchers to draw conclusions and make predictions.

         

• Large-Scale Studies:

Quantitative research is efficient for studying large samples or conducting surveys across multiple sites or regions. It can provide a broader perspective and statistical power, allowing for robust conclusions.

Qualitative and quantitative research can be complementary, and a mixed methods approach can be beneficial in some cases. Researchers can combine both approaches to gain a comprehensive understanding of the research topic, capturing both the depth and breadth of information. Ultimately, the choice between qualitative and quantitative research should align with the research objectives and the specific research questions being addressed.