Quantitative research—also called traditional, experimental, or positivist approach—answers questions about relationships among measured variables with the purpose of explaining, predicting, and controlling phenomena. Quantitative data are more efficient for testing hypotheses, but they may omit contextual details. Quantitative researchers tend to seek objectivity and separation from subjects. You may want to use the quantitative approach when researching the number of clients participating in a program or the level of client satisfaction.
Qualitative research attempts to explore deeper meanings of human experiences, generating richer observations that are not easily represented in numbers. Proximity to the phenomenon under study supplemented by careful observation can bring a deeper understanding. Qualitative analysis is the non-numerical examination and interpretation of observations. The purpose of qualitative methods is to discover underlying meanings and patterns, such as changes over time and possible causal links among variables. You may want to use the qualitative approach when researching what clients like or dislike about your program.
For this Discussion, you review this week’s Learning Resources.
Post by Day 4 a brief description of the Clarksville Food Bank. Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative versus quantitative research as it applies to the Clarksville Food Bank