Pros And Disadvantages Of Qualitative Research

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Scientific research was originally developed to determine a solution to a particular problem using various methods of research design. Two common, broad approaches of research design are qualitative and quantitative research. This essay will establish the key differences between qualitative research; the approach to empirical research that relies primarily on the collection of non-numerical data (Christensen, Johnson, Turner, 2014. 362), and quantitative research; the collection of various types of numerical data to answer a given research question (Christensen, Johnson, Turner, 2014. 46), as well as determining which research method would best suit a research project on a criminological issue. Although the fundamental method of conducting …show more content…
While only recently increased in popularity, qualitative research similarly to quantitative research possesses numerous advantages. Qualitative research provides an in-depth, detailed analysis of data, creating openness to topic areas not initially considered by the numerical studies of quantitative research. Also, qualitative research attempts to avoid pre-judgements, simulating people’s individual experiences in order to develop accurate data results about not only numerical evidence, but how people act and feel about particular actions. (Learn Higher, …show more content…
In relation to a mixed-method design, a new development in research methods encompasses the integration of qualitative and quantitative methods within the same study. Although some researchers argue the two paradigms are too opposing, numerous believe the methods to be complementary and in turn enriching to current research studies. Since each methodology has its own inherent strengths and limitations, using both may emphasize each ones strength and minimize their limitations. (Keele, 2010) Second to a mixed-method approach, quantitative methods of research would prevail over qualitative is reference to a criminological issue. Although, as stated by Pathak et al. (2013), it is not possible to effectively study every combination of participants using only statistical technologies, a quantitative research approach is considered a more reliable method as its fundamentally numerical, providing methods can be made objectively by other

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