Quantitative Vs Qualitative Research Essay

There are two main types of research that can be utilized when conducting a study such as qualitative and quantitative research. Quantitative research involves the collection of numerical data, which is analyzed to prove a hypothesis. Qualitative research is used to gather insight and understanding of a problem and does not focus on numerical data. There are numerous differences between the two methods that can be explored. The qualitative research method is more open and flexible, than quantitative research and focuses on the context of research (Verhoeven & Baal, 2008, p. 112). The difference with quantitative research is its rigidity and use of measureable objectives. For the purpose of the research that will be conducted in the spring regarding alcohol use in college students and parental support …show more content…
There are different types of surveys that can be utilized such as Likert scales, mail surveys, telephone surveys, conducting face to face surveys, internet surveys, and panel surveys (Verhoeven & Baal, 2008, p. 99). The student will use a Likert scale to gauge alcohol use and dependence in college students. A survey will also be used to collect the data on perceived parental support. Qualitative data uses face to face methods so the researcher can observe the reactions of the participants. The researcher relies on the ability to explore the nature of the participant’s response in order to interpret the data (Verhoeven & Baal, 2008, p. 112). Qualitative research would be useful in gauging the reactions of the participants versus the surveys, which is a quantitative technique that will be given to the participants who will be self-reading so there will be no discussion into their feelings or understanding of how they reached their conclusions regarding parental support. In each research method the research is trying to reach a conclusion whether it is via inductive reasoning or deductive reasoning Quantitative research