Assignment: Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research
Under what conditions would an industrial/organizational (I/O) professional choose a qualitative research method over a quantitative research method when investigating a workplace problem or phenomenon? Support your position with at least two scholarly sources.
To help you organize your notes for this assignment, consider the following chart that provides an overview of differences between quantitative and qualitative research methodologies:
| |
Quantitative |
Qualitative |
| Approach |
Is deductive (primarily) and then inductive |
Is inductive (primarily) and then deductive |
| Purpose |
Tests theories, makes predictions, establishes facts, and tests hypotheses |
Describes multiple realities, develops a deep understanding, and captures everyday life and human perspectives |
| Research focus |
Isolates variables, uses large samples, and collects data using tests and formal instruments |
Examines the full context, interacts with a limited number of participants, and collects data face-to-face from participants |
| Research goals |
- Confirms or disconfirms theory
- Finds central tendency, what iscommon
- Tests hypotheses
- Classifies participants
- Uses statistics
- Researches on participants
|
- Examines lived experiences
- Is particular and idiosyncratic
- Transforms society
- Empowers participants
- Has a rich description
- Researches with and for participants
|
| Research plan |
- Is developed before the study is initiated
- Is a structured, formal proposal
|
- Begins with an initial idea that evolves as the researcher learns more about the participants and setting
- Is a flexible and tentative proposal
|
| Data analysis |
Is mainly statistical and quantitative |
Is mainly interpretive and descriptive |
| Results presentation |
Involves a formal writing style and impersonal voice |
Involves a less-formal writing style and personal voice |