Qualitative vs Quantitative Research: Why it Matters
The research supporting many popular reading programs is problematic because it is based on qualitative research.
- Qualitative research uses the subjective measure of observations which is not based on structured and validated data-collection.
- Study groups are not randomly selected, nor are they controlled for variables.
- Qualitative research is bottom up research: it generates a theory based on the data collected rather than testing a theory with the data.
- Qualitative research is not double-blind, and allows bias into the research: this alone invalidates an entire study and makes it worthless.
Criteria |
Qualitative |
Quantitative |
Purpose |
|
|
Group Studied |
|
|
Variables |
|
|
Type of Data Collected |
|
|
Form of Data Collected | Qualitative data such as:
|
Quantitative data based on:
|
Type of Data Analysis | Identify
|
Identify
|
Objectivity and Subjectivity |
|
|
Role of Researcher |
|
|
Results |
|
|
Scientific Method | Exploratory or bottom–up:
|
Confirmatory or top-down:
|
View of Human Behavior |
|
|
Most Common Research Objectives |
|
|
Focus |
|
|
Nature of Observation |
|
|
Nature of Reality |
|
|
Final Report |
|
Statistical report with
|
The content in the above table was taken directly from an Xavier University Library publication using the following sources:
- Johnson, B., & Christensen, L. (2008). Educational research: Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches (p. 34). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
- Lichtman, M. (2006). Qualitative research in education: A user’s guide (pp. 7-8). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
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