Strengths and Weakness of Qualitative & Quantitative Research Designs

Qualitative and Quantitative Research Designs

In clinical practice, both quantitative and qualitative research are used, with the qualitative methods used to provide detailed and complete descriptions of an occurrence while quantitative techniques are used to present statistical models explaining the phenomenon (In LoBiondo-Wood & Haber, 2014).

Strengths of Qualitative and Quantitative Research Designs

During the early study stages, qualitative research is helpful since the researcher is not certain about the topic of study or central idea. It makes it possible for the researcher to explore clinical research topics in great depths and in a manner that is detailed through visual examples and descriptions. It does not need a strict procedure to start as such, it gives the researcher a sense of freedom by allowing the research to naturally unfold (In LoBiondo-Wood & In Haber, 2014).

Quantitative research on the other hand permits researchers to carry out analysis and measurements of data in numerical statistical forms. It allows researchers to carry in-depth study of relationship(s) between variables study’s (Curtis & Drennan, 2013). The researcher retains objectivity regarding the study outcomes when this use this kind of design.

Weaknesses of Qualitative and Quantitative Research Designs

The focus of qualitative methods is often on the process of the study inclining the researchers to provide a perspective that is subjective of the participants and research (In LoBiondo-Wood & In Haber, 2014). The researcher can be inclined to interpret data on their biased perspectives which alters data collected. Qualitative methods also consumer a lot of time and they require several months or years to complete.

The findings of quantitative methods might be applicable in the actual world circumstance since most of the research is done in laboratory settings, which are far from natural settings (Curtis & Drennan 2013). This technique needs a large population sample to stud which also weakens the results accuracy.

References

Curtis, E. A., & Drennan, J. (2013). Quantitative health research: Issues and methods. Maidenhead, Berkshire, England: Open University Press.

In LoBiondo-Wood, G., & In Haber, J. (2014). Nursing research: Methods and critical appraisal for evidence-based practice.

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