Quanlitative and Quantitative Research

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QUESTION 1 Discuss the various usage, peculiarities and types (with examples) of Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods in not less than 3000 words. ANSWER The two types of research methods mostly and commonly used by researchers to undertake writings and project evaluation are the qualitative and quantitative method QUALITATIVE REARCH METHODS Qualitative researchers study things in their natural settings, attempting to make sense of, or to interpret, phenomena in terms of the meanings people bring to them (Denzin 1994). Qualitative research is intended to penetrate to the deeper significance that the subject of the research ascribes to the topic being researched. It involves an interpretive, naturalistic approach to its subject matter and gives priority to what the data contribute to important research questions or existing information. Researchers in social sciences and humanities – such as anthropology, sociology, philosophy, psychology, criminology, business administration, political science, communications, education and history – have a common belief in the desirability of trying to understand human action through systematic study and analysis. Some researchers use quantitative research approaches, others opt for qualitative research methods, and some use a combination of both. Qualitative research has a long history in many established disciplines in the social sciences and humanities, as well as many areas in the health sciences (e.g., nursing, occupational therapy). The use of qualitative approaches is increasing, whether in health research or in social sciences and humanities disciplines. Within specific disciplines, ethics guidelines have been created to address the issues inherent in the use of, for example, particular methods, technologies and settings. Qualitative research approaches are inherently dynamic and may be grounded in
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