Qualitative versus Quantitative Research

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research 

There are two general types of research, qualitative and quantitative. All research articles can be classified as having a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods (using both methods) methodology.

• Qualitative Research-investigations which use sensory methods such as listening or observing to gather & organize data into patterns or themes
• Quantitative Research-investigations in which numbers are used to measure variables such as characteristics, concepts or things.

In this video (2:16 minutes) a research article that uses quantitative research methods is shown. The video points out how you can determine the methodology used in the article:

Play media comment.

This chart summarizes some of the characteristics as well as differences between these two research methodologies:

For more background information on these types of research see:

Qualitative Research Links to an external site.

Quantitative Research Design Links to an external site.