Quantitative and Qualitative Research

Research procedures depends on the analyzing data and questions on the topic being researched. All research can be differentiated on the basis of whether its methodology produces mostly numerical data (e. g. , scores and measurements) or mostly narrative data (e. g. , verbal descriptions and opinions) (Mertler, C. & Charles, C. 2011, p 24). Qualitative research and quantitative research are two types of research methods. Qualitative research involves analysis of data such as words, pictures, or objects. The purpose of qualitative research is of a complete, detailed description.
Most researchers may not know exactly what he/she might be looking for in advance. Qualitative is usually recommended during the early phases of the research to help design the search as it is further researched. When data is being gathered, it is usually done by the researcher. The data consist of mainly words, pictures or objects. Qualitative data is time consuming and is harder to generalize the data gathered. Qualitative is useful for studying a limited number of cases, it is based on categories of meaning, provide individual case information.
This type of research is great for understanding personal experiences form an insider’s viewpoint and how the participant interprets the data such as self-esteem. Qualitative researches also have weaknesses to consider. Some of the findings might be unique to the research study and not generalize to other people or settings. Qualitative research is difficult to make quantitative predictions. Hypothesis and theories are difficult to test and have lower credibility with some administrators of programs. Qualitative takes more time to collect data than it does for quantitative research.

Qualitative is influenced by the researcher’s personal biases than statistics. Quantitative research is to classify the features and count them. Quantitative research is usually an attempt to construct statistical models to explain what is being observed. Before performing the research, the researcher clearly knows in advance what is being searched and trying to prove/not prove the hypothesis or theory. Quantitative research is carefully designed and uses tools to help collect numerical data. This type of research can be placed in a statistic or numerical form.
The researcher is usually seeking predicament of measurement and analysis of the topic being researched. The researcher gives proven data and does not apply own personal feelings. Quantitative research has much strength for its purpose. When using quantitative research, testing and validating theories are being performed. Hypotheses are able to be tested and data can be constructed from the information collected. Researchers are able to construct situations to eliminate any confounding influences of different variables; this would allow more credibility to the cause-and-effect for the topic.
Quantitative research is less time consuming since it is easier to find software or just log in numbers from the results that the researcher have proven. This type of research is great for hypothesis and theories. Quantitative research also has some weaknesses with its research. This type of research might have a hard time reflecting on local areas. Due to the focus on the hypothesis or theory testing, the researcher might miss out on phenomena occurring. The knowledge that is produced from quantitative research might be too much abstract and general for direct application to help with local situations.
Quantitative research requires exact, true findings with the research. Qualitative and quantitative research can be hot debates in social sciences. When performing a research, the focus is on how the techniques need to be integrated. The researcher must know what kind of outcome they are searching for. This will help the researcher to decide on whether to use quantitative or qualitative research techniques. Both methods are great debates and require skills to perform throughout the research of any topic. In performing Dolphin Assisted Therapy research, qualitative research is my perspective of the topic.
I will not be able to perform quantitative research due to it would take some time and access to the dolphin with the patients. My purpose of this research is to give details of how using dolphins with those of different ages who has different types of disabilities can help in many ways. It would be hard to give statistical numbers on a research that relies on personal experiences and personal viewpoints. During research, I will be looking at testimonials from patients that have had the opportunities to engage in dolphin assisted therapy.
Each patient will be different than the other. One patient may have autism, depression, central-nervous-system deficiencies, birth defects, behavioral problems, and even traumatic injuries. Even though Dolphin Assisted Therapy has not been proven to be a medical fix, but it can be a mind-over-body healing, DAT does have its benefits. In my research, the testimonies will help show how DAT can be a good resource for some of those out there who have no more hope in a cure of any sort.
References (2011).
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