Article Categories

»	Arts & Entertainment
»	Automotive
»	Business
»	Careers & Jobs
»	Education & Reference
»	Finance
»	Food & Drink
»	Health & Fitness
»	Home & Family
»	Internet & Online Businesses
»	Miscellaneous
»	Self Improvement
»	Shopping
»	Society & News
»	Sports & Recreation
»	Technology
»	Travel & Leisure
»	Writing & Speaking

Reprint Article Code

Category: Articles » Education & Reference » Science » Article » Article Code

Research in Social Sciences: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods

Research in social sciences largely depends on measurements and analysis and interpretation of numerical as well as non numerical data. Quantitative research methods focus on statistical approaches and qualitative methods are based on content analysis, comparative analysis, grounded theory, and interpretation (Strauss, 1990). Quantitative methods emphasise on objective measurements and numerical analysis of data collected through polls, questionnaires or surveys and qualitative research focuses on understanding social phenomena through interviews, personal comments etc. Quantitative and qualitative methods are studied within the context of positivistic and phenomenological paradigms (Papers4you.com, 2006). The applications of research methods could be studied in the ... read more

Article Title:

Article Body:

The applications of research methods could be studied in the context of business and management or in social psychology to understand a social process. Some of the basic tools for qualitative or quantitative research are related to data collection methods which can be case studies, questionnaires or interviews (Simon et al, 1985). Research methods in management focus on leadership studies and leadership issues are examined in accordance with contingency theory and organisational theory. The effects of leadership are best studied with the help of qualitative or quantitative research methods and analyses of questionnaires sent to participants in management positions. Research methods are however focused not just on management issues but also on social process for example a study on the interaction between age, physical exercise and gender. Some disadvantages and possible flaws of such methods may be related to abuse or misuse of interview techniques, inadequacy of data collection methods and reliability of data. The methodological approach and data collection techniques are important in research and form an important aspect of study (Simon, 1985). The case study approach is especially useful in analysis of business environments and perceptual mapping techniques are used for marketing research. Focus groups and surveys are used as other preferred methods of data collection, especially within business environments (Papers4you.com, 2006).

Interpretive research can be considered as an important aspect of qualitative analysis, although as with all qualitative data, subjective bias can be a deterrent in the validity of such approaches. In studying research methods, it would be necessary to highlight the differences between qualitative and quantitative methods although it has also been argued that an integrated approach to social analysis could close in the gap between quantitative and qualitative methods and both these methods could be used for social research studies. In fact there may not be a specified correct method of research as each method seems to have its strengths and weaknesses and these factors should be examined carefully before a particular method is selected or used for studying a social process.

Bibliography

Champion, Dean J. (1981) Basic statistics for social research / Dean J. Champion. 2nd ed. New York : Macmillan ; London : Collier Macmillan

Papers For You (2006) "P/B/685. Qualitative research methods", Available from http://www.coursework4you.co.uk/sprtdis18.htm [22/06/2006]

Papers For You (2006) "C/B/397. Critically assess and compare the strengths and limitations of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Use concrete examples to support your arguments", Available from <a href="http://www.coursework4you.co.uk/sprtdis18.htm">Papers4you.com</a> [21/06/2006]

Strauss, Anselm L. (1990) Basics of qualitative research: grounded theory procedures and techniques / Anselm Strauss and Juliet Corbin. Newbury Park, Calif.: Sage Publications,

Simon, Julian Lincoln. (1985) Basic research methods in social science / Julian Simon, Paul Burstein 3rd ed. McGraw-Hill,

Author Bio:

Some other recently published science articles

Software for Steam and Water properties by Amit Bhaduri
Water is cheapest and extensively used engineering fluid for transportation and conversion of heat energy. Water is chemically very stable with excellent thermal properties and that is why it is used as primary ...

Eugene Guth on Historians and the Scientific Approach by Eugene Guth
Historical evolution entered also philosophy and social sciences, like economy and political science, and law. The chief purpose of these efforts was, however, not the study of ...

Impossible=Possible by Dr. Randy Wysong
Even if the chance that all the events coming together perfectly to create life on Earth is virtually an impossible probability with staggering odds (which ...

Lectures on the History of Physics by Eugene Guth by Eugene Guth
1. Introduction As a start, I would like to point out to you a few things which might explain my interest in ...

The Science Behind Consciousness by Justin Kander
Some people talk about being lucky, getting lucky, having something lucky. But it's very possible that all of us, everyone in the world, are born being very, very lucky. What follows ...

DNA Engineering by Justin Kander
The concept of DNA engineering (also known as DNA manipulation, DNA technology, and DNA recombination) is controversial, and the process of ...

Publisher Guidelines

You may reprint this article electronically in your newsletter or on your website, free of charge.

If you reprint this article from our site, then you must keep everything intact. This includes the articles title, author name, articles body, authors bio / resource box, the links contained within the article, all copyright notices and the link pointing back to our site. All links within the article must also be made active / hyperlinks.