Question

Qualitative research explores ideas, perceptions, and behaviors in depth with a relatively small number of research participants. Quantitative research collects information that can be easily counted, tabulated, and statistically analyzed. What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative research?

1) Qualitative research focuses on numerical data, while quantitative research focuses on qualitative data.
2) Qualitative research uses a large sample size, while quantitative research uses a small sample size.
3) Qualitative research explores ideas, perceptions, and behaviors in depth, while quantitative research collects information that can be easily counted, tabulated, and statistically analyzed.
4) Qualitative research is more objective, while quantitative research is more subjective.

Answer 1

Qualitative research involves in-depth exploration of ideas and behaviors using subjective methods, while quantitative research focuses on gathering numerical data for statistical analysis. The correct answer to the student's question is that qualitative research explores in depth, and quantitative research collects easily analyzed data.

Step-by-step explanation:

The difference between qualitative and quantitative research is that qualitative research explores ideas, perceptions, and behaviors in depth through methods such as in-depth interviews, focus groups, and content analysis. In contrast, quantitative research collects data that can be easily counted, tabulated, and statistically analyzed to uncover patterns of human behavior.

Thus, the correct answer to the student's question is option 3: Qualitative research explores ideas, perceptions, and behaviors in depth, while quantitative research collects information that can be easily counted, tabulated, and statistically analyzed.

Qualitative data is often subjective and difficult to replicate, as it involves detailed views and insights that are unique to the participants and settings, while quantitative data relates to measurable quantities that can be statistically tested and reproduced in controlled environments.