Reflect on your learning about Quantitative and Qualitative research; share two ways that helped you understand how they are different.

There are distinct benefits and drawbacks to both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. In order to make conclusions about the population, quantitative research is based on quantitative data. It often uses surveys and experiments. Qualitative research typically involves more open-ended conversations with individuals—interviews or focus groups—and is used to gain deeper insight into the attitudes, beliefs, and motivations of people within a specific context.

Seeing each method in action was one of the best ways to understand their differences. My professor demonstrated to me how qualitative and quantitative research differ. For example, I was doing an independent study on the voter turnout trends in young adults last semester. Quantitative research involves collecting responses from representative sample of youth nationwide. Qualitative research requires interviews with selected participants to get their perspectives about voting. I was able to clearly see the differences in both approaches and made it easier for me to distinguish them.

Comparative case studies are another helpful way to understand the difference between qualitative and quantitative techniques. They show how each method can be used to answer similar questions, but produce very different results. By following along with these studies step by step, it became easier for me to grasp why one method might be better suited than another depending on what kind of information you’re hoping to uncover from your own investigation. Overall, this experience gave me a much better understanding of which type of technique I should use for different kinds of projects depending upon the type of insights I’m striving for as well as the resources available at my disposal.