RME101Q
EXAM PREP.
,1. DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
STEPS/PROCESSES
Quantitative research
emphasise quantification in the collection and analysis of data
Adopt a deductive approach to the relationship between theory and research, in
which the emphasis is placed on the testing of theories.
Incorporate the practices and norms of the model of the natural sciences and of
positivism in particular.
Embody a view of social reality as an external, objective reality.
Qualitative research
Usually emphasise words rather than quantification in the collection and analysis of
data.
Predominantly emphasise an inductive approach to the relationship between theory
and research, in which the emphasis is placed on generating rather than proving
theories.
Reject the practices and norms of the natural scientific model and of positivism in
particular, in preference for an emphasis on the ways in which individuals interpret
their social world.
View social reality as both constantly shifting and emergent as interpreted by
individuals.
Areas Quantitative Qualitative
Principal orientation Deductive, empirical Inductive,
to the role of theory testing of theory generation of theory
in relation to from data
research
Epistemological Natural science Interpretivist
orientation model, in particular
positivism
Ontological Objectivism Constructionist
orientation
Quantitative research is based on a positivist approach. In other words, it is an approach
where research must be limited to what can be observed and measured objectively.
Quantitative research further considers causality, generalisation and replication.
Qualitative research (the anti-positivist approach) is characterised by a resistance to the
view that the natural-scientific method is the only norm in human behavioural research.
Qualitative researchers base their approach on phenomenology, which means that
researchers cannot detach themselves from research objects because the scientists are
actually members of the group being studied.
Page 1 of 23
, Discuss the main steps to be used in qualitative research? Pg. 41.
1. Decide on topic and general research questions
2. Conduct a background literature review
3. Choose a qualitative research design
4. Select relevant step (s) and subjects
5. Initial data collection
6. Analyse and interpret data
7. Conceptual and theoretical work
7.1 Refine research question (s)
7.1 Further data collection
8. Prepare and write your report
Discuss the main steps to be used in a quantitative research approach. pg. 32-33
1. Develop a theoretical/conceptual framework- indicates that quantitative research takes
a broadly deductive approach. Theory forms the basis for the definition of research
questions and hypothesis.
2. Define specific research questions (s) and hypothesis- the specification of hypothesis
is most likely to be found in experimental and survey research. In practice, however, much
quantitative research does not involve the specification of a hypothesis.
3. Select research design- entails selection of a research design, which has implications for
a variety of issues, such as the external validity of findings and researchers’ ability to
attribute causality to their findings.
4. Devise measures of concepts- involves arriving at measures of the concepts in which
the researcher is interested. This process is often referred to as operationalization.
5. Select research site (s) - entails the selection of a research site or sites as well as the
selection of subjects or respondents.
6. Select research subjects/respondents- entails the selection of a research site or sites
as well as the selection of subjects or respondents.
7. Administer research instruments/collect data- involves the administration of the
research instruments. In experimental research, this involves pre-testing and post-testing
respondents.
8. Process data- the information that has been collected must be prepared so that it can be
quantified and transformed into data.
9. Analyse data- the researcher uses quantitative data analysis techniques to summarise
the data collected, to test for relationships between variables and to develop ways of
presenting the results.
10. Develop findings/conclusions- the researcher will consider the relationship between
his or her findings and the various questions raised at the beginning of the research.
Page 2 of 23
EXAM PREP.
,1. DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
STEPS/PROCESSES
Quantitative research
emphasise quantification in the collection and analysis of data
Adopt a deductive approach to the relationship between theory and research, in
which the emphasis is placed on the testing of theories.
Incorporate the practices and norms of the model of the natural sciences and of
positivism in particular.
Embody a view of social reality as an external, objective reality.
Qualitative research
Usually emphasise words rather than quantification in the collection and analysis of
data.
Predominantly emphasise an inductive approach to the relationship between theory
and research, in which the emphasis is placed on generating rather than proving
theories.
Reject the practices and norms of the natural scientific model and of positivism in
particular, in preference for an emphasis on the ways in which individuals interpret
their social world.
View social reality as both constantly shifting and emergent as interpreted by
individuals.
Areas Quantitative Qualitative
Principal orientation Deductive, empirical Inductive,
to the role of theory testing of theory generation of theory
in relation to from data
research
Epistemological Natural science Interpretivist
orientation model, in particular
positivism
Ontological Objectivism Constructionist
orientation
Quantitative research is based on a positivist approach. In other words, it is an approach
where research must be limited to what can be observed and measured objectively.
Quantitative research further considers causality, generalisation and replication.
Qualitative research (the anti-positivist approach) is characterised by a resistance to the
view that the natural-scientific method is the only norm in human behavioural research.
Qualitative researchers base their approach on phenomenology, which means that
researchers cannot detach themselves from research objects because the scientists are
actually members of the group being studied.
Page 1 of 23
, Discuss the main steps to be used in qualitative research? Pg. 41.
1. Decide on topic and general research questions
2. Conduct a background literature review
3. Choose a qualitative research design
4. Select relevant step (s) and subjects
5. Initial data collection
6. Analyse and interpret data
7. Conceptual and theoretical work
7.1 Refine research question (s)
7.1 Further data collection
8. Prepare and write your report
Discuss the main steps to be used in a quantitative research approach. pg. 32-33
1. Develop a theoretical/conceptual framework- indicates that quantitative research takes
a broadly deductive approach. Theory forms the basis for the definition of research
questions and hypothesis.
2. Define specific research questions (s) and hypothesis- the specification of hypothesis
is most likely to be found in experimental and survey research. In practice, however, much
quantitative research does not involve the specification of a hypothesis.
3. Select research design- entails selection of a research design, which has implications for
a variety of issues, such as the external validity of findings and researchers’ ability to
attribute causality to their findings.
4. Devise measures of concepts- involves arriving at measures of the concepts in which
the researcher is interested. This process is often referred to as operationalization.
5. Select research site (s) - entails the selection of a research site or sites as well as the
selection of subjects or respondents.
6. Select research subjects/respondents- entails the selection of a research site or sites
as well as the selection of subjects or respondents.
7. Administer research instruments/collect data- involves the administration of the
research instruments. In experimental research, this involves pre-testing and post-testing
respondents.
8. Process data- the information that has been collected must be prepared so that it can be
quantified and transformed into data.
9. Analyse data- the researcher uses quantitative data analysis techniques to summarise
the data collected, to test for relationships between variables and to develop ways of
presenting the results.
10. Develop findings/conclusions- the researcher will consider the relationship between
his or her findings and the various questions raised at the beginning of the research.
Page 2 of 23
