Name two different methods for evaluating evidence. Compare and contrast these two methods, qualitative and quantitative.

Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods

Scientific research is founded on finding solutions to a problem. Various methods are used to formulate a research study design. The two main approaches used in the evaluation of evidence include qualitative and quantitative techniques.

Quantitative research is predominantly investigative research that is not only about what people ponder but also why they think so. It is mainly used to gain an indulgence of underlying opinions, motivations, and reasons and also provide insights into the problem or help to develop a postulate for potential research. Qualitative research is used to unveil drifts in perceptions and opinions and plunge deeper into the problem.

The primary focus of quantitative research is on testing theories and hypotheses, while qualitative research focuses on articulating a theory or hypothesis. The data obtained through quantitative research is scrutinized through maths and statistical analysis and requires many respondents, while summarization, categorization, and interpretation are always used to analyze data obtained in qualitative research. In addition, in qualitative research, only a few respondents are required.

Whereas quantitative research is articulated in figures and graphs and is usually used to create comprehensive actualities on a research topic, qualitative research is usually expressed in words and is used to understand concepts, hypotheses, or experiences, and in-depth insight on not well-understood topics are gathered through this research method (Hennink, M. et al., 2020).

The commonly used methods in quantitative research include experiments, closed-ended question surveys, and observations, while in qualitative statistics, open-ended question interviews, observation, a literature review, and ethnography are among the methods used (Moen & Middelthon, 2015).

Qualitative and quantitative research can have a major input in health research. In clinical trials, they can have a pronounced impact on the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data.

References

Hennink, M., Hutter, I., & Bailey, A. (2020). Qualitative research methods. Sage. http://law.gtu.ge/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Berg-B.-Lune-H.-2012.-Qualitative-Research-Methods-for-the-Social-Sciences.pdf