CMRJ300 Forum 3
Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative data. Which one is better? Please itemize and discuss the major advantages and disadvantages of data based on self-reports.
Qualitative data and quantitative data are generalized types of data. Quantitative data identifies quantities or values by measuring information, specifically in a way that can be written down by numbers (Probability and Statistics, 2014). This is data that can be measured for example, a person’s height, weight and length of hair. Qualitative data delves into the quality of something such as the coarseness of sand, the grace of an individual’s run and eye color. This type of data cannot be measured by numbers. Trochim (2006) states he does not feel there is one form of data, in regards to qualitative and quantitative, that is better than the other. I have to agree, both are valuable in the individual sense. However, they are even stronger when they are utilized together in a mixed method research approach (Trochim, 2006). Individually, I mentioned what information they can provide. Debates are ongoing and continuous in an attempt to determine which is better. There are advocates for both. Quantitative data gives factual and specific numbers for research and survey, etc. However, even though qualitative data is more of a descriptive and opinionated retrieval of data it can be beneficial. Qualitative data can be given a quantitative identity for example given a survey, more often than not, there is a portion depicting short open ended question requesting a respondent insert a text response; this would be the “Please provide additional comments” portion. Initially, the information provided is qualitative basically because from a quantitative standpoint it has no numerical substance. However, the information is usually classified into simple categories with that category given a label representing them, this giving it quantitative value (Trochim, 2006). There is normally more than
Qualitative data and quantitative data are generalized types of data. Quantitative data identifies quantities or values by measuring information, specifically in a way that can be written down by numbers (Probability and Statistics, 2014). This is data that can be measured for example, a person’s height, weight and length of hair. Qualitative data delves into the quality of something such as the coarseness of sand, the grace of an individual’s run and eye color. This type of data cannot be measured by numbers. Trochim (2006) states he does not feel there is one form of data, in regards to qualitative and quantitative, that is better than the other. I have to agree, both are valuable in the individual sense. However, they are even stronger when they are utilized together in a mixed method research approach (Trochim, 2006). Individually, I mentioned what information they can provide. Debates are ongoing and continuous in an attempt to determine which is better. There are advocates for both. Quantitative data gives factual and specific numbers for research and survey, etc. However, even though qualitative data is more of a descriptive and opinionated retrieval of data it can be beneficial. Qualitative data can be given a quantitative identity for example given a survey, more often than not, there is a portion depicting short open ended question requesting a respondent insert a text response; this would be the “Please provide additional comments” portion. Initially, the information provided is qualitative basically because from a quantitative standpoint it has no numerical substance. However, the information is usually classified into simple categories with that category given a label representing them, this giving it quantitative value (Trochim, 2006). There is normally more than
References: Probability and Statistics. (2014). Shmoop. Retrieved from http://www.shmoop.com/probability-statistics/qualitative-quantitative-data.html Research Methods. (2014). Research Methodology. Necessary knowledge to conduct a business research. Retrieved from http://research-methodology.net/research-methods/ Trochim, W. M. K. (2006). The Qualitative Debate. Research Methods Knowledge Base. Retrieved from http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/qualdeb.php