Res 351 - Understanding Business Research Terms and Concepts

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Quantitative data is any data that is a number such as statistics. The strengths of using quantitative data are that you get raw information and the numbers never lie. By using the numbers, you are able to have statistical tests to form a conclusion. The weaknesses of using quantitative data are that the data is easily operated and you need to use the right sample size for the research. In addition, since you are using numbers, the data might not always be up to date and the numbers can change daily or hourly. –(quantitative-and-qualitative-research.php#sthash.HH59V2Po.dpuf)

Qualitative data does not use numbers but asks questions to participants for feedback. It is measuring the quality and not the quantity. It is useful for studying limited situations and provides individual information. The weaknesses of using qualitative data are that it does not have the numbers to back up the findings. In addition, it is harder to interpret qualitative data because there are no numbers or stats. –(quantitative-and-qualitative-research.php#sthash.HH59V2Po.dpuf)

In conclusion, Descriptive data is partial in so much that they only allow you to make outlines about the objects. Combining quantitative data and qualitative data can improve your findings in the research. The other type balances out each type of data and you are able to get better results. You will have more ways to back up your results and you will be able to come up with a stronger conclusion. They complement each other and qualitative data is used to back up the findings from the quantitative data research.

References

Etchegaray, Jason M, PhD; Fischer, Wayne G, MS, PhD. HERD: Health Environments Research & Design Journal3.1 (Fall 2009):[pic 5][pic 6][pic 3][pic 4]

Nordqvist, M., Hall, A., & Melin, L. (2009). Organization, 15(03), 294-308.

Thinking Critically About Ethical Issues, 9e ISBN: 9780078119057 Author: Vincent Ruggiero Copyright © McGraw-Hill (2012) 1 2 3 4

www.uxmatters.com/mt/archives/2012/09/strengths-and-weaknesses-of-quantitative-and-qualitative-research.php#sthash.HH59V2Po.dpuf