Most students have to weigh up the pros and cons of quantitative vs qualitative research in sociology at some point when they get to university. This is because there is a need to understand it in order to look critically at any research and papers on the course but a choice may have to be made between them for any research assignments that are set.
Quantitative and qualitative research are two distinct methodologies used in various disciplines to study different types of phenomena. Both methods have unique strengths and weaknesses, and choosing between the two often depends on the research question being asked and the nature of the phenomenon being studied.
Quantitative research is characterised by the collection of numerical data and the use of statistical analysis to test hypotheses, with the goal being to establish cause-and-effect relationships and generalise findings to a larger population. The statistical methods used are those such as regression analysis, chi-square tests, and t-tests.
In contrast, qualitative research involves non-numerical data, such as open-ended responses, observations, and interviews. The aim is to gain an in-depth understanding of a phenomenon by exploring people's attitudes, beliefs, and experiences, and to understand how people make sense of the world around them. Qualitative data is typically analysed through a process of coding and categorisation to identify patterns and themes.
An important difference between quantitative and qualitative research in sociology is the type of data collected. Quantitative research often involves the collection of data that is easily quantifiable, such as numerical data, whereas qualitative research often involves the collection of data that is less easily quantifiable, such as open-ended responses, observations, and interviews. The data collected in qualitative research is often rich in detail and context, allowing the researcher to gain a deeper understanding of the phenomenon being studied.
Another divergence is the level of control exercised over the study. Quantitative research is often highly controlled, with strict procedures in place to minimise bias and ensure that the results are representative of the population being studied. The data is usually collected through standardised instruments such as surveys, questionnaires, and tests, and the results are often analysed using statistical software.
In contrast, qualitative research is often less structured and more open-ended, allowing the researcher to follow the data and explore new ideas as they emerge.
Sample size is a further key difference between quantitative and qualitative research in sociology. Quantitative research often involves large sample sizes, allowing for statistical generalization to a larger population. The sample is usually selected using probability sampling methods such as simple random sampling, stratified random sampling, or cluster sampling.
In contrast, qualitative research often involves smaller sample sizes and is focused on understanding the experiences of a particular group of individuals. The sample is usually selected using non-probability sampling methods such as purposive sampling, snowball sampling, or convenience sampling.
Quantitative research is often seen as more objective and reliable than qualitative research. This is because the data collected is numerical and can be analyzed using rigorous statistical methods. The results are often presented in the form of tables, graphs, and statistical tests, and the findings can be easily compared with those of other studies. However, some argue that this approach can also lead to oversimplification of complex phenomena and a lack of understanding of the context in which events occur.
In contrast, qualitative research is often seen as more subjective and less reliable because it relies on the researcher's interpretation of the data. The data is often analyzed through a process of coding and categorisation, and the findings are often presented in the form of themes, patterns, and narratives. However, proponents argue that this approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of complex phenomena and provides a rich, in-depth picture of the experiences of individuals.
If you have to choose between quantitive and qualitative research in sociology, then much of this choice is about how you think we can best gain knowledge about and understanding of the world we live in.
If you believe we can get to an objective truth about the world then you are more likely to choose quantitative methods. If, however, you think it's more complex and subjective than this as we learn from hearing about people's in-depth experiences then you will choose qualitative methods. Often though, research is mixed methods, which means a researcher combines the two.
To learn more about these two differing views of the world, you need to understand positivist and anti-positivist approaches to social science research.
