ASS065-1 Report: Differences in Research Methods in Social Sciences

This report meticulously examines the fundamental differences between qualitative and quantitative research methodologies within the social sciences. It begins by outlining theoretical approaches, including deductive, inductive, and abductive reasoning, providing a framework for understanding the core distinctions between the two methodologies. The report then delves into the characteristics of quantitative research, exploring descriptive, correlational, and experimental designs, with an emphasis on data collection techniques like surveys and statistical analysis. It also includes key arguments from quantitative and qualitative articles, illustrating the application of these methods in real-world scenarios, such as cyber harassment and pregnancy studies. Further, it highlights the importance of sample size and data collection methods, concluding with a discussion on the strengths and limitations of each approach. The report provides a comprehensive overview of research methodologies, supported by references to relevant literature.

Skills for the Social Sciences ASS065-1

Table of Contents
Skills for the Social Sciences ASS065-1............................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
PART 1............................................................................................................................................3
Theoretical approaches...........................................................................................................3
Section 2.................................................................................................................................4
PART 2............................................................................................................................................5
Key arguments of quantitative articles...................................................................................5
Key arguments of qualitative articles.....................................................................................5
Methods for data collection....................................................................................................6
Sample size.............................................................................................................................6
How data was collected..........................................................................................................6
Conclusion..............................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION
This project consists of difference between qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
There are different ways to manage the completion of project work by using the right type of
data. Qualitative research consists of collecting and analysing of numeric data in order to manage
different opinions, concepts and experience. This is used for gathering in depth knowledge and
analysis. On the other hand, quantitative research is known as the process of analysing and
collecting non numeric data. This type of research mainly includes natural and social sciences –
biology, psychology, sociology, economics, etc. There are different factors involved in managing
the qualitative and quantitative research and attaining the success of project aims. This project
includes information about data sample used in different qualitative and quantitative research
methods. Qualitative and quantitative research is conducted in order to increase understanding of
research topics. This project will include reason for choosing the right type of data collection
method.
PART 1
Theoretical approaches
The table given below will help to demonstrate difference between deductive, inductive and
abduction theory –
Deduction Abduction Induction
Logic In context of
deductive approach,
conclusion is true
In this type of
research, premises are
used for creating
testable conclusions.
In this, known
premises are used for
generating untested
conclusions.
Generalizability This means
generalising from
general to specific or
particular era.
This is related to
generalisation of
interactions between
general and specific.
In includes
generalisation from
specific to general.

Section 2
Quantitative research is known as one in which investigator can quantify, manage and
communicate any specific phenomenon. There are following type of quantitative researches
which includes human communication phenomenon by the way of collecting and analysing
numeric data. The differentiation of inductive and deductive approach depends upon relevance of
hypothesis. In context of deductive approach, validity of assumptions is checked and inductive
approach accelerates to emergence of new theories.
Quantitative methodologies mainly focus upon objective measurement and mathematical,
statistical and numeric analysis. This includes data collection by using surveys, polls,
questionnaire, etc. This type of research is conducted by manipulating present data by using
computational techniques. The main focus of this research is on collection of numeric data and
generalising it upon specific phenomenon. The research approach is divided into three types –
deductive, inductive and abductive.
 Descriptive Research: Descriptive research evaluates categories, frequencies, trends and
characteristics of the data. With the help of this research methodology, population,
phenomenon, correlation or situation is narrated. This methodology helps to evaluate one
or more than one variables. A descriptive research must conclude reliable and accurate
research outcomes. Through this quantitative methodology, what, when, where and how
an issue has been raised is answered. Descriptive research can be done through several
techniques, such as: descriptive survey, descriptive-normative survey, case studies,
observation, descriptive-status, descriptive analysis, classification, comparison,
correlative survey and with some other techniques.
 Correlational Research: This research methodology helps to evaluate the link between
two variables without creating an impact on extrinsic variables. It is non-experimental
research methodology and is a method of descriptive research methodology. Correlation
in a research can be positive, negative or zero correlation. Positive correlation observes if
the change in the variables is in the same direction, whereas negative correlation observes
change in variables in opposite direction. Zero correlation depicts no relation among the
variables. This research is concluded through various techniques as: survey method,
observation method and through collection of secondary data. The features of correlation
research are non-experimental, backward-looking and dynamic.

 Experimental Research: Experimental research is a quantitative research methodology
which affects one or more than one constant variables and evaluate their impact on other
dependent variables. This research helps in the assessment of hypothesis. It is a scientific
research method which can be operated in a controlled environment. The three types of
experimental research methods are pre-experimental research design, quasi-experimental
research and true experimental research. The results which are measured through this
method are specific. The features of this research methodology are based on variables and
multi-variables. Experimental research methodology helps to collect and evaluate data in
physical science, social science, psychology and education.
PART 2
https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1710/1710.08836.pdf
Key arguments of quantitative articles
The quantitative articles considered in this project includes conduction of qualitative approach.
This helped in examining cyber harassment within 50 states. This study concluded that cyber
crime is present within today’s scenario.
Key arguments of qualitative articles
Qualitative research- Qualitative research is refers as a gathering and evaluating data which is
not in numerical term, it is in the form of text, audio and video. This research is use to gather
depth information and all perspectives of definite problem to find out new ideas for that
particular research. Qualitative research is different from quantitative research, because it refers
to gather and evaluate quantitative data for applied mathematical investigation. This research is
generally use in social science, education and health science. There are various approaches of
qualitative research are available such as grounded research, ethnography, action research,
phenomenological research and narrative research.
Grounded research involves to collect high quality information of particular topic and develop
individual theories on that topic by researchers. In ethnography research, researchers involve
themselves in a particular organisation to create understanding regarding their culture. Action
research is conduct by creating a definite link between researchers and participants to describe
social changes in environment. In phenomenological research researchers examine a process to
describe and interpret live experience of all participants of research. Narrative research tells

about how a researcher examine a story to make it understandable and in which way participants
understand this. Effective qualitative research has to be flexible, all data is collected from real
world and it constants mew and effective ideas to solve a particular problem regarding research.
Methods for data collection
In the research of cyber harassment, quantitative study was used for collecting data and meeting
goals. This quantitative study was done by conducting survey for students regarding the civility
within classroom. This article has showed the way in which quantitative study is implemented
and ow methodology is used for gathering results.
Sample size
The sample size of this quantitative research is 47 and different respondents of age group of 4
years to 45 years are used for collecting the data.
How data was collected
The data was collected through survey and respondents were asked to provide their opinion on
the fact that what is the reason for some students to get targeted by cyber harasser. This was a
content analysis and it was found that more than 60 % of the respondents agreed that social
awkwardness is the reason due to which students are harassed. This research explained the main
reason regarding cyber harassment and these include sexting, rumour spreading, sending of
pictures, cyberstalking, etc.
https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2393-10-1
It has been frequently enlarged enquiry involvement in action that present physical and
mental activities during pregnancy a lot of case studies have been issue with detailed visual sense
into the perspective and circumstances of over weight and weighty pregnant woman that are
going through maternity period. There are sort of studies that described it in a adequate way such
as quantitative study and qualitative study that is goal and target oriented as to explore the
perspective and circumstances of over weight and weighty pregnant woman and enquiry on it
and hence, informs the matter of involvement which could entitled the acceptance of the physical
and mental activities during pregnancy. It enhance the major output of pregnancy for the woman
that fixes a wide range analysis to improve the formal manner to being more effortless
individual.
Methods

It is a framework of studies that ensures by the Subtle Realism and Theory of planned
Behaviour (TPB) conceptualisation. This modify the other individual to analyse the hypothetical
nerve pathway that holds between the beliefs, physical activities and mental activities with the
adequate purpose within the context of use that schedules it as day by day living. This study
illustrate for the qualitative study that was initially selected by hierarchical procedure with the
basic goal- directed selection from a former survey of physical activities and mental action of
plan. The survey ensures the candidates for the actual report were recruited on the definite basis
of Body mass index (BMI) at reservation and pregnancy. It also visually structured at semi-
structured, in extent examination were conducted with the 14 over weight and weighty pregnant
woman. The record and the data was analysed after wards seized it as using a framework
approach and was initially advised by TPB. Data collection is defined as the procedure of
collecting, measuring and analyzing accurate insights for research using standard validated
techniques. A researcher can evaluate their hypothesis on the basis of collected data. In most
cases, data collection is the primary and most important step for research, irrespective of the field
of research. The approach of data collection is different for different fields of study, depending
on the required information.
Data collection
Semi- organized survey based on a content guide were utilised to alter a elaborate consideration
of women's perspective and experiences that is a visually negotiable and phrase approach.
Surveys are tape-recorded at the candidate's house with their approval and it will lasted between
45 to 55 minutes. Data analysis was condemned using a theoretical account that formulated to
come through and evaluates the written document and research the original data and record in
respect to the implicit TPB. It were all a set of ordered series and mapped by the consultation
that written account it on the assumption of continual content. The compound collection of data
were analysed to determine instructive reports that preliminary categorized were formulate.
Result
In spite of fact that candidates felt that every well- being professionals had a obligation to
provide proposal and counselling just about the benefits and advantages or resources that are
acquirable as they generally felt that the most suitably required candidate to provide and also to
assist and counselling. The survey had ensures minimum or no actions advice during maternity
and hence, no midwives had been perceived to offer an active advisory role which consider that

they would actively motivates women to be physically and mentally active during maternity
period.
Conclusion
From the above report, it is concluded that qualitative and quantitative researches are
conducted after analysing the context of scenario that is the requirement of study or analysis.
Usage of qualitative data within research is helpful for managing the completion of research by
using and collecting data within specified subject. In context of qualitative research, investigators
are tend to prone towards gathering information and data and managing to get correct answers of
research question. The qualitative data is helpful for the investigators for understanding different
mind-set of people. The sage of qualitative data is helpful for the marketers in collecting efficient
data which can be used for conducting researches in appropriate manner. Although this method
is time consuming but it helps to manage the collection of data by using observation, one to one
interviews, focus groups, etc.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Brannen, J. ed., 2017.Mixing methods: Qualitative and quantitative research. Routledge.
Park, J. and Park, M., 2016. Qualitative versus quantitative research methods: Discovery or
justification?.Journal of Marketing Thought,3(1), pp.1-8.
Rojo-Mota, G., Pedrero-Pérez, E.J. and Huertas-Hoyas, E., 2017. Systematic review of
occupational therapy in the treatment of addiction: Models, practice, and qualitative and
quantitative research.American Journal of Occupational Therapy,71(5),
pp.7105100030p1-7105100030p11.
Shareia, B.F., 2016. Qualitative and quantitative case study research method on social science:
Accounting perspective.International Journal of Economics and Management
Engineering,10(12), pp.3849-3854.
Seawright, J., 2016.Multi-method social science: Combining qualitative and quantitative tools.
Cambridge University Press.
Shekhar, P., Prince, M., Finelli, C., Demonbrun, M. and Waters, C., 2019. Integrating
quantitative and qualitative research methods to examine student resistance to active
learning.European Journal of Engineering Education,44(1-2), pp.6-18.
Holton, J.A. and Walsh, I., 2016.Classic grounded theory: Applications with qualitative and
quantitative data. Sage Publications.
Pan, M.L., 2016.Preparing literature reviews: Qualitative and quantitative approaches. Taylor
& Francis.
Campbell, A., Taylor, B.J. and McGlade, A., 2016.Research design in social work: Qualitative
and quantitative methods. Learning Matters.
Maxwell, J.A., 2019. Distinguishing between quantitative and qualitative research: A response to
Morgan.Journal of mixed methods research,13(2), pp.132-137.
qualitative research