Research Methodology Assignment: Quantitative and Qualitative Methods

This assignment provides a concise overview of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. It begins by defining quantitative research as a structured method that relies on numerical data and statistical analysis to establish relationships between variables. The assignment highlights the use of tables, charts, and graphs to represent data and emphasizes the goal of establishing cause-and-effect connections. Conversely, it describes qualitative research as a method that delves into in-depth understanding, opinions, and ideas, often using interviews and existing literature to generate new insights and build upon existing theories. The assignment also references several key sources, including works by Clemence, Creswell, Ragin, and Venkatesh, to support the discussion of both methodologies. This assignment helps students understand the core differences and applications of quantitative and qualitative research approaches.

Running head: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Summary of Research Methodology
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author’s note

2RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Quantitative
Logical reasoning backed up by numeric valuation is considered to be a crucial part of
the research. Quantitative research methodology is referred to as a prescribed, focused as
well as methodological process that is used to gather numerical data. The significance of this
process is: to explain variables; to analyze and review the relationships among the variables
selected to study; to establish a cause-and-effect connection in between the variables. In the
quantitative method a structured framework is followed in order to reach a conclusion
(Clemence et al., 2014). The data that is collected in the quantitative method are all numeric
or diagrammatic representation of the variables for examples: tables, charts, graphs, statistics
etc. (Ragin, 2013).

3RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Qualitative
In order to gather an in-depth understanding about a comprehensive reasoning, opinions
and ideas about the topic of research qualitative method is used by researchers (Venkatesh et al.
2013). This method offers insights into the challenges and problems that are associated with the
topic of research or guides to create and build upon ideas or hypotheses for the research. The
main purpose of the qualitative research is innovation and adding a new insight to the topic that
is being researched upon. The collection of data in this method is with the help of previous
research (journal articles and books), insights form the interviews and derivatives from theories
and concepts that are already available in the topic (Creswell, 2013).

4RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Reference list:
Clemence, A., Doise, W., & Lorenzi-Cioldi, F. (2014). The quantitative analysis of social
representations. Routledge.
Creswell, J. W. (2013). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods
approaches. Sage publications.
Venkatesh, V., Brown, S. A., & Bala, H. (2013). Bridging the qualitative-quantitative divide:
Guidelines for conducting mixed methods research in information systems. MIS
quarterly, 37(1).
Ragin, C. C. (2013). The comparative method: Moving beyond qualitative and quantitative
strategies. Univ of California Press.