Research Methods
Categories of Research Methods
• Quantitative Research
• Qualitative Research
Quantitative Research
• Measures prevalence of issues, verifies hypotheses, and establishes causal
relations between variables
• Involves large samples, structured data collection, and predominantly deductive
analysis
• Data collected are always numerical and analyzed using statistical methods
• Concerns include sample size, statistical tests, likelihood of errors,
generalizability, reproducibility, and measurement accuracy
• Data sources include surveys, observations, and secondary data
• Concerns about quant research include inability to measure accurately, lack of
explanation, impersonal nature, static data, and potential for misinformation
Qualitative Research
• Investigates subjective data to illuminate perceptions and gain insight and
knowledge
• Explores and discovers themes, develops theories, and uses words, pictures,
photos, videos, audio recordings, and field notes
• Concerns include data coding, capturing situations realistically, describing
context, achieving objectivity, and flexibility
• Concerns about qual research include subjectivity, lack of repeatability,
generalizability, and inability to provide definite answers
Types of Research Methods
• Quantitative
• Structured, probability sampling/census
• To measure prevalence, make generalizable claims, conduct deductive analysis,
and identify key factors
• Qualitative
• Semi-structured, non-probability sampling
• To conduct inductive analysis and explore and develop a theory or pattern of
meaning
• Mixed Methods
• Combines both qualitative and quantitative methods to obtain an in-depth
understanding of the research problem
Selecting Your Research Method
• Factors to consider when choosing a research method:
• Overall applicability to meet research objectives
• Time, resources, material resources, financial resources, human resources, and
access to the population of interest
Differences between Quantitative & Qualitative
Research
• Individual and household surveys
• Key informant interviews and community discussions
• Focus group discussions
• Distinction based on type of data collection, analysis, and sampling strategy
Conclusion
• Research methods are broadly categorized as quantitative or qualitative, and the
choice depends on the intended purposes of the research. Each method has its own
strengths, weaknesses, and considerations for application.
