Qualitative vs Quantitative Research: Distinctions and Objectives

Dr. Alexandra Bernhardt • 14. Juli 2023

Quantitative Research

Quantitative research is counting and measuring, i.e., the structured, standardised collection of data, such as a standardised survey, an experimental study or a standardised observational study, as well as their statistical evaluation and processing of the results as tables and figures. Quantitative research is characterised by a deductive approach (testing a hypothesis that has been set up). The objectives of quantitative research are, for example, the testing of a certain theory, the determination of disease frequencies or the identification of cause-effect relationships.

 

Their quality criteria are

  • Validity: Does the method measure what it is supposed to measure?
  • Reliability: Is the same result obtained by repeated measurements?
  • Objectivity: Is the result independent of the persons involved in the measurement?

Qualitative Research

Qualitative research is describing and understanding, i.e. the detailed, mostly exploratory presentation and reconstruction of social phenomena, such as the narrative interview, the individual case study or descriptive field research. Qualitative research is characterised by an inductive approach (observation leads to a specific hypothesis). In addition to providing a factual account, it aims to generate research hypotheses and theories. Sometimes it precedes studies with quantitative methodology.

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A Methods or Design Paper describes in detail the study design, i.e., the research methods and data sources, of a proposed study.

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von Dr. Alexandra Bernhardt • 14. Juli 2023
The study design is the basis of the research project, i.e. the detailed plan of a particular study. After the research topic has been defined, the specific research question is formulated. The methods of the planned study are usually derived from this, such as the type of study, the design of the data collection, the determination of the evaluation and the presentation of the results.

What is the difference between medical and scientific writing?

von Dr. Alexandra Bernhardt • 14. Juli 2023
Medical writing refers to the writing of medical texts, while scientific writing describes much more generally the writing of scientific texts from a wide variety of research areas. Medical writing can therefore be understood as a special thematically limited area of scientific writing.