Assignment: Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research
Under what conditions would an industrial/organizational (I/O) professional choose a qualitative research method over a quantitative research method when investigating a workplace problem or phenomenon? Support your position with at least two scholarly sources.
To help you organize your notes for this assignment, consider the following chart that provides an overview of differences between quantitative and qualitative research methodologies:
Quantitative Qualitative
Approach Is deductive (primarily) and then inductive Is inductive (primarily) and then deductive
Purpose Tests theories, makes predictions, establishes facts, and tests hypotheses Describes multiple realities, develops a deep understanding, and captures everyday life and human perspectives
Research focus Isolates variables, uses large samples, and collects data using tests and formal instruments Examines the full context, interacts with a limited number of participants, and collects data face-to-face from participants
Research goals
Confirms or disconfirms theory
Finds central tendency, what iscommon
Tests hypotheses
Classifies participants
Uses statistics
Researches on participants
Examines lived experiences
Is particular and idiosyncratic
Transforms society
Empowers participants
Has a rich description
Researches with and for participants
Research plan
Is developed before the study is initiated
Is a structured, formal proposal
Begins with an initial idea that evolves as the researcher learns more about the participants and setting
Is a flexible and tentative proposal
Data analysis Is mainly statistical and quantitative Is mainly interpretive and descriptive
Results presentation Involves a formal writing style and impersonal voice Involves a less-formal writing style and personal voice
