Quantitative? Qualitative? What's the difference between these two types of research designs? How do we know which one to use and when to use it? In psychology, the research design is how scientists answer questions (or hypotheses) with collected observations. There are particular structures and systematic ways to form a conclusion. Research design in psychology includes data collection, analysis, and interpretation of results.

• What are different types of quantitative research design?
• What are different types of qualitative research design?
• How is data collected for quantitative and qualitative research?

Quantitative Research Design Features

Quantitative research design follows the same principles as the scientific research method. The features of quantitative research design include several steps. The research starts with deductive reasoning, that is, forming a hypothesis. We gather data to explore the issue. After data analysis, we can form conclusions about the hypothesis.

Quantitative Research Types

The following text describes four types of quantitative research.

Descriptive Research

Strangely, this quantitative research type does not often begin with a hypothesis. Instead, the researcher forms a hypothesis after collecting the data and identifying variables. The basis of this descriptive research type is a description of an identified variable. This research type describes the what, when, where, or how of phenomena. An example of this would be to study the different income levels of those who can purchase a new car model.

Correlational Research

Correlational research looks for a connection or relationship between two or more variables with the help of statistical data. This type of research requires the interpretation of numerical data and patterns to conclude. An easy example of correlational research could be crime rates and warmer temperatures to look for the basis of criminal behaviors.

Causal/Comparative Research

Causal/Comparative research seeks to define a cause and effect in its data collection. There are some key differences with this research type. For example, the researcher doesn't use a randomly chosen control group but the naturally grouped or pre-existing one. Also, while there is an independent variable, this variable is not manipulated by the researcher. An example of this could be comparing the early enrollments into preschool for children and possible social maturity levels.

Experimental Research

Experimental research aims to identify and control all variables but one. The identified independent variable will be manipulated to determine the effects on the dependent variables. An example could be looking at the effect of a new treatment plan for cancer.

A qualitative is different from a quantitative research design. Results of qualitative research are based on different types of data collection. Qualitative research aims to explore the meanings and perspectives of the people being studied, how social and cultural aspects and views shape the perspectives, and the "specific processes" used to maintain these phenomena (Maxwell, 2012). Qualitative research is considered more inductive in contrast to the quantitative research design, which involves numerical data.

Qualitative Research Design Data Collection

There are several methods of data collection in qualitative research.

Observations

Observation most often happens in scenarios; in a naturalistic place (in public) and a laboratory setting. This type of data collection is used to observe behaviors or scenarios. It is essential to have thorough field notes for later reference. Inter-coder reliability is an excellent tool for researchers to use when confirming data collection. Inter-coder reliability is when more than one observer is used to ensure validity. It should be noted that too many observers can disrupt subjective interpretation.

Interviews

As part of the research, interviewing can be an excellent way to gather data. Interviews can help filter or gather more information missed in the observation portion of data collection. This type of data collection allows for rich data to be collected. Rich data can be more detailed and descriptive to help supplement field notes written previously.

Focus groups

Another way to gather information for qualitative research is through focus groups. In a focus group, a trained mediator conducts an interview collectively. Those within the focus group have similar backgrounds and demographic attributes, or a culmination of both.

Naturally occurring data

Naturally occurring data is a straightforward way of gathering data. Researchers can gather data simply by observing behaviors and social interactions. However, this type of data is open to much interpretation.

Qualitative Methods

There are several methods for conducting qualitative research that aim toward theory development.

Grounded Theory

Grounded theory is a way of measurably analyzing data in qualitative research. It ensures creating guidelines and validity with the use of empirical data. Grounded theory creates sequential guidelines, offers strategies for inquiry, makes data collection and analysis more efficient, all of which give validity and legitimacy to qualitative research (Temple Uni, 2022). Because of these more regulated steps, grounded theory is the go-to approach in social research.

Thematic Analysis

This is yet another way to analyze qualitative research data. The thematic analysis compares the gathered data to past research to find similar themes. For example, a researcher will compare and analyze their data in comparison to the hypothesis proposed in a previous study. This should not be confused with correlational research.

Discourse Analysis

Discourse analysis focuses on the language or social contexts used in data gathering (for example, in focus groups and interviews). This type of analysis is essentially "reading between the lines" of a conversation or discourse during data collection.