This is a 20 page paper comparing and contrasting qualitative and quantitative research methods. Qualitative research methods are considerably different from those of quantitative research methods. Qualitative research methods are considered to be more dynamic, interactive and holistic in their approach than quantitative methods which are considered more deductive in their reasoning, objective in their observations, more defined and static in their collection, analysis and reporting. While qualitative methods provide for more narrative and detailed reports of certain phenomenon, quantitative methods allow for the study of larger populations and therefore can allow for more generalizations about a phenomenon. Whichever method is used for a particular study, researchers agree that the method should be appropriate for the subject being studied. Largely, quantitative methods are used in the physical sciences whereas studies in the social sciences lean toward qualitative methods or a combination of both research methods. Both methods are also supported by different aspects of quality, credibility, reliability and validity throughout their methodology.
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dynamic, interactive and holistic in their approach than quantitative methods which are considered more deductive in their reasoning, objective in their observations, more defined and static in their collection, analysis
and reporting. While qualitative methods provide for more narrative and detailed reports of certain phenomenon, quantitative methods allow for the study of larger populations and therefore can allow for more
generalizations about a phenomenon. Whichever method is used for a particular study, researchers agree that the method should be appropriate for the subject being studied. Largely, quantitative methods are used
in the physical sciences whereas studies in the social sciences lean toward qualitative methods or a combination of both research methods. Both methods are also supported by different aspects of
quality, credibility, reliability and validity throughout their methodology. Researchers and evaluators are encouraged to include both qualitative and quantitative components in their studies as the two methods actually reinforce each
other. In the social sciences, qualitative research focuses on an understanding of the community and is generally committed to program and community improvement. A qualitative research study can provide a
credible process which includes a community emphasis which will allow for further credibility in quantitative research. Quantitative research must be presented in understandable terms and as long as researchers understand
the limits of the quantitative research within a community, the data provided by quantitative research will provide a solid foundation when presenting the results of the study to the community
or administrators who will ultimately make any decisions based on the research (Thompson, 1994; Patton, 1994). Case tracking is a good example of research studies which include both qualitative and
quantitative research methods. In case tracking, the study includes the descriptive tools used in qualitative research such as interviewing while at the same time also employing direct observation and archival
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