In conducting research, it is essential to determine the appropriate research method based on the chosen topic. Research methods encompass a series of steps or techniques, including defining research variables, designing the research framework, selecting data collection techniques, and determining data analysis methods. The purpose of establishing research methods is to systematically answer questions and achieve research objectives. The collected data will be processed and subsequently analyzed.There are several approaches to analyzing data in research, namely qualitative research methods, quantitative methods, and mixed methods.
Selecting the right research method is crucial before compiling a study.The research method is a fundamental component of scientific articles derived from individual studies, typically consisting of an introduction, research methods, research results, discussion, conclusions, and a list of references. Quantitative research methods involve the use of numerical data, while qualitative research methods rely on descriptive narratives. This revision enhances readability and ensures grammatical accuracy while maintaining the original meaning.
Differences Between Qualitative and Quantitative
Quantitative Research
Qualitative and quantitative differences are also supported by the types of data used in measurements: quantitative data and qualitative data. Quantitative data consists of values that can be measured numerically. Examples of quantitative data include population size, website traffic visits, exam scores, height, and income.
Characteristics of Quantitative Data
The characteristics of quantitative data include:
- Data is presented in the form of numbers, percentages, or other measurable formats.
- It is typically used to analyze the relationships between variables (statistical analysis).
- It is often applied to large population samples.
Quantitative data collection techniques include surveys, tests, counts, or scores.
Qualitative Research
Qualitative data is presented in descriptive form, such as categories, narrative text, or levels of answer selection. Examples of qualitative data include customer satisfaction levels, gender data, preferences, job types, education levels, reasons for choices, and residential locations.
Characteristics of Qualitative Data
The characteristics of qualitative data include:
- Illuminating a phenomenon and focusing on patterns or themes.
- Involving smaller samples to allow for deeper analysis.
Also Read : Chat GPT vs Gemini
Qualitative data collection techniques include user intervi
ews, observations, in-depth case studies, and focus group discussions.
| No. | Aspect | Qualitative | Quantitative |
| 1. | Research Design | Qualitative research generally always experiences developments during the research process. | The research flow of quantitative research is fixed and cannot be changed from the start. |
| 2. | Research Subject Term | Qualitative research subjects are commonly referred to as sources. | While the subject Quantitative research is called a respondent. |
| 3. | How to look at facts | Qualitative research looks at the “Facts/Truth” of relevant theories. This is because there are complex things that cannot be explained simply by numbers, such as human feelings. | Quantitative research views “facts/truths” from relevant data. Quantitative research moves from theory to data. |
| 4. | Data Collection | Qualitative research focuses more on things that cannot be measured with numbers or statistics. This is done by analyzing data in depthabout something specific. | Data collection is done using research tools such as tests or questionnaires. The collected data is then changedaccording to the category or |
| The quality of qualitative research is not determined by the number of sources, but by how deeply the researcher digs for information from the selected sources.The techniques include: interviews, observations, Focus Groups, Discussions | predetermined criteria. The quality of quantitative research is determined by the number of respondents involved.Techniques include: Surveys, experiments, Test results or measurements | ||
| 5. | Data Presentation | The results of qualitative research are the researcher’s interpretation of a phenomenon, so the research report will contain more descriptions. | Quantitative research is presented in the form of numbers resulting from mathematical calculations. These results are considered as confirmed facts. Quantitative research relies heavily on the validity and reliability of the tools used to collect data. |
| 6. | Types of Approaches | Qualitative: Phenomenology, exploratory, interpretive, ethnography, case study, historical, and grounded theory, interview, focus group discussion, Literature review | Quantitative: Structured, Objective, Experimental, survey, observation, correlation, regression, path analysis, ex post factor |
| 7. | Research Purpose | Gaining meaning, experience or phenomena, deep understanding, developing theories, describing reality and social complexity. | Explaining the relationship between variables and testing theories |
| 8. | Data Type | Descriptive, exploratory and narrative (words) | Numeric and statistic |
| 9. | Analysis | Using thematic and interpretive analysis | Using statistical techniques |
| 10. | Sample | Small | Large |
| 11. | Example | 1. Case Study on Student Adaptation to Online Learning2. Analysis of Teachers’ Perceptions of the Use of Technology in Education3. Exploring Migrant Workers’ Experiences in Adapting to Destination Countries | 1. The Relationship between Gen Z Income and Consumption Patterns in Different Regions2. The effect of advertising intensity on increasing sales3. The Impact of Gen Z Income on Social Problems Experienced
4. Analysis of the relationship and correlation between exercise frequency and Health Level 5. The effect of caffeine consumption on health |
Also Read : How to Create an Effective Value Proposition Canvas
Mix Method
The Mixed Method is a combined research approach that integrates both quantitative and qualitative methods. Examples of this type of method include the Explanatory Sequential Design and the Exploratory Sequential Design.
Explanatory Sequential Design
The Explanatory Sequential Design is a type of mixed-method research used when the goal is to elaborate on, clarify, or explain quantitative findings. This approach begins with quantitative research and is followed by qualitative research. Typically, qualitative data is used to analyze outputs or extreme cases. The first stage involves collecting quantitative data, followed by qualitative methods in the next stage. The results of the qualitative research are then used to enhance the understanding of the previously obtained quantitative data.A key characteristic of the Explanatory Sequential Design is that quantitative data takes precedence over qualitative data. In this context, qualitative data serves as secondary support for the quantitative findings, helping to justify and contextualize the quantitative results obtained earlier.
Exploratory Sequential Design
In contrast, the Exploratory Sequential Design is a data collection technique that starts with qualitative Research on the impact of immersive learning can begin with a qualitative phase that explores students’ and teachers’ experiences and perceptions of immersive learning technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Through in-depth interviews and focus groups, researchers can identify key themes related to the advantages, challenges, and effectiveness of immersive learning in facilitating teaching and learning. For instance, interviews with students might reveal how VR helps them understand abstract concepts better, while discussions with teachers could explore how this technology influences their teaching methods and student engagement in the classroom. Findings from this phase will provide a solid foundation for developing more focused quantitative instruments.In the subsequent quantitative phase, researchers can measure how widely applicable the qualitative findings are within a larger population. A questionnaire designed based on interview results can be distributed to a broader sample of students and teachers to assess general perceptions and objective impacts of immersive learning. Data collected may include variables such as increased understanding
References
https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/qualitative-quantitative-research/
https://www.gcu.edu/blog/doctoral-journey/qualitative-vs-quantitative-research-whats-difference
Justan, R., Margiono, Aziz, A., & Sumiati. (2024). Penelitian Kombinasi (Mixed Methods). ULIL ALBAB: Jurnal Ilmiah Multidisiplin, 3(2), 253-264.
Vebrianto, R., Thahir, M., Putriani, Z., Mahartika, I., Ilhami, A., & Diniya, D. (2020). Mixed Methods Research: Trends and Issues in Research Methodology. Bedelau: Journal of Education and Learning, 1(1), 63-73. https://ejournal.anotero.org/index.php/bedelau/article/view/35
Author : Meilina Eka A
