Qualitative & Quantitative Data Techniques

• What types of data do research methods typically gather?

  Qualitative and quantitative data
• What is a common confusion regarding research methods?

  Some methods gather both qualitative and quantitative data
• What are the types of research methods that gather qualitative and quantitative data?

  • Lab experiments
  • Field experiments
  • Natural experiments
  • Quasi-experiments
  • Correlations
  • Self-report questionnaires
  • Structured interviews
  • Unstructured interviews
  • Case studies
  • Observations (using a behavior checklist)
  • Participant observation (depends on checklist)
• What is a main advantage of qualitative techniques?

  They produce rich, detailed data for understanding behavior
• What is a disadvantage of qualitative techniques?

  Detailed data is difficult to analyze and conclude
• What is an advantage of quantitative techniques?

  Numerical data is easy to analyze statistically
• What is a disadvantage of quantitative techniques?

  Data often lacks depth and meaning
• How can one remember the difference between qualitative and quantitative data?

  • Qualitative = lit = literature (data in words)
  • Quantitative = quant = quantity (data in numbers)
• What does qualitative data lack compared to quantitative data?

  Depth and meaning about the behavior studied
• How do qualitative and quantitative techniques differ in data analysis?

  Qualitative is complex; quantitative is straightforward