What Are the Differences Between Quantitative and Qualitative Research
February 26th, 2010 | 
Author: Scientific research is conducted throughout a student’s academic career. However, as a student matures the depth and complexity of their research project increase. As a student approaches high school and college they will need to learn how to conduct both qualitative and quantitative research. Each forms of research produces quality information, but through slightly different avenues.
Quantitative Research
Quantitative research focuses on data that can be measured. It examines a cause and effect relationship. In this type of research the hypothesis is a prediction of what is going to happen when the student manipulates the independent variable. Their results are going to be based on the measurable differences produced in the results.
Usually quantitative research is a better option for science students working on a science fair project. This is because the students are working with concrete processes and scenarios that can be easily manipulated and that produce data that is easy to measure and analyze. Quantitative research projects can be used to study the hard sciences of chemistry, physics and mathematics.
Qualitative Research
Qualitative research is used to study behaviors and the soft sciences of psychology and sociology. Qualitative research can be just as valuable as quantitative research, however, it is often given less attention and authority because of its subjective nature. When setting up a qualitative research project students will need to identify a population that has a specific characteristic or commonality. They then need to determine what they want to learn about that characteristic or commonality.
Generally qualitative research projects are interested in determining how an event or characteristic impacts a population. In order to learn how it impacts the population the population is surveyed. They can be surveyed using face-to-face interviews, by conducting interviews over the phone, by mailing the test subjects a questionnaire to complete or by having them complete an online survey or questionnaire.
Often times qualitative research deals with human responses to a situation. It is because humans are used as the test subject that it is necessary to take extra steps when setting up the experiment methodology. Students may need to get special permission to conduct research on humans and they will also need to take steps to ensure that the test subjects’ identities are kept confidential and that the test subjects are educated about the research project that they will be participating in.
Which Research Method Is Right for You?
Both qualitative and quantitative research projects are viable options for students in elementary, middle and high school. However, the option that the student selects needs to reflect the purpose of the experiment. Students that are working on science fair projects will generally want to stick to quantitative research projects. However, if the student is interested in psychology or sociology, then a qualitative research project will probably be a better fit. It is a good idea to talked to your teacher to see which type of research project is appropriate for an assignment just to make sure your project will qualify for a good grade in your science class.
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