Monday, November 16, 2009

Qualitative Methods in Research?

Why would Qualitative Methods of research be considered unscientific and less precise than Quantitative Methods?





Thanks

Qualitative Methods in Research?
This all depends on the goals of your research. Some questions can only be answered qualitatively, and often quantitative methods tell us more about the categories being counted than the question being asked.





In some fields, qualitative methods are NOT considered inherently less accurate or objective (such as social anthropology/ethnography, for example).
Reply:Because qualitative methods are harder to measure. Quantitative methods deal with exact numbers, whereas qualitative methods require subjectivity and description. For example, measuring weights of apples on average versus measuring color of apples on average. Its less precise to use color descriptions like redish-brown, or light green, than to use numerical weights.


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