Qualitative and Quantitative Research Essay

Qualitative and quantitative research are two types of research, each type is presented in a different way and depends on different gathered material. Qualitative research is the collection of information about things and objects. For instance interviews, pictures and items would be items collected during qualitative research. Quantitative research involves the collection and analysis of numerical information that has been researched and collected. This type of research is best at the onset of a research product. It can help steer a research product in a specific direction, and its results are given in spoken word or in the form of images and videos. Qualitative research is focused on results that do not involve numbers. Its purpose is to observe and analyze how people react and think to the research topic and why they react and feel the way that they do. The purpose of this type of research is to gain results that show details about the problem and question at hand. Qualitative research usually answers questions about a broad idea or thought, and considers many details and possibilities. These results are usually gathered by using questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups. Qualitative evidence has conclusions that are based on a gathering of thoughts and ideas and can often present answers that are considered opinionated, and can be interpreted differently by different groups. This type of data offers results that deal with human emotions and thoughts. Although qualitative research does not use numerical data its results are very useful and can offer solid solutions and results. Quantitative research has an end result of numerical data that can give results in a numerical report. The research that is gathered in this type of research is measurable and is easier to compare to similar numerical results. The results contain numerical explanations for the questions that are being researched. Quantitative research is usually focused on direct details or specific questions that require specific and conclusive answers. This research is usually used in the end of a research project. This type of research uses questioners, survey or even measurements to collect numerical data, and its end results are presented in the form of charts and graphs. Quantitative data is considered to be more concrete proof or evidence that can be proven and show hard facts. My project for this class will more than likely consists of more quantitative data than qualitative. In my project I want to look into why the consumer feels a certain way. I know for sure that these answers can only be reached through research conducted through survey and personal questioners. Numerical data will not help me come to a conclusion about why the consumer base thinks or feels a certain way.