1
The two research paradigms are categorized as either quantitative or qualitative, each uniquely different from the other and used to fulfill varying goals and this paper will discuss quantitative and qualitative research methods . In quantitative research, the focus is anchored on research variables and relationships whose correlations are identified using numerical data (Glasper & Rees, 2017). The analysis is objective in the sense that should anyone carry out the study in a similar fashion, they are bound to replicate the same results, and the data is used to make generalizations about hypothesized theories, proving them wrong or right. Qualitative research is often explorative and used in understanding human behavior with a subjective approach relying entirely on descriptions provided by individuals (Glasper & Rees, 2017). Other sources are applied after the experiment has been carried out to avoid influencing the data collection. The replicability of qualitative research is limited due to the subjective nature that increases the likelihood of bias. Quantitative research methods are used in descriptive, experimental, and correlational research. According to the evidence pyramid, studies that feature quantitative methods have the highest levels of validity. The first level of evidence features meta-analysis and systematic reviews, analyses of appraised research (Glasper & Rees, 2017). Primary studies such as Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), cohort studies (prior exposure to risk), and case-control studies. Case reports and animal studies are at the bottom of the hierarchy of evidence in terms of research validity. These research designs primarily utilize quantitative research design (Glasper & Rees, 2017). Critical thinking relevance is fundamental in quantitative research due to its application to key processes such as interpreting research findings, representing the research, developing the appropriate calculations for the data collected, and drawing conclusions based on the results (Nardi, 2017). The interpretation of data entails developing tables, graphs, and equations that accurately depict the relationship of variables. The question of whether the calculations are correct and suitable to the study are essential in quantitative studies (Nardi, 2017).
Qualitative research was historically used in psychological studies to understand human behaviour when such studies proved difficult to carry out quantitatively (Kalra et al., 2013). The research has since been used in other subjects such as anthropology, sociology, education, health sciences and history. Qualitative research is conducted as observational, interview and textual analysis of written records (Kalra et al., 2013). It differs from quantitative research because it gives the study participants a voice in data collection as opposed to the use of numbers in quantitative research. Qualitative research approaches include ethnography, action research, grounded theory narrative and phenomenological research. Ethnography entails understanding the perception of the research participants, attitudes and beliefs. Researchers have to put themselves in the position of the group being studied to develop a keen sense of understanding of the phenomenon being studied (Glasper & Rees, 2017). The use of observational methods includes direct and in-depth observation and recording of people as they talk and interact to see things as they are without the tempering by the presence of newcomers. Another approach to qualitative study is the use of interviews to gather information. However, the differences in the type of interviews used in qualitative and quantitative research are grounded in the extent they are closed or open (Busetto et al., 2020). Open interviews are common in qualitative research because they are open, allowing the expression of opinions of participants in the research. Focus groups are also used in the collection of data in qualitative research that essentially measures the knowledge of participants regarding the behaviour of a people (Busetto et al., 2020). Qualitative studies are, to a large extent, guided by opinion, be it that the researchers are perceived or the study participants, i.e., the interviewee (Nardi, 2017). This is one of the reasons qualitative research risk of bias is high because of the reliance on the opinion of those involved, albeit based on facts but still, the opinion given counts.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Research Methods
Quantitative Research
Merits: Studies conducted using quantitative methods have a broad topic coverage increasing the applicability of generalizations and conclusions drawn (Rahman, 2016). Quantitative research is based on the accuracy of calculations and information, increasing the objectivity of results because the same results can be achieved by others. The validity and reliability of quantitative research are unequivocal; and fundamental in proving and disapproving hypotheses and theories. The replicability of the research allows for its use in reference comparable studies as long as the variables and interpretations are made uniform (Rahman, 2016). Quantitative research based on expressed forms such as percentages and ratios can be used to make comparisons, for instance, of best practices in radiology settings. The risk of personal bias is avoided because researchers and the study operate as different entities (Rahman, 2016). In quantitative research, the conclusions drawn are inferred from the data rather than personal opinions.
Demerits: The use of quantitative methods guarantees objectivity but does not put into account the contextual aspects of the research design that may affect the information collected (Rahman, 2016). The use of structured, standard questions in the research may result in an inaccurate depiction due to the limited applicability of the questions to the research (Rahman, 2016). The emphasis on numbers limits understanding of the behaviour and motivations, crucial in understanding the dataset.
Qualitative Research
Merits: Qualitative research is flexible and adaptable to situations as demanded. It provides a detailed explanation of contextual factors and attitudes that are not captured in quantitative research (Rahman, 2016). The researchers are not limited in the direction and focus of the study as they are guided by instinct or gut feeling.
Demerits: The sample size in qualitative research raises questions on the validity of the generalizations made and whether they are adequate or accurate depictions of the sample (Rahman, 2016). The prevalence of bias in qualitative research weakens the value and applicability of study findings due to the possibility of being dismissed as just opinions (Rahman, 2016). Despite the intention of integrating into the natural settings during studies such as ethnography, the disruption caused is inevitable due to the limited understanding and may interfere with the study results.
Reliable Scholarly Articles
Doria, A. S., Tomlinson, G., & Beyene, J. (Eds.). (2018). Research methods in radiology : A practical guide. Thieme Medical Publishers, Incorporated.
Glasper, A. (2016). Nursing and healthcare research at a glance. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated.
Nardi, P. M. (2017). Critical thinking: Tools for evaluating research. University of California Press.
The information in the above-listed articles is valid because, firstly, it provides information that is constant across different resources. Additionally, the reproducibility of the information is evident; therefore, the articles do not provide isolated resources that cannot be found in other resources and settings.
Unreliable Resources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weight_loss
https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/abs/10.1377/hlthaff.6.1.6
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/become-rich-7-smart-strategies-194016401.html
The above websites are unreliable due to their lack of validity. How? Wikipedia resources are unreliable due to the lack of credibility owing to the fact that anyone can edit and upload information on Wikipedia (Wikipedia Foundation, 2022). The required knowledge is thus without backing due to the limited qualification of those writing it. The relevance of a resource can become outdated, primarily if it was published a long time ago. An article published 40 years ago is not a reliable source of information due to the lack of relevance with the passing of time. The problem experienced today are different from those faced then (40 years ago) (Freeman et al., 1987). Other articles are based on fallacies and misleading information with no evidence to back them. They are published based on the opinion and sentiments of an individual presented as facts or inappropriate extrapolation of facts (Safier, 2022).
Research Methods Best for 4 Radiology Topics
Computerized Tomography (CT), used in artificial intelligence and lung imaging, can be studied using quantitative methods to determine the effectiveness of each expressed number (Doria et al., 2018). On the other hand, the evaluation of abdominal tuberculosis and musculoskeletal lesions using magnetic resonance requires the analysis of contextual aspects such as the condition of the patients and the stage at which treatment is initiated to ascertain the effectiveness of the diagnosis (Doria et al., 2018). The research method most suited for this type of study is qualitative.
References
Busetto, L., Wick, W., & Gumbinger, C. (2020). How to use and assess qualitative research methods. Neurological Research and Practice, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42466-020-00059-z
Doria, A. S., Tomlinson, G., Beyene, J., Moineddin, R., Meaney, C., & Shaikh, M. (2018). Research methods in radiology: A practical guide (1st ed.). Thieme Publishers.
Freeman, H. E., Blendon, R. J., Aiken, L. H., Sudman, S., Mullinix, C. F., & Corey, C. R. (1987). Americans report on their access to Health Care. Health Affairs, 6(1), 6–18. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.6.1.6
Glasper, E. A., & Rees, C. (2017). Nursing and healthcare research at a glance (1st ed.). Wiley Blackwell.
Kalra, S., Pathak, V., & Jena, B. (2013). Qualitative research. Perspectives in Clinical Research, 4(3), 192. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-3485.115389
Nardi, P. M. (2017). Critical thinking: Tools for evaluating research. University of California Press.
Rahman, M. S. (2016). The advantages and disadvantages of using qualitative and quantitative approaches and methods in language “Testing and assessment” research: A literature review. Journal of Education and Learning, 6(1), 102. https://doi.org/10.5539/jel.v6n1p102
Safier, R. (2022, June). How to become rich: 7 smart strategies for building wealth. Yahoo! Finance. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/become-rich-7-smart-strategies-194016401.html
Wikimedia Foundation. (2022, December 13). Weight loss. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weight_loss