Descriptive And Experimental Methods
Running head: RESEARCH METHODS
Quantitative Research Methods Differences
Quantitative Research Methods Differences
Research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to increase the understanding of a topic or issue. Qualitative research is a type of scientific research that focuses on gathering numerical data and generalizing it across groups of people or to explain a particular phenomenon. Quantitative research studies determine relationships between dependent and independent variables within a population. These studies deal in numbers, logic and objective stance. Quantitative research usually utilizes descriptive or experimental methods (Rakap, Snyder & Pasia, 2014).
The descriptive method determines association between variables and the experimental method determines connectedness. Descriptive research is thought to be easier to do and is less suited to explain a connection between two variables; experimental research is usually seen as more import but more difficult to conduct (Sloman, 2010).
The purpose of descriptive research is to observe, describe and document the aspects of a particular situation as it naturally occurs. This involves the collection of data to provide a description of individuals, groups or situations. The characteristics of individuals and groups can be the focus of descriptive research. Descriptive statistics describe basic features of data in a study. It allows data to be presented with a simple interpretation (Sloman, 2010).
Experimental research attempts to establish cause-effect relationships among variables. An independent variable is identified but not manipulated by the experimenter. The effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable are measured. Groups are not assigned; however, the researcher must use groups that are naturally formed or pre-existing groups (Byiers, Reichle & Symons, 2012)
Descriptive methods provide a relatively complete picture of what is occurring
Quantitative Research Methods Differences
Quantitative Research Methods Differences
Research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to increase the understanding of a topic or issue. Qualitative research is a type of scientific research that focuses on gathering numerical data and generalizing it across groups of people or to explain a particular phenomenon. Quantitative research studies determine relationships between dependent and independent variables within a population. These studies deal in numbers, logic and objective stance. Quantitative research usually utilizes descriptive or experimental methods (Rakap, Snyder & Pasia, 2014).
The descriptive method determines association between variables and the experimental method determines connectedness. Descriptive research is thought to be easier to do and is less suited to explain a connection between two variables; experimental research is usually seen as more import but more difficult to conduct (Sloman, 2010).
The purpose of descriptive research is to observe, describe and document the aspects of a particular situation as it naturally occurs. This involves the collection of data to provide a description of individuals, groups or situations. The characteristics of individuals and groups can be the focus of descriptive research. Descriptive statistics describe basic features of data in a study. It allows data to be presented with a simple interpretation (Sloman, 2010).
Experimental research attempts to establish cause-effect relationships among variables. An independent variable is identified but not manipulated by the experimenter. The effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable are measured. Groups are not assigned; however, the researcher must use groups that are naturally formed or pre-existing groups (Byiers, Reichle & Symons, 2012)
Descriptive methods provide a relatively complete picture of what is occurring
References: Rakap, S. S., Snyder, P., & Pasia, C. (2014). Comparison of Nonoverlap Methods for Identifying Treatment Effect in Single-Subject Experimental Research. Behavioral Disorders, 39(3), 128-145. Sloman, K.N. (2010). Research trends in descriptive analysis. The Behavior Analyst Today, 11(1), 20-35. Doi:10.103/h0100686. Byiers, B.B., Reichle, J., & Symons, F.J. (2012). Single-Subject Experimental Design for Evidence-Based Practice. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 21(4), 397-414.