Exploratory Research Vs Qualitative Studies

The first question is which research approach was the right way to answer the research question. Quantitative research strives to be objective: human beings, health, and illness are the objects of investigation. Such investigation has led to extraordinary biomedical advances yet patients often fail to reap the benefits because health professionals may not understand how best to deliver them in the context of patients' multifaceted lives. On the other hand Qualitative research, in which researchers listen to what patients, care givers, and health care providers have to say can provide important insights into why non-adherence occurs. Hence qualitative approach proves to be more efficient
Qualitative Research is primarily exploratory research.
It is used to gain an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations. It provides insights into the problem or helps to develop ideas or hypotheses for potential quantitative research. Qualitative Research is also used to uncover trends in thought and opinions, and dive deeper into the problem. Qualitative data collection methods vary using unstructured or semi-structured techniques. Some common methods include focus groups (group discussions), individual interviews, and participation/observations. The sample size is typically small, and respondents are selected to fulfill a given quota.
Quantitative Research is used to quantify the problem by way of generating numerical data or data that can be transformed into useable statistics. It is used to quantify attitudes, opinions, behaviors, and other defined variables – and generalize results from a larger sample population. Quantitative Research uses measurable data to formulate facts and uncover patterns in research. Quantitative data collection methods are much more structured than Qualitative data collection methods. Quantitative data collection methods include various forms of surveys – online surveys, paper surveys, mobile surveys and face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews, longitudinal studies, website interceptors, online polls, and systematic observations.