Qualitative Research In Nursing

The purpose of this discussion post is to show the difference between qualitative methods and quantitative research methods relating to nursing. In the table below, you will find a comparison and contrast between five different elements for both of these methods. I will also provide a sample of each method approach and why this method would be chosen.

Qualitative Methods Quantitative Methods
Data is analyzed from descriptions of informants-Descriptive language Researcher remains detached from the study and sample, does not influence and data reported through statistical analyses-abstract language
Informants are relevant in relation to the problems and meaning Chosen informants must represent the target group
Conducts inquiry in subjective, biased manner researcher can remain involved in the research and the situation Conducts the inquiry in an unbiased, objective manner and the researcher remains detached
Unique outcomes-understand what, how and why Predictability and control
Sample size is small and looking to explore a purpose Sample size is large with sound results and often uses random sampling
Data collected is non-numerical and uses words to describe from subjective data. Data
By using a systematic approach, information is gathered and analyzed by measurement. Methods can include surveys conducted or yes or no questions. These measurements are turned into numbers (Sutherland, Goulson, Potts, & Dicks, 2011). This can be turned into a quantity, an amount, frequency, or intensity. An example of quantitative research could be to study the mortality rate of elderly patients over 80 years old, who have fractured their hip and entered a nursing rehabilitation center, after release from the hospital. By using this method, you get a numerical definite resulting in a measureable way to determine the statistics of deaths that occur when the elderly fracture a