Quantitative Vs Qualitative Research Essay

The two research methods used in nursing research are either quantitative or qualitative. The statement in the question demonstrates that the evidence from a quantitative research is more trustworthy than a qualitative research. First of all it is necessary to identify the meaning of trustworthy in a research background. In the view of Baskarada (2014) the term trustworthiness is not very easy to define on the other hand it can be seen as consisting of different components such as credibility and dependability. Thus, it is very clear that the term trustworthiness means that the research findings are credible and they can be depended upon to understand the actual reality (Gubrium and Holstein, 2009). Further, it is also necessary to understand the differences between these two methods that quantitative method is
The quantitative research focuses on testing a theory, whereas the qualitative research develops a theory. The elementary components of analysis in a quantitative research are the statistical findings and the numbers, whereas in a qualitative research the words and the narrations of the participants are analysed. In the view of Savin-Baden and Major (2013) this difference in basic elements of analysis could be the best reason to say that the evidences of quantitative research are more trustworthy than a qualitative research. Because the analysis based on numbers and statistics are more accurate and clear. The evidences of qualitative research are formed from the words and narrations of the participants thus it could be affected by the prejudices of the researcher (Gubrium and Holstein, 2009). Hence it is very clear that the quantitative research studies make use of more scientific and statistical methods of analysis which is more accurate than the personal assumptions and perceptions made by the researcher in a qualitative