Research

Abstract This paper seeks to do a comparative analysis of two research designs and to determine the most appropriate (or preferable) model/approach/method. Research methods are “techniques that researchers use to structure a study and to gather and analyze information relevant to the research question” Polit and Beck (2012). Primary data collection is often equated with quantitative and qualitative research methods. “Quantitative research tends to rely on deductive reasoning for hypothesis testing” while “Qualitative research often relies on inductive reasoning to generate hypotheses and theories” Leacock, Warrican & Rose (2009). Keywords: Research design, primary data, quantitative research, qualitative research.

Introduction to Research Methods
Research methods are “techniques that researchers use to structure a study and to gather and analyze information relevant to the research question” Polit and Beck (2012).
Research data comes from two core types of collection methodologies:
1. Secondary sources
2. Primary research activities
Secondary data is collected from resources that have already been published for example books, magazines, journals, periodicals, the internet and so forth.
Primary data collection is often equated with quantitative and qualitative research methods. Social surveys and experiments are frequently viewed as prime examples of quantitative research and are evaluated against the strengths and weaknesses of statistical, quantitative research methods and analysis. Case studies, on the other hand, are often seen as prime examples of qualitative research which adopts an interpretive approach to data, studies `things' within their context and considers the subjective meanings that people bring to their situation.
Overview of Quantitative Research
This scientific methodology is said to be traditional and is closely allied to positivism. Here information is collected in a systematic way that is, orderly disciplined procedures are used to acquire information. “The investigator progress logically through a series of steps, according to a specified plan of action” Polit and Beck (2012). Deductive reasoning is used to generate predictions that are tested in the real world. Empirical evidence is collected, rooted in objective reality and gathered through the senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell. The information gathered is numerical – obtained from a formal measurement and is then analyzed statistically. Quantitative researchers are interested in understanding what factors influences the occurrence of a particular illness in a population generally as opposed to understanding why a particular person has a problem. In quantitative studies, experimental and non-experimental studies are conducted. “Quantitative research tends to rely on deductive reasoning for hypothesis testing” Leacock, Warrican & Rose (2009).
Overview of Qualitative Research
In this type of study mainly narrative data is collected. This type of data is usually obtained by “having conversations with participants, by making notes about how participants behave in natural settings, or by obtaining narrative records such as diaries” Polit and Beck (2010). In other words by interviews, field notes from observations or data from texts viz documents, journals, diaries and the likes. “Analysis tends to involve coding for themes, patterns, anomalies, key events or anything else that can shed light on the phenomenon being investigated” Leacock, Warrican & Rose (2009). “Qualitative research often relies on inductive reasoning to generate hypotheses and theories” Leacock, Warrican & Rose (2009).

Quantitative versus Qualitative Research Design
The type of research design that is chosen by a researcher would be influenced by the overall objective of the research. This is because depending on the subject matter and intent of a research exercise, it would be apparent that a particular approach is preferable - that one ought to adopt a quantitative approach rather than a qualitative approach.
Quantitative Research rely on deductive reasoning for hypothesis testing while qualitative research on the other hand relies on inductive reasoning to generate hypotheses and theories. Both play a critical role in research study and both have their limitations. However, if I am to choose between the two I would select the Quantitative design. This design decision is influenced by the philosophical perspective of “positivist”. “The positivist holds the view that knowledge is objective, absolute and unchanging as in the case of quantitative research. While the anti-positivist (qualitative) sees it as subjective and relative” Leacock, Warrican & Rose (2009). I chose it also because of what I plan to do for my research project in Semester 3. If one is seeking to discover underlying reason for a particular observable trend, then a particular approach is more appropriate, in this case, the quantitative approach.
Advantages of Quantitative Research
The advantages of conducting a quantitative research as opposed to qualitative are numerous and include but not limited to the following:
 Testing and validating already constructed theories about how and why phenomena occur.
 Testing hypotheses that are constructed before the data are collected.
 Research findings can be generalized when the data is based on random samples of sufficient size.
 Data collection using some quantitative methods is relatively quick (e.g., telephone interviews).
 Provides precise, quantitative, numerical data.
 Data analysis is relatively less time consuming (using statistical software)
 The research results are relatively independent of the researcher (e.g., statistical significance).
 It may have higher credibility with many people in power (e.g., administrators, politicians, people who fund programs).
There are also some limitations to this design which includes:
 The researcher might miss out on phenomena occurring because of the focus on theory or hypothesis testing rather than on theory or hypothesis generation (called the confirmation bias).
 It can be more costly than using qualitative research.

Conclusion
Research is critical in the decision-making process. Having current, pertinent data permits leaders to make informed and appropriate choices. If the required information is not readily available, then by utilizing the appropriate technique or method, a researcher can provide the requisite data to assist in guiding policies.