Assignment 1: Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research

Under what conditions would an industrial/organizational (I/O) professional choose a qualitative research method over a quantitative research method when investigating a workplace problem or phenomenon? Support your position with at least two scholarly sources.

To help you organize your notes for this assignment, consider the following chart that provides an overview of differences between quantitative and qualitative research methodologies:

Quantitative

Qualitative

Approach

Is deductive (primarily) and then inductive

Is inductive (primarily) and then deductive

Purpose

Tests theories, makes predictions, establishes facts, and tests hypotheses

Describes multiple realities, develops a deep understanding, and captures everyday life and human perspectives

Research focus

Isolates variables, uses large samples, and collects data using tests and formal instruments

Examines the full context, interacts with a limited number of participants, and collects data face-to-face from participants

Research goals

· Confirms or disconfirms theory

· Finds central tendency, what is common

· Tests hypotheses

· Classifies participants

· Uses statistics

· Researches on participants

· Examines lived experiences

· Is particular and idiosyncratic

· Transforms society

· Empowers participants

· Has a rich description

· Researches with and for participants

Research plan

· Is developed before the study is initiated

· Is a structured, formal proposal

· Begins with an initial idea that evolves as the researcher learns more about the participants and setting

· Is a flexible and tentative proposal

Data analysis

Is mainly statistical and quantitative

Is mainly interpretive and descriptive

Results presentation

Involves a formal writing style and impersonal voice

Involves a less-formal writing style and personal voice

Submission Details:

· By the due date assigned, post your responses in a minimum of 300 words to this Discussion Area.

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