Differentiate between quantitative and qualitative research and ...

[cabate]

Differentiate between quantitative and qualitative research and give examples of each.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

We act on reality as we see it. Sociologists describe this process as the __________, meaning that we analyze a social context in which we find ourselves, determine what is in our best interest, and adjust our attitudes and actions accordingly.
 
  a. reality impression
 b. definition of the situation
 c. interactionist dialogue
 d. self-fulfilling prophecy

[yeungji]

Answer to Question 1

With quantitative research, the goal is scientific objectivity, and the focus

is on data that can be measured numerically. It typically emphasizes

complex statistical techniques. Most sociological studies on suicide have

used quantitative research. They have compared rates of suicide with

almost every conceivable variable, including age, sex, race/ethnicity,

education, and even sports participation.

By contrast, with qualitative research, interpretive description (words) rather than statistics

(numbers) is used to analyze underlying meanings and patterns of social relationships. An

example of qualitative research is a study in which the researcher systematically analyzed

the contents of the notes of suicide victims to determine recurring themes, such as a feeling

of despair or failure.

Through this study, the researcher would hope to determine if any patterns could be found

that would help in understanding why people might kill themselves.

Answer to Question 2

b