PEER 1
1 . Some fields have a greater appreciation for qualitative methods than others. Please discuss two examples of one field that uses qualitative research and another that doesn’t use that research methodology.
One example is how sociology heavily relies on qualitative research methods to understand social phenomena, patterns, and interactions. Qualitative approaches such as interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic observation allow sociologists to explore complex social structures, cultural norms, and individual experiences. Qualitative research in sociology provides rich, in-depth insights into societal issues such as inequality, identity, and social change. If conducted well, qualitative research can answer specific research questions that cannot be adequately answered using (only) quantitative designs (Busetto et al., 2020).
Another example is how math primarily employs quantitative research methods to study abstract concepts, mathematical structures, and numerical relationships. Quantitative approaches such as mathematical modeling, statistical analysis, and theorem proving are central to mathematical research. While qualitative methods may occasionally inform mathematical inquiry, the discipline typically emphasizes rigorous deductive reasoning and formal proofs, which align more closely with quantitative methodologies. Using qualitative in addition to quantitative designs will equip us with better tools to address a greater range of research problems, and to fill in blind spots in current neurological research and practice (Busetto et al., 2020).
2. What do you feel nursing general attitude toward qualitative research is, based on your reading of the literature or your personal experience?
Based on my personal experience, nursing’s attitude toward qualitative research has evolved positively over time. Initially, nursing research predominantly focused on quantitative methodologies to investigate clinical outcomes and interventions. Qualitative research is the study of phenomena and is especially appropriate for answering questions of why something is (not) observed, assessing complex multi-component interventions, and focusing on intervention improvement (Busetto et al., 2020). However, there has been a growing recognition of the value of qualitative research in nursing. Qualitative approaches are increasingly utilized to explore patients, families, and healthcare providers’ subjective experiences, perspectives, and meanings. Nursing researchers have embraced qualitative research as a vital tool for understanding health and illness’s psychosocial, cultural, and contextual dimensions. Qualitative research in nursing has contributed significantly to advancing evidence-based practice, promoting patient-centered care, and addressing healthcare disparities.
3. What is the difference between Quantitative and Qualitative research methodologies in creating knowledge?
Quantitative research employs numerical data and statistical analysis to measure variables, test hypotheses, and establish patterns or relationships. It seeks to generalize findings and draw objective conclusions based on empirical evidence. Quantitative science mainly relies on variable-based models and usually employs a top-down strategy of generalization from an abstract population to individual cases (Borgstede & Scholz, 2021). Quantitative research often uses structured instruments such as surveys, experiments, and standardized assessments to collect data systematically. It is characterized by its emphasis on objectivity, precision, and replicability.
Qualitative research focuses on exploring subjective experiences, meanings, and interpretations through in-depth observation, interviews, and textual analysis. It seeks to understand the complexities of human behavior, culture, and social phenomena within their natural contexts. Qualitative research emphasizes rich, descriptive data, allowing researchers to uncover nuances, patterns, and insights that quantitative approaches may overlook. Qualitative research draws from interpretive and constructivist paradigms, seeking to deeply understand a research subject rather than predict outcomes, as in the positivist paradigm (Tomaszewski et al., 2020). It prioritizes flexibility, reflexivity, and the researcher’s interpretive engagement with the data.
References
Busetto, L., Wick, W., & Gumbinger, C. (2020). How to use and assess qualitative research methods. Neurological research and practice, 2, 14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42466-020-00059-z
Borgstede, M., & Scholz, M. (2021). Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches to Generalization and Replication-A Representationalist View. Frontiers in psychology, 12, 605191. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.605191
Tomaszewski, L. E., Zarestky, J., & Gonzalez, E. (2020). Planning Qualitative Research: Design and Decision Making for New Researchers. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 19. https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406920967174
