2023 Volume 31 Issue 3 Pages 166-172
It is increasingly common to see studies based on qualitative methods in academic journals. However, qualitative study is still not widely, or appropriately, understood. The goal of this study was to clarify the strength of qualitative study through a comparison with quantitative study. Proper use with quantitative study based on evidence level and strength of qualitative study, and complementary use of qualitative and quantitative study in mixed methods research were also explored, as was the question of what is considered “qualitative.” Qualitative study was found to be useful in exploratory studies and hypothesis-generation, as well as in specialized studies dealing with bird’s-eye or abstract views of a topic or field. One characteristic of qualitative study was shown to be its emphasis on the “existence” of elements and relationships. In contrast, quantitative study was found to be valuable in verifying/confirmatory studies and suitable for drawing conclusions about a limited scope. The quantitative approach follows a paradigm that emphasizes “numbers.” Depending on the evidence level, the study’s purpose, and the nature of the data, it is possible to enhance quality of study to choose or combine methods for valid and reliable results.
