Quantitative & Qualitative Data

“The relationship between sales and digital marketing activities”

Do you know what kind of data will be needed for this topic? Read ahead to find out!

Research Data

Research Data are facts and figures collected to test a research hypothesis. Research data has to be accurate to perform a quality study. Your chosen topic will help decide the data type of your research. Any topic that tests impact will lead to the selection of quantitative data.

Quantitative vs Qualitative

For quantitative data, numbers are used in the collection and presentation of data. Words like “impact” “Effect of” and “Relation between” could be used in the topic. Here is an example of quantitative research’s topic:

‘’TO ASSESS THE IMPACT OF INFLUENCER MARKETING ON IMPROVING BRAND AWARENESS IN THE USA”

Qualitative data is based on observations, emotions and descriptions. These are non-quantifiable elements. Words like “State”, “Understanding” and “Analyze” could be used in the topic. Here is an example of qualitative research’s topic:

“EFFECT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE SMALL AND MEDIUM BUSINESS IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY.”

Research philosophy:

This defines how you gather, analyze and use the data for your particular research.
In quantitative research, we use positivism which tests cause and effect relations whereas qualitative interpretivism is used which provides the reader with a detailed understanding of the topic from a different point of view.

Research philosophy helps gather and analyze data. The research philosophy that is used is quantitative is positivism to test the cause and effect relation. In qualitative interpretivism is used which gives a detailed understanding of the topic with a different point of view.

Research approach:

The deductive approach helps test an existing theory and the Inductive approach develops a new theory.
Qualitative research uses an inductive approach as it is for innovative topics. Quantitative study tests existing theories therefore the deductive approach is used.

Research design:

There are two types of research designs, exploratory and conclusive. Conclusive research design tests and provides findings for the study and concludes it. Exploratory research design leaves a gap to be fulfilled by future studies. In qualitative research, both designs can be followed however in quantitative just an exploratory design is followed.

Data Analysis:

Analyzing data is different in both approaches, in quantitative research statistical tests like validity and regression can be used which help test the impact of chosen variables. Qualitative data is analyzed through different methods which are:

1. Thematic Analysis

2. Content Analysis

3. Discourse Analysis

Mixed Data

Mixed data is used when quantitative and qualitative methods are used in research. This could include a collection of surveys while simultaneously taking interviews to test the result of those surveys.

Data Collection

Quantitative data collection is quantifiable. Surveys and experiments can be used.

Qualitative data collection methods may include interviews with open-ended questions and focus groups.

How to Choose Your Data Type

Data type depends on your topic and the requirements you have to fulfil. If you are needed to test the impact of one variable on another you will have to choose quantitative research.

Qualitative data can be used when a hypothesis is being developed for further testing and when non-quantifiable factors are to be tested.

Now, do you know which data type will be used in the example we first discussed? Since the topic states “Relationship” quantitative data will be used to test one variable against the other.

Hope this blog helped you! Don’t forget to follow me for more Dissertation Help through informative blogs & feel free to share your feedback with me.