Introduction
Gathering information, documenting facts, and searching for information in an unsystematic way could be tagged in an erroneous manner as research, whereas research on the other hand is something which is aptly structured investigation about a phenomenon. This investigation would be with a specific reason for fact verification and arriving at logical conclusions. Though knowledge sources are several, researchers in the domain of social science rely on process that are organized to verify social facts and such organized structures are on the other hand termed as methods for research (Library, 2012). Deliberations pertaining to the choice of method has been an issue that has emerged once more however, it is not restricted to the domain of social sciences alone. Rather it is evident across all academic domains. Also such a re-emergence is not something that was unexpected as an outcome of the significance linked with the choice of a research method.
Quantitative Approach
Quantitative research is considered as an organized inquiry for investigating a phenomenon by gathering numerical data and conducting a mathematical, statistical or computational technique (Apuke, 2017a). Quantitative research writing is based on the paradigm of positivism which supports approaches that are entrenched within statistical breakdown and comprises of varied strategies such as, hypothesis testing, quasi-experimental and experimental design and randomization, structured protocols, inferential statistics, mathematical exposition, blinding and questionnaires that had a limited type of pre-set responses. The objectives for quantitative research are such that they can be measured and it cannot be bifurcated from hypothesis and variables. In this case, variables are concepts that tend to vary which could assume several values. At the same time, hypotheses are prepositions of assumptions that are yet to be tested regarding the association between variables. As per (Hakansson, 2013), survey, ex-post facto, case study and experimental research are a few of the regularly used quantitative research approaches in UK dissertations.
Data Collection Methods
Quantitative methods of data collection are dependent on random sampling and structured instruments for collecting data, which is appropriate for varied experiences into response categories that have been pre-determined. Results that are derived through quantitative data collection methods tend to generate results that makes it easy for summarizing, generalizing and comparing (Buchanan, 1981). Data collection can either be primary or secondary in nature and usually data for quantitative UK dissertation research writing is done through surveys using questionnaires as an instrument of data collection. Questionnaires can either be structured or unstructured. Data can be collected through questionnaires by organizing personal interviews, mailed questionnaires or through telephones.
Similarities and Differences between Qualitative and Quantitative Research Approaches
Qualitative research is one where insights and understanding of a problem setting is offered and it is rather unstructured and exploratory research method that investigates highly intricate phenomenon which cannot be explained through quantitative research (Cropley, 2015). On the other hand, quantitative research would refer to a type of research that depends on the technique of natural sciences that is known to generate hard facts and numerical data. It attempts to establish cause and effect association amongst two variables with the help of computational, statistical and mathematical techniques (Apuke, 2017b).
The only similarities that exist within both the research approaches (quantitative and qualitative) is data collection. Both the approaches warrant the need for data collection. But the difference here would relate to the type of data collected, mostly in qualitative research the data tends to be in textual format which then requires to be thematically coded and analysed. Both require questionnaires for data collection wherein the only difference being that qualitative research uses semi-structured questionnaires while quantitative uses structured questionnaires.
Justifying a Suitable Research Approach for Business & Technology
The choice of quantitative research approach for business or technology research is justified as quantitative approaches are the dominant research framework that are being extensively utilized within the domain of social sciences. It focuses on finding answers to specific questions by investigating psychological, social and economic procedures by exploring numerical patterns. Data that is collected is collected from a small sample size of the overall population which facilitates the findings from quantitative research to be generalized.
Conclusion
Given the rate at which researches have been carried out within academic domains and also in the realm of business into account, adopting a specific method or approach for research would hinge mostly on many factors. Nonetheless, it has been reiterated by Noor (2008), that the kind of research problems were instrumental in deciding the research approach that would be chosen. As per the aspects of quantitative methods mentioned above, it is possible that a researcher is attracted to choose a specific approach as one that is the most superlative. Nonetheless, it is imperative to keep in mind that every research method has its own weaknesses and strengths and also compatibility, in tandem with other strategies.
References
- Apuke, O.D. 2017a. Quantitative Research Methods : A Synopsis Approach. Kuwait Chapter of Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review. (6)11,. pp. 40–47.
- Apuke, O.D. 2017b. Quantitative Research Methods : A Synopsis Approach. Kuwait Chapter of Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review. (6)11,. pp. 40–47.
- Buchanan, M.E. 1981. Methods of data collection. AORN Journal. (33)1,.
- Cropley, A. 2015. Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods.
- Hakansson, A. 2013. Portal of Research Methods and Methodologies for Research Projects and Degree Projects. 2013. SvenskaNorsk.
- Library, O.T. 2012. Principles of Sociological Inquiry – Qualitative and Quantitative Methods.
- Noor, K.B.M. 2008. Case Study: A Strategic Research Methodology. American Journal of Applied Sciences. (5)11,. pp. 1602–1604.
