Some characteristics of qualitative research include collecting data through interviewing,
participant observations, and examination of personal documents and other printed materials
(Ryan et al., 2007). Therefore, the sample size is small. Researchers using qualitative methods
tend to focus on smaller samples of a particular population chosen for a specific reason. The
researchers study the population in an in-depth and holistic manner. The researcher and the
participants require interaction, and information is presented narratively rather than in
numerical form. Qualitative research searches for meaning, although both quantitative and
qualitative methods can include numbers, text, and visuals (Ryan & Bernard, 2010, as cited in
Maul et al., 2022). A difference between both is that readers may encounter that qualitative
researchers tend to provide separate sections for sampling and recruitment (Maul et al., 2022).
Although there may be many differences between qualitative and quantitative, they can be used
simultaneously in a study. Hopefully, it will not be difficult to choose once we begin with our
dissertations.
Maul, J., Greenberger, S., & Bridges, S. (2022). Reading qualitative research. In Grand Canyon
University (Ed.),
GCU doctoral research: The literature landscape
(2
nd
ed., pp.
137–166). Grand Canyon
University.
https://bibliu.com/app/#/view/books/1000000000599/epub/Chapte
r5.html#page_137
Ryan, F., Coughlan, M., & Cronin, P. (2007). Step-by-step guide to critiquing research. Part 2:
Qualitative research.
British Journal of Nursing, 16
(12), 738–
744.
http://doi.org/10.12 968/bjon.2007.16.12.23726
