Social Works Practice Res I Qualitative Versus Quantitative Research
Study Notes
Social Work Practice Research I
Topic: Qualitative Versus Quantitative Research
1. Introduction
Research in Social Work: Provides evidence to guide practice, policy, and advocacy.
Two Major Approaches:
Qualitative Research: Explores meanings, experiences, and perspectives.
Quantitative Research: Examines measurable variables using numerical data and statistical analysis.
Purpose of Comparison: Understanding differences helps social workers select appropriate methods for diverse research questions.
Key Idea: Both approaches are complementary, offering unique insights into human behavior and social environments.
2. Qualitative Research
a) Definition
Investigates phenomena through non‑numerical data such as words, narratives, and observations.
Focuses on depth, meaning, and context.
b) Characteristics
Open‑ended questions.
Flexible design.
Small, purposive samples.
Data collected through interviews, focus groups, observations, case studies.
Analysis involves coding, thematic exploration, and interpretation.
c) Strengths
Provides rich, detailed insights.
Captures lived experiences and cultural contexts.
Flexible and adaptive to emerging findings.
Useful for exploring new or complex phenomena.
Empowers participants by valuing their voices.
d) Limitations
Limited generalizability due to small samples.
Time‑consuming data collection and analysis.
Potential researcher bias in interpretation.
Difficult to replicate exactly.
3. Quantitative Research
a) Definition
Investigates phenomena using numerical data and statistical analysis.
Focuses on measurement, relationships, and generalizability.
b) Characteristics
Structured design with hypotheses.
Large, representative samples.
Data collected through surveys, experiments, standardized instruments.
Analysis involves descriptive and inferential statistics.
c) Strengths
Provides objective, measurable evidence.
Allows generalization to larger populations.
Enables statistical testing of hypotheses.
Replicable and reliable.
Useful for evaluating interventions and predicting outcomes.
d) Limitations
May overlook context and meaning.
Rigid design limits exploration of unexpected findings.
Requires large samples and resources.
Reductionist: simplifies complex human behavior into numbers.
4. Key Differences Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research
Dimension Qualitative Research Quantitative Research
Data Type Words, narratives, observations Numbers, statistics, measurements
Sample Size Small, purposive Large, representative
Design Flexible, emergent Structured, predetermined
Analysis Thematic, interpretive Statistical, mathematical
Purpose Explore meaning, context, experiences Test hypotheses, measure relationships
Generalizability Limited High
Strengths Rich detail, cultural sensitivity Objectivity, replicability
Limitations Subjectivity, time‑intensive Reductionism, rigid design
5. Mixed Methods Research
Definition: Combines qualitative and quantitative approaches in a single study.
Designs: Convergent, sequential, or embedded.
Strengths: Provides comprehensive understanding, triangulates findings.
Limitations: Resource‑intensive, requires expertise in both methods.
Application in Social Work: Evaluating interventions while exploring client perspectives.
6. Case Example
Research Question: How effective are community support programs for survivors of domestic violence?
Qualitative Approach: Interviews with survivors exploring lived experiences.
Quantitative Approach: Surveys measuring reduction in symptoms of trauma.
Mixed Methods: Combines both to provide holistic understanding.
Outcome: Rich insights into survivor experiences plus measurable evidence of program effectiveness.
7. Ethical Considerations
Qualitative: Protect confidentiality in narratives, respect cultural contexts, avoid exploitation.
Quantitative: Ensure informed consent, protect data privacy, avoid misuse of statistics.
Both: Transparency, accountability, equity, and respect for participants.
8. Choosing Between Approaches
Qualitative is suitable when:
Exploring new phenomena.
Understanding lived experiences.
Studying cultural contexts.
Quantitative is suitable when:
Testing hypotheses.
Measuring prevalence or relationships.
Evaluating interventions.
Mixed Methods is suitable when:
Both depth and breadth are needed.
Triangulation strengthens validity.
Complex questions require multiple perspectives.
9. Contemporary Issues
Digital Research: Online surveys (quantitative) and virtual interviews (qualitative).
Big Data: Expands quantitative possibilities but raises privacy concerns.
Globalization: Requires intercultural competence in both approaches.
COVID‑19 Pandemic: Highlighted need for adaptive methods (remote interviews, online experiments).
Intersectionality: Both approaches must reflect overlapping identities and experiences.
Open Science Movement: Promotes transparency and accessibility in research.
10. Implications for Social Work Practice
Evidence‑Based Interventions: Quantitative data supports measurable outcomes.
Client Empowerment: Qualitative data amplifies client voices.
Policy Advocacy: Both approaches inform systemic reforms.
Community Engagement: Inclusive research methods empower diverse populations.
Professional Growth: Enhances research literacy among social workers.
Ethical Responsibility: Ensures accountability to participants and society.
11. Conclusion
Qualitative and quantitative research are distinct yet complementary.
Qualitative emphasizes meaning, context, and lived experience.
Quantitative emphasizes measurement, generalizability, and statistical testing.
Mixed methods integrate both for comprehensive insights.
Social workers must critically select approaches based on research questions, ethical considerations, and community needs.
Ultimately, both approaches strengthen evidence‑based practice, inform policy, and empower communities.
Quiz (15 Questions)
Multiple Choice
Which type of research focuses on words, narratives, and observations? a) Quantitative b) Qualitative c) Experimental d) Statistical
Which sampling approach is typical in quantitative research? a) Purposive sampling b) Convenience sampling c) Large, representative samples d) Snowball sampling
Which analysis method is used in qualitative research? a) Regression analysis b) Thematic coding c) Correlation coefficients d) ANOVA
Which limitation is common in quantitative research? a) Subjectivity in interpretation b) Reductionism c) Limited generalizability d) Time‑intensive analysis
Which design combines qualitative and quantitative approaches? a) Case study b) Mixed methods c) Experimental d) Longitudinal
True/False
Qualitative research is always generalizable to large populations. (False)
Quantitative research provides objective, measurable evidence. (True)
Mixed methods research requires expertise in both qualitative and quantitative approaches. (True)
Qualitative research often uses small, purposive samples. (True)
Quantitative research is flexible and emergent in design. (False)
Short Answer
Define qualitative research in the context of social work practice.
Define quantitative research in the context of social work practice.
Provide one strength and one limitation of qualitative research.
Provide one strength and one limitation of quantitative research.
How can mixed methods research benefit social work practice?
Social Works Practice Res I- week 1 discussion 2
Qualitative Versus Quantitative Research
At this point, you have likely made a preliminary decision about whether a quantitative or qualitative approach would be best for your proposed study. The research question you developed likely points one way or the other. However, this Discussion is your opportunity to revisit the methodology and research question and explicitly articulate which would be most appropriate.
Also, as researchers begin to make final decisions about methodological approach and research question, they must then consider if any cultural issues might emerge related to these choices. For example, suppose a social worker planned to use a computer-based survey in a low socioeconomic area where many people are without Internet service, or a social worker chose a quantitative approach to investigate a very small marginalized population. What implications do these choices have for the population and for the study? In this Discussion, in addition to reviewing your research question and approach, you consider the cultural sensitivity of these elements.
.
BY DAY 3 (Please write out the sub headings)
To Prepare:
Review the Learning Resources on qualitative research, considering how it compares to quantitative research methodology.
By Day 4
Post a response to the following:
Identify three ways in which qualitative and quantitative research differ. After reviewing these approaches, which is a good fit for your study and why? Be sure to include your research question in your response. Based on the methodological approach for your study, how will you ensure that your approach is culturally sensitive?
Please use the Learning Resources to support your post (i.e., cite and reference).
Please write out the sub headings)
Support your post with examples from the course text and any other resources used to respond to this Discussion. Demonstrate that you have completed the required readings, understand the material, and are able to apply the concepts. Include a full reference of resources at the bottom of the post.
Course book
Research Methods for Social Workers 8TH 18
Author: Yegidis, Bonnie L.
ISBN-13: 978-0-13-451256-3
ISBN-10: 0-13-451256-1
Edition/Copyright: 8TH 18
Publisher: Allyn & Bacon, Inc.
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (Paperback) 7TH 20
Author: American Psychological Association
ISBN-13: 978-1-4338-3216-1
ISBN-10: 1-4338-3216-X
Edition/Copyright: 7TH 20
Publisher: American Psychological Association – APA
Resources
Required Readings
Yegidis, B. L., Weinbach, R. W., & Myers, L. L. (2018). Research methods for social workers (8th ed.). Pearson.
oChapter 6: Qualitative Research (pp. 126–145)
Casado, B. L., Negi, N. J., & Hong, M. (2012). Culturally competent social work research: Methodological considerations for research with language minoritiesLinks to an external site.. Social Work, 57(1), 1–10.
Required Media
Walden University Office of Research and Doctoral Services. (n.d.). Qualitative research methods: An exampleLinks to an external site. [Video]. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/research-center/student-research/methodology
Optional Resources
Teater, B. (2017). Social work research and its relevance to practice: “The gap between research and practice continues to be wide”Links to an external site.. Journal of Social Service Research, 43(5), 547-565.
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