Unit 3: Qualitative & Quantitative Research Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the core concepts, differences, and specific terminology of qualitative and quantitative research methods as discussed in Unit 3.

Quantitative Research

A research approach that uses numbers, statistics, and measurement to test hypotheses/theories in a structured and objective manner with large samples.

Qualitative Research

A research approach that uses words, experiences, and meanings to understand perspectives and explore why/how questions in a flexible and subjective manner with smaller samples.

Mixed Methods Research

An approach that combines quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a more complete understanding, utilizing both numbers and experiences.

Positivism

The philosophical paradigm linked to quantitative research that focuses on measurement, testing, and finding patterns.

Interpretivism / Constructivism

The philosophical paradigm linked to qualitative research that focuses on meaning, experience, and understanding individual perspectives.

Quantitative Ontology (Reality)

The belief that there is one reality or one truth that exists.

Qualitative Ontology (Reality)

The belief that multiple realities or multiple truths exist.

Cross-sectional design

A quantitative study design where data is collected at one point in time, as used by Hoben et al. (2017) to compare healthcare workers.

Phenomenological approach

A qualitative approach focusing on lived experience, such as Tembo & Parker (2017) exploring ICU survivors' delusional memories.

Paradigm Conflict

A challenge in mixed methods research where the 'one truth' of quantitative research and the 'multiple truths' of qualitative research clash.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction about a relationship between variables, primarily used in quantitative research.

Phenomena

Something that is observed or experienced as a focus of research, such as patient pain, anxiety, or recovery experiences.

Statistical Data

Numerical data that can be measured and analyzed, including percentages, averages, and scores.

Textual Data

Non-numerical data consisting of words, including interview responses, descriptions, and narratives.

Themes

Common patterns or ideas found in qualitative data during analysis, such as 'fear,' 'lack of support,' or 'coping.'

Variables

Factors or elements that can change or vary, studied to understand relationships between concepts.

Independent Variable

The variable that is changed or controlled in an experiment to act as the 'cause.'

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured or affected in an experiment, representing the 'effect.'