A comparison of the quantitative and qualitative research approaches: a brief teaching note

A comparison of the quantitative and qualitative research approaches: a brief teaching note (information from perplexity.ai)

My question: "Compare the quantitative and qualitative research approaches in terms of: (1) the role of the researcher, including his/ her impression management approach, (2) the nature of the instruments of measurement, (3) the view of epistemology adopted, and (4) the view of axiology adopted."

The reply: "Comparison of Quantitative and Qualitative Research Approaches

Let's explore these two approaches across four key aspects:

1. Role of the Researcher and Impression Management

• Quantitative Research: The researcher adopts an objective, detached role, aiming to minimize personal bias. They use standardized and replicable instruments to ensure consistency across studies.

• Qualitative Research: The researcher is often an active participant and interpreter, engaging deeply with the context. They are reflexive, aware of how their personal background can influence data collection and interpretation, often embracing impression management to build rapport.

2. Instruments of Measurement

• Quantitative: Instruments are structured and standardized, such as surveys with closed-ended questions, tests, or sensors. These tools generate numerical data suitable for statistical analysis.

• Qualitative: Instruments are flexible and open-ended, including interview guides, observation protocols, or artifact analysis, allowing for rich, descriptive data like narratives or themes.

3. View of Epistemology

• Quantitative: Aligns with positivism, which assumes an objective reality that can be measured and known through empirical data. Knowledge is considered value-free and discoverable via scientific methods.

• Qualitative: Reflects constructivism or interpretivism, positing that reality is socially constructed and subjective, understood through interpretation of human experiences and meanings.

4. View of Axiology

• Quantitative: Maintains a value-free stance, aiming to eliminate researcher bias so that findings are objective and neutral.

• Qualitative: Recognizes that research is value-laden, with the researcher’s perspectives influencing the process, emphasizing reflexivity and the importance of context and ethics."

A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.