Examine the differences between qualitative and quantitative research

paradigms.
In research there are two main methods of research namely qualitative and quantitative. These
two methods they have their differences in scope and their approaches yet they are both equally
important in the field of research. Quantitative research is a more formal, objective, deductive
approach to problem solving yet in contrast qualitative research is more informal, subjective,
inductive approach to problem solving. Even though quantitative research has been considered
the more rigorous of the two in the past, qualitative research gained more credibility in the
science world recently. In fact both are appropriate methods for conducting research and each
method contribute greatly to the scientific body of knowledge. It is therefore the mission of this
essay to examine the differences of these two methods of research.

Before taking a deep plunge into the essay there is need to define some important terms for one
to understand the arguments that are to follow. As defined by Shaw and Lishman (2006)
qualitative research is an inalienable element of practice which aims at explaining phenomena,
leading to their prediction and control. It focuses on the gathering of mainly verbal data than that
of measurements. However Newman (2006) defines quantitative research as objective,