Strengths
Study findings can be generalized to the population about which
information is required.
Samples of individuals, communities, or organizations can be
selected to ensure that the results will be representative of the population
studied.
Structural factors that determine how inequalities (such as gender
inequalities) are produced can be analyzed.
QUANT estimates can be obtained of the magnitude and
distribution of impacts.
QUANT estimates can be obtained of the costs and benefits of
interventions.
Clear documentation can be provided regarding the content and
application of the survey instruments so that other researchers can assess
the validity of the findings.
Standardized approaches permit the study to be replicated in
different areas or over time with the production of comparable findings.
It is possible to control for the effects of extraneous variables that
might result in misleading interpretations of causality (although this can be
challenging in the natural settings of evaluations).
 
 
Weaknesses
Many kinds of information are difficult t
structured data collection instruments, particularly
as domestic violence or income.
Many groups such as sex workers, drug u
squatters and ethnic minorities are always difficul
problems are often greater for QUANT data colle
Self-reported information obtained from
inaccurate or incomplete.
There is often no information on contextu
interpret the results or to explain variations in beh
with similar economic and demographic character
The administration of a structured questio
unnatural situation that may alienate respondents.
Studies are expensive and time-consumin
preliminary results are usually not available for a
Research methods are inflexible because
modified once the study begins.
Reduction of data to numbers results in lo
The correlations produced (e.g., between
gender, and access to services or benefits) may m
causes or realities.
Untested variables may account for progr
Errors in the hypotheses tested may yield
program quality or influential factors.
Errors in the selection of procedures for d
significance can result in erroneous findings regar
♦ Quantitative Research
There are many researches taking place, which results into the evolution of
something new and unique. Researchers have two options to conduct their
research: Quantitative and Qualitative method. Quantitative research is
dependent on the creation of Hypothesis followed by accurate analysis of the
statistics in order to understand and explain the research findings. It focuses
more on the quantity of things and their statistical patterns. Using the number
it comes to an analysis so as to come to a conclusion. Quantitative research
method has proven to be beneficial in the following ways
 It provides an allowance on the formulation of statistically sound
 Quantitative data provides a macro view with all the required details
and comparatively larger samples.
 Larger sample sizes enable the conclusion to be generalized.
 Evaluation of the multiple data sets can be done at once and that too at
a faster pace and accurately.
 This method is called to be appropriate when there is a need of
systematic and standardised comparisons.
 The manual implementations of ideas can be automated completely
which can save time.
↬ Weaknesses of Quantitative Data
 Quantitative Method reveals what and to what extent but often fails to
answer more on why and how.
 This type of research requires the model performance to be monitored
on constant basis in order to ensure its compliance with the original
hypotheses.
 The impression of homogeneity in a sample may turn out to be fake in
this method.
 This method involves limited number of Quants supply and also
involves complex disciplines which are hard to master.
♦ Qualitative Research
It is more focused on exploring the issues, understanding the actual problem
and enabling oneself to answer all the questions. Qualitative Research
Method is more dependent on deriving the value of variables in their natural
setting. The data via this method is collection by asking open ended questions
and serving with the direct quotations. Qualitative can be beneficial in the
following ways
 All the problems and the topics covered under this research are in
detail.
 This method majorly focuses on small groups which ultimately do not
require more expenses when compared to quantitative research.
 On the emergence of new developed information and findings, the
revision, direction and framework of the data can be done easily quickly.
 The data is collected from a small group which bounds it to be
universal for a large population.
 The data with this method is collected based on genuine efforts and
gives a clear vision on what can be expected.
↬ Weaknesses of Qualitative Research
 As the data is collected for a small group, due to which assumptions
cannot be made beyond the small group of people.
 It becomes difficult to demonstrate, maintain and assess the rigidity of
the data.
 Collection of statistical data is not easy and cannot be done solely by
using this method.
 As the data is in big quantity, analysis and interpretation of the data
takes much time.
 The responses of the subjects might be affected as the researchers are
bound to be present during the process of data gathering.