Question

Discuss the pros and cons of qualitative vs. quantitative techniques in data collection.

Answer 1

The pros and cons of qualitative techniques in data collection are:

Quantitative techniques

Pros:

• Quantitative data collection techniques are more objective and reliable.As statistical analysis is used to interpret the relationship between the variables chances of inaccuracy due to biases is reduced.
• Quantitative data techniques are faster and allows to generalize for a larger population. As quantitative data techniques involves numerical interpretation, are faster to interpret. It also involves large samples that allows interpretations or generalizing results for larger and broader population.

Cons

• Analysis for smaller samples are not possible with these techniques in data collection.
• Only general information or interpretation can be done because of it's quantitative nature. Details are missed due to this.
• Is costlier as it requires large number of samples for the Interpretation of data.

Qualitative techniques

Pros.

• Qualitative data collection techniques allows in-depth analysis of the concepts or data. It enables to collect each and every minute information related to the the topic.
• Qualitative data collection techniques can be used for smaller sample group with ease.
• Is more economical than the quantitative techniques.

Pros

• Is subjective in nature of analysis and is prone to research bias compared to the quantitative techniques.
• Cannot be applied for generalizing for larger and broader population.