Differences Between Qualitative and Quantitative Types of Dissertation

Comparing Literature Reviews
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Comparing Literature Reviews
The structures and characteristics of Qualitative and quantitative types of the dissertation have several differences, with each leading to a unique route. Qualitative research is essential for experimental purposes. It provides an understanding of the motivations, opinions, and reasons behind a certain subject. They give insights into a particular issue and, thus work as a hypothesis for a future quantitative study. Quantitative analysis, on the other hand, enumerates the issue at hand via numerical data which need to be interpreted using arithmetical means in order to conclude. As such, while qualitative involves people’s attitudes, opinions, thoughts, and feelings, quantitative deals with hard facts. When it comes to sampling, qualitative literature utilizes purposive, while quantitative apply random sampling.
Qualitative dissertations use either unstructured or semi-structured methods of data collection while in quantitative, data is gathered through systematic observations and surveys. Such a dissertation applies qualitative research methods like a participant and focuses on group observation as well as unstructured interviews. In regards to the structure, these dissertations involve a particular approach toward the choice of a research strategy, the research process, formation of research questions, development and application of theory, and how the findings are discussed and presented.
Quantitative dissertations tend to build on theories by adopting an original approach or approaches based on some form of replication. They provide answers to quantitative research, research questions, or hypothesis. The research methods applied in these dissertations generate quantitative data. Also, they draw heavily on statistical analysis methods to analyze the data collected regardless of whether it is inferential or descriptive.
Rationale for the Difference between Watkins’ and Mulligan’s Dissertations
Watkins’ dissertation can be viewed to be quantitative since it is more subjective and relies on the opinions of other scholars. Danielle Mulligan’s dissertation can be regarded as qualitative as it is more objective comprising of interpretative approaches based on the current problem. The two differ in their meaning and applications, the sampling method used, what each is meant to achieve, as well as whether the research is exploratory or conclusive.
Watkins’ dissertation is explorative and has several questions lingering around the discussion subject. The study explores how professional learning community models were developed and implemented; focusing on how teachers perceived participating in PLC affected their professional growth (T.M., Watkins 2016). The research is based on the opinions of scholars and their theoretical grounds around the topic and not on a conclusive...