An introduction to quantitative and qualitative approaches for researchers

Research is important. It adds to our knowledge base, improves practice, shows which practices are effective and which are not, provides evidence to inform policy debates, and helps us as health professionals become better practitioners. Findings from research are shared at scientific meetings, conferences, and in medical journals such as this one. To be useful, research must be carried out ethically, with full disclosure of how the data were collected. The researchers must have used appropriate statistical methods to analyse their data. This is vital if we are to draw valid conclusions and potentially change practice. This paper will discuss quantitative and qualitative approaches used in research studies. By the end of this paper, you should understand the differences between the two approaches, and which is best suited for your planned research.