Comparison of Characteristics of Quantitative and Qualitative Articles

This is a comparison of two articles, one using quantitative research methods and the other applying a qualitative research method. Although the topics of the chosen articles are different, the similarities and differences of the articles are analyzed based on the methods applied in data collection and analysis, the nature of the research questions, and the freedom the participants were given when answering the questions in each article.

Data Collection Methods and Data Collected

The article by Méndez et al. (2021) applies a quantitative approach to social work research to collect numerical and statistical data using structured questionnaires. On the other hand, Mitchell (2022) utilized a qualitative approach to social work research, conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews, and recorded and transcribed for data collection.

On research questions and participants’ freedom when answering research questions, the quantitative research article used a closed-ended questions questionnaire that the participants could not modify. On the other hand, the article using the qualitative approach used an open-ended research questions questionnaire, which allowed participants to modify their responses.

Data Analysis

The quantitative article by Méndez et al. (2021) conducted a statistical analysis of data using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), the AMOS-24 software, the SPSS-22, and structural equation models (SEM). On the other hand, the article utilizing the qualitative approach to social research used interpretative thematic analysis where data was coded using the NVivo information management system.

How the Research Approach Impacted the Outcomes

The use of the quantitative approach in the article by Méndez et al. (2021) confirmed the previously developed assumptions and produced generalizable facts based on statistical data. However, such results are superficial and narrow and do not define complex concepts specific to individuals within the society. The qualitative approach, on the other hand, applied by Mitchell (2022), gave research outcomes that well described the relationship between social workers’ attitudes and the children and young people’s feelings of misrecognition and ability to engage in social work decisions.

Social work seeks to develop timely and effective social interventions to further social justice and promote change at the micro, meso, and macro levels of social ecosystems (Mauldin, 2020). There is a need to conduct social research that develops in-depth insights into society at all levels. The qualitative approach to social work research seems to provide detailed outcomes of targeted social phenomena across society. This makes qualitative research methods better methods for use in social work.

References

Mauldin, R. L. (2020). Foundations of social work research. Mavs Open Press.

Mitchell, M. (2022). ‘Because I’m a kid…’: The struggle for recognition of children and young people involved in child and family social work. Child & Family Social Work.

Méndez Fernández, A. B., Lombardero Posada, X., Aguiar Fernández, F. X., Murcia Álvarez, E., & González Fernández, A. (2021). Professional preference for mental illness: the role of contact, empathy, and stigma in Spanish social work undergraduates. Health & Social Care in the Community.

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Comparison of Characteristics of Quantitative and Qualitative Articles

Complete a comparison of the two articles you chose in week one and week two.
What are the similarities and differences?
Were the topics you chose similar?
How did the type of research approach impact the outcomes of the study?
Did one approach stand out more as a better method to use in social work?