What key difference exists between qualitative and quantitative research methods?

The key difference between qualitative and quantitative research methods lies in the nature of the data they produce. Qualitative research is designed to provide descriptive data, often exploring opinions, motivations, and feelings through methods such as interviews, focus groups, or open-ended surveys. It aims to gain a deeper understanding of a subject by collecting non-numerical information that captures the complexity of human experiences.

On the other hand, quantitative research focuses on generating statistical data, employing structured methods like surveys with fixed responses or experiments that can measure variables numerically. This approach allows researchers to quantify behaviors, opinions, or trends and is often used to test hypotheses or establish relationships between variables through statistical analysis.

This distinction is critical in determining which method to use based on research objectives, as qualitative research is valuable for exploration and understanding, while quantitative research is essential for measuring and generalizing results across larger populations.