Qualitative VS Quantitative….

I think this may just be an arguement in itself without me having to say anything, but I will anyway 😀

Many people, including me have this opinion that thinks that qualitative data and research methods is a lot easier, more common sense based, and is a little wooly in terms of analysis in comparison to quantitative data. I had this firmly embedded in my brain until the past two weeks of stats lectures and seminars. Its now made me think that maybe qualitative research isnt as easy as I first perceived….

Qualitative research methods are a great way to get deep understanding of your data and the participants used in your research. Ith asks questions of why, rather than how like in quantitative research. These types of methods can be used with questionnaires, interviews, focus groups and observations, so offers a few different options. One area that I have found differs with peoples opinions is the way that the data is transribed from the actual research. Two ways that transcriptions can be done is line-by-line or Jefferson transciption. This is something that I would like to argue.

Line by line transcription is pretty simple… it is just transcribing exactly what is said during the study. Jefferson transcription is slightly different in the way it is layed out, as it has different notations to show pauses in speech, as well as volume etc, as all these things have to be noted in the transription- http://www-staff.lboro.ac.uk/ssca1/notation.htm

I personally think that Jefferson transcription is a lot easier to understand and analyse as the data appears more spread out, just making it more simple, but you do have to know the notations that are used, but I feel it does make it more scientific. However, using line by line transription does tend itself to more methids of analysis. It is commonly used in IPA, linking together common trends in the data, using what is said, as well as how it is said, like the use of laughs and pauses, changes in topic suddenly and reoccuring topics. I personally find this really interesting, looking into the reasons why people say stuff, and the reasons why they say it. I dont know if its just me, but I over-analyse everything that is said to me, especially when it is the form of text, such as on Facebook or by text, but we all do it. Ever read a text and took it completely the wrong way… Well this can happen with analysis of qualitative data. To some extent, all analysis of this form of data is subjective!!! This is not good when it is science that we are studying…

To overcome this, computer programmes, much like SPSS has been developed to transcribe and also analyses data. BUT, how can a computer analyse how something is said…it doesnt have emotions so how can it possible understand how someone is saying something??

Feel free to comment away, as I would like to know if it is just me that has kind of enjoyed qualitative stats 🙂 however be careful as I may just start analysing you every word 😛