DQ Anatomy of justice

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Difference between qualitative and quantitative research
Qualitative comes from a Greek word ‘qual’ which is used for exploring. Hence qualitative research is an exploratory study which helps researchers in gaining more knowledge of underlying opinions, motivations, and understanding. It generally puts more emphasis on the human angle of what people are feeling and thinking. It provides acumens into the issue and helps to come up with ideas or solution. This type of research is also used to reveal trends of opinions and thoughts and seek to inquire much about the problem. In qualitative research, the data collection methods used are unstructured and semi-structured techniques which include group discussions, observations, open-ended questionnaires, and individual interviews. The data gathered is not numerical in nature that is the reason why the sample is usually small in size and to fulfill the quota, respondents are selected. Qualitative research answers the questions how, what, and why. For example, government production department undertakes research on alternative drugs to determine which one to adopt for public treatment (Logio & Babbie 101).
Quantitative research, on the other hand, the problem is quantified by producing numerical data which can be converted into usable statistics. It quantifies behaviors, attitudes, defined variables and opinions and it generalizes the outcome from a sample population which is larger in size. It also uncovers patterns and formulates facts in research by use of its measurable data.

In quantitative research, the data collection methods used are the structured techniques which include surveys such as kiosks survey, online survey, mobile survey and paper surveys, telephone interviews, systematic observations, face-to-face interview, longitudinal studies, online polls, and website interceptors. Therefore, the main aim of quantitative research is to gather data which can be measured in units or numbers and answers questions like how much, how many, and how often. For example, opinion polls agency in the USA carry out quantitative research to determine the most popular politicians or Candidate (Logio & Babbie 91).
Work cited
Logio, Dowdall, & Babbie. Preparing for Criminal Justice Research. Adventures in Criminal Justice Research (2008).