Qualitative versus Quantitative Resources in Literature Review

When writing a literature review, one needs to carefully differentiate between quantitative and qualitative research. Though both resources are essential for a holistic overview of the theoretical framework, the choice of the academic literature should remain consistent with the methodology chosen. At its core, quantitative resources seek causation or explanation through the usage of numerical data, while qualitative build an understanding of phenomena through descriptive inquiry.

On the one hand, quantitative sources use precise, objective, and measurable data that can be interpreted with statistical analysis. According to Salvador, the goal of such research lies in the formation of generalized, predictable statements with the usage of deductive thinking (1852). With a strictly controlled research design, resources comprise a controlled representation of the reality (Salvador 1853). In literature review, quantitative sources serve as mere exhibits of precise measurements, testing hypotheses, and mathematical formulas.

On the other hand, qualitative sources are frequently focused on meaning and may be descriptive in nature. As suggested by Aspers and Corte, the data utilized contains words, images, and behaviors (141). With the help of inductive thinking, researchers rely on the principle of categorization, embedding results on the larger scale of cultural and historical context (Hammamberg, et al 499). In literature review, qualitative sources are used as means of exploring concepts and building phenomena through complexity of voices.

In my literature review, I choose sources based on the topic and merit cause of the research. When investigating nursing attitudes toward shift work, for example, I gave preference to qualitative sources since they provided utmost explanation for the healthcare professionals’ behavior. Yet, quantitative resources proved to be useful in the analysis of readmission rates to the hospital. Ultimately, before opting for one of the aforementioned research types, one needs to consider the scope of the study and its primary functions.

Works Cited

Aspers, Patrik, and Ugo Corte. “What is Qualitative in Qualitative Research.” Qualitative Sociology, vol. 42, no. 2, 2019, pp. 139-160. Web.

Hammamberg, Karin, et al. “Qualitative Research Methods: When to Use Them and How to Judge Them.” Human Reproduction, vol. 31, no. 3, 2016, pp. 498-501. Web.

Salvador, Jordan Tovera. “Exploring Quantitative and Qualitative Methodologies: A Guide to Novice Nursing Researchers.” European Scientific Journal, vol. 12, no. 18, 2016, pp. 1857-7781. Web.