Topic 3 DQ 2
Two different methods for evaluating evidence include quantitative and qualitative techniques.
Quantitative techniques include methods that focus on objective measurements and analyzing numbers to draw conclusions about research subjects (Reference, 2020). This type of evaluation collects and measures data by using standard deviation, mean, average and other statistical parameters.
Qualitative is another form of research, but this does not involve numbers instead it collects information based on opinions and experiences. According to Aspers and Corte (2019), qualitative research is a process that improves the understanding of the scientific community by making new significant distinctions resulting in getting closer to the phenomenon studied. This means that the qualitative technique uses data collection without numerical measurable parameters.
Both are important in evaluating evidence, while quantitative gives actual numerical data, qualitative attempts to find an answer or a “why” to what is in question. Both qualitative and quantitative work great when used together. Qualitative does not necessarily need a large number while quantitative does collect from a larger number. The difference is that quantitative can be used to represent the general population, while qualitative can not.
When evaluating evidence, one wants to look at the article to identify the population in study and if it is appropriate for the research one is conducting. One also wants to look at the validity of the article for example if the methods and conclusions accurately reflect the end results. This includes looking at if the article is quantitative, qualitative, or both in nature.
Name two different methods for evaluating evidence. Compare and contrast these two methods.
