Qualitative data collects information in a way that describes a topic rather than measures it. This type of research helps the researcher to gather detailed information rather than measurable data. This can prove beneficial in the initial stages of research in order to discover problems or opportunities. A qualitative survey’s purpose is to get more insights into the topic such as the attitudes, thinking, and motivations of the audience. This form of research brings depth in terms of your understanding, however, it is harder to analyze and measure.
Quantitative data is designed to collect facts that do not rely on perception. It is more structured and statistical and utilizes numbers so that it is measurable and allows the researcher to draw general conclusions from the research.
There are various types of research questions that are best suited for qualitative vs. quantitative research.
- Open-ended questions
Open-ended questions allow researchers to ascertain more meaningful data as respondents have the opportunity to give more feedback such as their attitudes, thinking, and motivations through a text box. These questions are suited for qualitative research.
Open-ended question examples
- How would you describe your personality?
- Why did you choose this master’s program?
- What is it like to live in Miami?
- Closed-ended questions
These questions require a simple yes or no answer or a one-word answer in most cases. This allows you to find out quick bits of information. This can be suited for both quantitative and qualitative research.
Closed-ended questions examples
- Do you enjoy your master’s program?
- Are you living in Miami?
- Rating questions
A rating question allows the researcher to gauge how the research audience would rate something on a scale. This question allows you to gauge the opinions of the audience utilizing numbers. This question type is most suited to quantitative research.
Rating questions examples
- How would you rate our service out of 5?
- How many stars would you give the MSM program?
- Likert scale questions
Likert scale questions allow you to find out what the audience thinks about certain topics. Generally, they come in 5, 7, or 9-point scales. This type of question is suited to quantitative research.
Likert scale questions examples
- Do you agree that FIU has the best MSM program in Florida?
- How satisfied are you today with our customer service?
- Multiple-choice questions
Multiple choice questions are the most popular survey question type. They allow your respondents to select one or more options from a list of answers that you define. They’re intuitive, easy to use in different ways, help produce easy-to-analyze data, and provide mutually exclusive choices. This type of question can be best suited in both qualitative and quantitative research.
Multiple choice questions examples
- What is the capital of Jamaica? Clarendon | Kingston | St. Ann | Portland
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