Introduction
The use of methodology is very central to research in any field. In medical practice, qualitative and quantitative approaches are used in the analysis of statistical and analytical data to inform research findings. The two commonly used research methodologies are quantitative and qualitative methods, both of which have got their unique significance in the field of research. In medical practice disciplines, the two methods of research are used in verifying empirical data. This paper seeks to look at the possible differences and similarities that are inherent in the two approaches to research, and their likely intersectional point in medical practice, with specific reference to the intensive care unit of medical institutions.
Quantitative Research
Research plays a very important role in the analysis of phenomenon. Whatever the field, empirical investigation plays a pivotal role in deducing vital inferences and their subsequent application in solving problems. In undertaking research, either quantitative or qualitative data is utilized.
Quantitative research is the systematized and numerical approach in investigating a phenomenon. Mathematical models of analyzing data to explain relationships between variables are utilized, which in turn contributes to decision making (Stevens, et al 2003). Equally, theory and hypotheses are of essence in this analysis relative to the nature of the phenomenon under investigation. Size is also very central in quantitative research in choice of sample populations. Quantitative research seeks to find a concrete relationship between practical observations and their numerical properties.
Quantitative research mainly utilizes scientific approaches that will assist in the generation of models hypotheses and theories that can have general application. Subsequently this type of research develops instruments and methods for measuring and testing the accuracy of the outcome during the time of actual application. Within quantitative research controls and manipulation of the important variable is done to arrive at accurate research findings and conclusions.
Prior to the real case analysis, numerical data is empirically collected and used “in the development of models and theories that can lend themselves to a wide spectrum of applications” (Lucignani, 2007).
During the analysis of data for quantitative research, relationships that are casual in orientation are studied through the manipulation of factors thought to be influencing the phenomenon of interest. For instance, if nicotine content in the body is believed to directly influence the rate of lung cancer infection, then the research methodology will involve collecting data on the number of cigarettes smoked by the sample population, and their health status over time.
In medical practice, the method is applied in determining the prominence of a given characteristic, such as weight loss. This would give the medic insight into the probable causes of the impending weight loss, i.e. whether it is due to dieting or exercising. Nonetheless, quantitative research is common in media surveys to determine popular preferences among the public, due to its accuracy in providing empirical data. Statistic of import in this survey would be the proportion of the respondents that are in favor of the phenomenon in question or those against the phenomenon.
In medical research, quantitative research techniques could be used to gauge the right dosage in drug prescriptions. For instance, the effects of medication could be determined by analyzing body responses to various degrees of medication, so as to avoid over or under prescription of drugs. Ultimately the differences in the response of the patients will give sufficient insight into the effectiveness of the different prescriptions (Sulery, 2002).
A variety of methods are put to use in the gathering and analysis of the required and collected data respectively. They include surveys which collect data on preferences, opinions or rate of occurrence of a phenomenon. Statistical tables are used in the recording of the collected data, indicating the numerical values of each variable. Statistical graphs are used in the analysis of the collected data to test the accuracy of the hypothesis, either by confirming or refuting its assumptions.
Qualitative Research
Qualitative research, on the other hand, is termed as a non numerical approach to the verification of assumptions. It involves the collection of non-numerical information and the subsequent explanation of the attributes. For instance, a research approach to evaluate the effect of deformed children on parenting will consider attitudes and character traits instead of numerical features such as the number of deformed children in a given area.
In qualitative research, the position taken by the research is of great importance as it directs the research process. Besides, the contextual location and the characteristics to be studied are very important in determining research procedures and methodology (Tsai, et al, 2004). In the above case, for instance, interviews and observations will be useful in determining how parents respond to deformities during birth. This is due to the fact that the researcher in qualitative research may opt to take a transcendental role, i.e. making subjective judgments on the observations made. However, such positioning of the research methodology is viewed as problematic in the field of philosophy and practical sciences, where the researcher is actively involved in argumentative speculations, which often reflect personal views and assumptions. One famous argument was by Socrates, when he questioned whether men do what they regard as right because the gods command so, or because the acts are righteous in themselves. If the former, then the gods could be subjective and biased, thus their opinion is not necessarily correct. But if righteous actions are such by their nature, then they are arbitrary and no one knows what is right or wrong. That is the hopelessness of a qualitative approach in disciplines where collection of data is virtually impossible.
Qualitative research is seen as being more inclined on the language, meaning and the signs that are inherent. It focuses on analysis unlike the quantitative methods which are reductionist in nature, in that they examine the varying relationships between variables in relation to numerical prominence. This notwithstanding, transparent and systematic approach is quite pivotal for the purposes of rigor in the process of the research, since this kind of research may to a large extent depend on interpretation of observations, rather than the stating of facts present in quantitative research. Qualitative research inevitably calls for the coding of the data to assign meaning on observations, such as the therapeutic effect of interacting with patients (Gysels, et al, 2008). However, interpretation of data is sometimes cumbersome, requiring expert skills (Smith, Chen and Liu, 2008). Even during the stage of data collection, “using individual interviews or focus group discussions requires considerable skill; too little direction and the participant will digress creating a high ‘dross rate” (Twins, 2007). In clinical psychology, different people may respond differently to the same experiences. For example, a child may become withdrawn due to parental abuse, and another one become defiant or hyperactive.
Traditionally, the outstanding distinction between quantitative and qualitative research was the explanatory nature of qualitative research while quantitative research appeared more inclined towards the testing of the research hypothesis. One advantage of qualitative research is its reliability in ascertaining the validity of findings by determining the degree of their accuracy, i.e. how the conclusions reflect the reality about the phenomenon under investigation. However, it is limited due to the ethical issues associated with the collection of data (Koenig, et al 2003). Unlike quantitative research which is less intrusive into aspects of private life (Emanuel, eta al 2004), qualitative approaches may sometimes cause harm. This makes quantitative methods more preferable as it provides empirical data more easily and accurately (Addington-Hall, et al 2002). This is done through much focused hypothesis in applied mathematical approach and stringent measurement tools. For this reason, “quantitative researchers may argue that a finding or result is more likely to be accepted as a fact if it is quantified” (Peddie and Teijlingen, 2005).
On the contrary, quantitative research is seen as bringing forth more reliable, precise and representative measures. This is done through much focused hypothesis in applied mathematical approach and stringent measurement tools. In contrast, however, qualitative data is pretty hard to graphically represent or display in explicit mathematical terms.
In qualitative research, piloting is used to develop survey items that are of quantitative nature. It is adversely used in ethnographical research to investigate on the cultures through the collection and the description of data that is meant to help develop theory. Ethno-methodology is meant to “assist medical practitioners understand the role of particular diseases in specific cultural settings” (Heath & Svensson, 2007). Qualitative research can also be used in critical social research that endears to build up symbolic meanings from their communications.
The analysis of the qualitative research outcomes is done through observer information. Interpretation of the organized data and deduction of meaning thereof prompts the adoption of quantitative methods. At this point the segments are coded with different numbers. Once the coding is completed the analysts prepare a report. Inherent within the report is; summary of the prevalent codes, comparisons and similarities and distinctions if there are any codes that appear to be related.
Qualitative research utilizes computer programs in the analysis of the data. The programs are meant to supplement the analyst’s effort in the analytical process rather than supplant the interpretive nature of the code. In this regard, disclosing analysis procedures is important, “and ‘audit’ or ‘decision’ trails can help other researchers’ judge for themselves whether the findings and interpretations are credible” (Anfara, Brown and Mangione, 2002).
Applications in Intensive Care Units
Quantitative and qualitative analysis of data finds a number of applications in the field. To determine the medical interventions in different ailments and diseases, medics apply the concepts of qualitative or quantitative research.
To begin with, the medics will gather important diseases history from the patient before determining whether the patient should be put under the intensive care unit. If the patient exhibit symptoms that have in the past translated into tragedies then this would assist the medics make decision inclined towards specific medical practice.
In the prognosis of blood ailment, an analysis is undertaken into the composition of the blood. For instance, the amount of the hemoglobin in the blood of a patient gives the physician insight into the next medical intervention. In the analysis, both qualitative and quantitative properties such as the intensity of the different cells (quantitative) and the color of the blood (qualitative) are of essence to the medic. Besides, the physician monitors the rate of absorption of oxygen. The amount of blood in the patient also determines the length of retention in the intensive care unit.
Respiration is an important body process. In monitoring the severity of an ailment, the medic will closely monitor the rate of respiration and generation of body energy. Where the energy produced by the body is not equivalent to the intake of food substances or food supplements, the medics will need to examine closely the patient’s metabolic rate and processes. This will guide the practitioner to undertake varied medical courses.
Quantitative properties are also applied in evaluating patients’ body temperatures, while qualitative techniques help to use the values in diagnosis of their health condition. Thus, the variability of the body temperature of the patient is quite important in determination of medical interventions. In utilizing this aspect, the body temperature is recorded right from admission to the time when the medic feel sufficiently convinced that the patient has improved to be released from the intensive care unit.
Patient with high blood pressure have very highly fluctuating blood circulation rates. The fluctuations are sometimes too sudden (Susan, 2005). The medics seek to understand the trait from the patient to determine the severity of the condition. By delving into the history of the patient and collecting information on his health conditions over time, the medics are able to determine the possible duration the patient may take to recover from the condition.
Conclusions
The application of the concepts of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies is very vital in most disciplines, including medical practice. Although they handle data differently, it is adducible that the two approaches are interdependent in their application, especially in medical institutions and specifically, in the intensive care units. While one provides numerical data, the other gives it meaning by way of assigning the data specific qualities. Thus, the two approaches relate in an overarching manner, both of which contribute significantly to medical research (Basset and Basset, 2003).
References
Addington-Hall J. (2002). Research sensitivities to palliative care patients. European Journal of Cancer Care, 11:220-224. New York: Elsevier Health Sciences.
Anfara VA, Brown K. M, Mangione T. L. (2002). Qualitative analysis on stage: Making the research process more public. Educational Researcher, 31(7) New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Basit, T. N. Manual or electronic: the role of coding in qualitative data analysis. Educational Research 2003, 45(2):143-54 coding. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Casebeer,V. (2002). “Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods: Considering the Possibilities for Enhancing the Study of Chronic Diseases. Journal of Clinic Disease in Canada Vol. 3: 18. Canada: Canadian Medical Association.
Emanuel E. J, Fairclough D. L, Wolfe P, Emanuel L. L. Talking with terminally ill patients and their caregivers about death, dying, and bereavement. Archives of Internal Medicine, 164: p 1999-2004. New York: American Medical Association.
Gysels, M. et al. (2008). Is quantitative research an acceptable medium for research with palliative care patients and carers? Journal of Chinese Medicine, Vol. 7 No. 9, 1186-1472. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional.
Heath C., Svensson M. (2007). Video and qualitative education, Vol. 41 Issue 1, p109—116. New York: National Research Council.
Koenig B. A, Back A. L, LaVera M, Crawley, M. D. (2003). Qualitative methods in end-of-life research: Recommendations to enhance the protection of human subjects Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 25:43-52. New York: Elsevier.
Lucignani, G. (2007). “Imaging biomarkers from research.” European Journal of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging, Vol. 34 Issue 10, p1693-1697, New York: Elsevier Health Sciences.
Peddie V., Teijlingen E. (2005). Quantitative research in fertility and reproduction: Does it have any value? Journal of Human Fertility, 8:4, 263-267. Chicago: University of Chicago Press
Smith, S. J., Chen, J., Liu. (2008). Language and rigor in qualitative research: Problems and principles in analyzing data collected in Mandarin. Journal of Medical Research Methodology. 8:44, 1186-1471. New York: American Association of Pathologists and Bacteriologists
Stevens T, Wilde D, Paz S, Ahmedzai SH, Rawson A, Wragg D. (2003). Palliative care research protocols: a special case for ethical review? Palliative Medicine, 17:482-490.. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional.
Tsai J. H., Choe JH, Lim JMC, Acorda E, Chan NL, Taylor V, Tu S. P. (2004). “Developing culturally competent health knowledge: Issues of data analysis of cross- cultural, cross-language qualitative research.” International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 3(4):2-14. New York: SAGE.
Twinn S. (2007). An exploratory study examining the influence of translation on the validity and reliability of qualitative data in nursing research. Journal of Advanced Nursing 6:418-423. New York: American Nursing Association.