Research Question
Conducting the study requires attention to many details, which affects the results and conclusions. The design choice is among the most influential aspects, as it often determines the research focus. Quantitative and qualitative approaches are essential for scientific research. My project is devoted to the question, “In older adults with a diagnosis of cognitive impairment or dementia (P), how do exercise interventions (I), as compared to no exercise interventions (C), affect their cognitive function (O)?” Both designs are applicable to such research issues and may have specific benefits for the results.
Potential Application of Quantitative Research Design
The study’s design determines its course and how data are collected and analyzed. Quantitative research gathers numeric data, which helps to establish relationships between particular variables (“Quantitative vs. quantitative,” 2023). As a result, the methods in this design also collect numeric information using surveys, experiments, and reports (“Quantitative vs. quantitative,” 2023). This approach is considered more objective and accurate, allowing the results to be reproduced and generalized (Graf et al., 2021). However, such studies often lack depth and cannot cover the whole picture (Graf et al., 2021). Consequently, the choice of such an approach has its advantages and disadvantages.
Applying a quantitative approach to the posed question is helpful if the researcher has the opportunity to conduct an experiment. This design will reveal the relationship between the variables in the question – the effect of exercise on the cognitive functions of older patients with dementia. In this case, the researcher will be able to select suitable participants and control the course of the experiment.
Moreover, the definition of the effect on cognitive function will be more understandable in the form of numeric data. Consequently, asking a question for a study determines the need for quantitative research. However, their implementation is complex; moreover, a similar topic has already been considered in the scientific literature, and similar experiments have been described.
Opportunities Provided by Qualitative Research Design
The qualitative approach significantly differs from the quantitative one and provides a different focus and methods. It concentrates on non-numerical data and evidence collected through interviews, focus groups, and other techniques (“Quantitative vs. quantitative,” 2023). This design helps to understand the experience of individuals in a particular issue and it is quite subjective (Graf et al., 2021). Qualitative methods are valuable when the topic has not yet been investigated or there is a need for a detailed description and comprehensive coverage of the subject (Pyo et al., 2023). This design may provide a unique or additional perspective for the subject under research.
The qualitative design will help study the question posed if the method of literary review is chosen. In this case, it will allow researchers to describe in detail the existing evidence and findings of their colleagues, who have already addressed a similar question. Otherwise, the qualitative design will not be able to provide the focus presented in the research topic, and changes will be necessary. For example, such methods are effective in learning the experiences of families of dementia patients or professionals who perform care.
Conclusion
Thus, quantitative and qualitative studies contrast significantly with each other, and their choice depends on the capabilities and goals of the researcher. Both approaches can be applied in contrasting ways in studying the selected topic. Quantitative design can directly answer a research question and reveal relationships between variables. However, it requires considerable effort, time, and resources to conduct. At the same time, several studies of such a design already exist on the chosen issue. In this case, a qualitative literary review approach is suitable for a detailed response.
References
Graf, M., Tuly, R., & May, S. G. (2021). The complementary relationship between quantitative and qualitative research methods in enhancing understanding of treatment decisions, outcomes, and value assessment. Journal of Clinical Pathways, 7(6), 20-23. Web.
Pyo, J., Lee, W., Choi, E. Y., Jang, S. G., & Ock, M. (2023). Qualitative research in healthcare: Necessity and characteristics. Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, 56(1), 12-20. Web.
Qualitative vs. quantitative research: What’s the difference? (2023). Grand Canyon University. Web.