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(Volume: 3, Issue: 4)
What is Qualitative and Quantitative Research in Engineering?
A research outcome is usually an invention or discovery of a meaningful finding, which can probably outperform its precursors in it applicable field. But, how can a researcher come to a conclusion and show the outside research community that his/ her methodology is the best in aiding a particular application. It is through the qualitative research, the quantitative research or a combination thereof. So, what are these research methodologies in engineering research? How do they differ? What are the consequences of performing them?
Let’s have a glimpse at it...
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Qualitative Vs Quantitative Research
The qualitative or quantitative research in the engineering domain basically differ by the way through which the exploration about a research theme is made. Generally, the qualitative research involves observation and extraction of meaningful information from non-numerical data, when the research is devoid of any quantifying measure to portray its supremacy. On the contrary, the quantitative research involves numerical data processing, upon which statistical measures and inferences can be made to compare the research with its state-of-the art methods. For a complete understanding between these two research methodologies, consider an image processing-related research as an example. A researcher does qualitative research, if he/she makes a visual analysis on the image outcome and say that the region of interest in the image has been visually-improved by quality or resolution. Sometimes, the researcher may also say that the detection of a specific region in the image is far better than those obtained from previous approaches only with visual interpretation of the image. In contrast, the same image processing-related research can be quantitatively researched by using measures like, precision, recall, accuracy, Mean Squared Error (MSE), Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) and so on to unveil its improvement over the past researches. Thus, it is evident that the qualitative research involves the extraction of meanings, opinions, or experiences from non-numerical data, while the quantitative research ensures hypothesis testing with numerical data and statistical computations. Another distinguishing factor between the two research methodologies is that the qualitative research cannot be performed on large data quantities, while the quantitative research can make easier interpretations even on massive data with little computations on performance measures.
Outcomes of qualitative research
Performing qualitative research in engineering usually uncovers innovative ideas, which are more user-centric or application-specific. For instance, consider an image processing-based research in the biomedical field and the civil engineering domain. The image processing approach that best diagnoses a specific disease in biomedical engineering might not excel in detecting cracks or damages in the civil infrastructures, even with visual observations. Hence, the qualitative research enables the researchers to put forward methods or approaches, which are more relevant to their area of study.
Outcomes of quantitative research
Quantitative research enables the researcher to generalize his/ her findings across domains. It allows the researcher to perform empirical validation of engineering theories, methods or hypothesis, say to optimize a design or to predict a behavior. Considering the biomedical and civil engineering domains again, it can be seen that both of them use foundational methodologies and approaches rooted in mathematical and statistical analysis. For example, the quantitative performance measure used to analyse the properties of materials in biomedical devices can also be used to examine the materials used in civil engineering. The intention of quantitative research in both the domains is same, as materials with improved characteristics is the only goal to be achieved. A researcher might put forward an approach providing improved material characteristics in both the domain. Hence, quantitative research aids the researcher to validate their approach or methodology using numerical investigations and generalize their findings across domains.
Qualitative and Quantitative research-The combination
Either the qualitative or the quantitative research, each one of them bestows researchers with their own benefits. Usually, the choice between the two depends on the research objectives and the data type being explored. However, the research being performed both quantitatively and qualitatively is widely recognized with improved trustworthiness, promoting research integrity too.
Hence, The Research Seer’s Rationale on “What is Qualitative and Quantitative Research in Engineering?” is:
“Research Methodologies Aptly Featuring Research With Reliable Results”
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