Quatitative vs Qualitative Study - Research Paper Example

p. 659). On a closer analysis, considering the above mentioned criteria, it becomes clear that one research study is quantitative in nature, whereas the other reflects qualitative characteristics, that is, the first article named “Nephrol Dial Transplant” is an example of quantitative research study. This article is concerned with “an identified problem, based on testing a theory, measured with numbers” and it is makes analysis by making use of statistical techniques (Chapter 4: Quantitative and Qualitative Research. n.d. p. 41).

According to this definition, it is seen that the article is quantitative as it describes a lot of relationships such as that of demographic characteristics and knowledge of CKD, with the help of numerical variables through independent t-test, Pearson’s Chi Squared test, one way Analysis of Variance etc. Also, the article has a specific and narrow purpose as it basically deals with just finding out the impact of SMS system on CKD patients by analyzing the collected data and presenting it in numerical terms.

This can be seen through the various numerical data presented under the head ‘Demographic and clinical characteristics of CKD patients at study entry’ of the article, where the researchers have represented the percentage of patients in terms of age, marital status, education, gender etc. Furthermore, they have also provided information regarding diabetes, hypertension, alcohol history, smoking history, walking, gardening and such other lifestyle activities of patients all in numerical terms.

Another factor that makes it quantitative research is the participants, quantitative study always employs a random sample, as is seen in this case also. Therefore, these are the various elements that make this article an apt example for quantitative research study. The second article, “The Impact of Self-management Support on the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease- A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial” is observed to be a qualitative research as it consists of the research taking place in a natural setting, where the researcher “gathers words or pictures, analyzes them inductively, focuses on the meaning of participants, and describes a process that is expressive and persuasive in language” (Wise, n.d., How would you define qualitative research? para.1).

It involves a more generalized and broad topic and furthermore it is concerned with qualitative aspects such as gathering information regarding the participants’ experiences, feelings etc. It uses texts as well as diagrams as compared to the quantitative research, which is evident from the chart showing the profiles of patient enrollments, assignments and alerts. Another factor is that under the study design, specifically under the head ‘Standardized SMS Program,’ as opposed to the quantitative study, not many numerical values are used.

In fact the data regarding initial eGFR, end point eGFR, number of initial