Comparing the strengths and limitations of quantitative and qualitative research methods

¶ … limitations qualitative quantitative research method ways qualitative quantitative data analysed. Discuss a case study a company a specific sector choice.

The success of the process of conducting research is largely based on the methods used to gather the information and the interpretation of resources available. In order to achieve a high degree of accuracy as well as to guarantee the substantial nature of the research process, the use of special research methods such as the quantitative and qualitative analysis is vital. However, these two methods have both advantages and limitations and, depending on the way in which these methods are used, they can provide various results.

The present paper considers the two methods of analysis as applied to a case study. In the first part, it discusses the two methods from a theoretical point-of-view. Quantitative and qualitative research are rather different in the sense that they provide different perspectives of analysis: while quantitative research focuses on providing information that supports a pre-established theory, qualitative research gathers all type of information, from as many sources as possible and taking into account as many perspectives as necessary to ensure a holistic approach to the subject, and then elaborates a theory based on interpretation of information acquired and their establishment into a coherent background. Examples for both types of research will be provided to better illustrate the way in which the two can be utilized and their shortcomings and strengths. In this sense, for quantitative research, the case of Greece accession into the Eurozone is essential to point out the role statistics, as a crucial resource of information for quantitative research can be taken into account and if not considered properly, provide a different result that the real one. For qualitative research, the case of Sudan, as one of the largest countries in the world, is significant to point out that without a holistic research conducted on the issue, an interpretation can lead to mixed conclusions or theories, reason for which it is crucial to have as many information and knowledge as possible to avoid misinterpretation and thus limit the effects of subjective analysis and research.

The second part of the paper, these two methods are used to provide an applied case study in order to point out that depending on circumstances, the two methods of research are prone to failure if the information gathering process is flawed.

Part one: quantitative and qualitative methods of research

Quantitative method of research

There are many definitions to point out the most important aspects of quantitative research. One academic definition considers "Quantitative research is an inquiry into an identified problem, based on testing a theory, measured with numbers, and analyzed using statistical techniques. The goal of quantitative methods is to determine whether the predictive generalizations of a theory hold true." (Creswell, 1994) There are several aspects to be taken into consideration in this definition. On the first hand, quantitative research considers the issue of research based on an already established theory that needs verification or data input. In this case, quantitative research views the research process as a means of gathering information with an already path set and a direction based on a theory that needs enforcement.

On the other hand, the use of quantitative methods of research take into account a more objective environment, in most cases an analysis of the data that can be verified and not necessarily interpretable. More precisely, "Quantitative research is empirical research where the data are in the form of numbers." (Hughes, 2012) Therefore, at the same time, the means and working tools for quantitative research most often are the statistics available. This type of research is much more objective in nature largely because it aims to provide information that is not mediated by interpretation of human experience. It tends to reflect the actual nature of the data available and the numbers usually are constructed in the form of statistics.

An important aspect that needs to be taken into account when discussing the issue of quantitative analysis is related to the actual purpose of the utilization of this method. Clearly, when making use of one method or another, the results may appear to be different. More so, when communicating information gathered or acquired through quantitative analysis, although the information may be correct, they can be tailored in such a manner as to suit a particular purpose.

The fact that quantitative research is related to a pre-ordained theory is essential. More precisely, statistics about different areas of a national economy for instance can be gathered in such a manner as to ensure a certain result without deviating from the accuracy of the information. This is largely due to the fact that, as in most cases, information can be analyzed separately and independent or other data in order to suit a certain purpose. A clear example in this sense is the admission of Greece in the Eurozone in 1999 based on faulty statistical information. More precisely, the issues raised after the discovery of the misinterpretation of the Greek statistical information were related to the way in which data was collected and interpreted. In this sense, "Greece's faulty figures have provoked a debate in Brussels over the power that should be given to the EU's statistical agency, Eurostat, to check financial data declared by governments. Big countries, including the UK, are resisting efforts to give the agency new, supervisory, powers over national statistical bodies." (Howden and Castle, n.d.) This is not to say that the Greek government provided false information to Eurostat, the European statistical body, but that, taken separately, statistical information can serve one purpose or another.

A crucial element in a proper construction of a quantitative research process is related to the actual process of data collection. In this sense, there are several aspects to take into account in order to avoid the use of this method in a tailored made fashion. More precisely, in order to determine a clear objective nature of the research process, the research and process in itself must consider multiple indicators largely because "Single indicators may incorrectly classify many individuals/firms; single indicators may capture only a portion of the underlying concept or be too general; multiple indicators can make finer distinctions between individuals/firms; multiple indicators can capture different dimensions of a concept." (Week 6, Quantitative research, 2012) More precisely, this aspect can be translated into considering more sides of one issue. That is, for instance, when analyzing the unemployment rate of a country, and in particular of European countries, the research conducted must take into account both the statistics that point out the current unemployed population that benefits at the time of the research of unemployment assistance as well as the population or individuals that no longer benefit from unemployment aid but are still without a job. These two indicators may provide a more accurate account of the actual unemployment rate in one country.

Part two: Case Study: Somali population in the midst of war

The case study provided in this paper deals with the situation of the Somali population in the African country. The theory on which this analysis is based believes that the constant wars that have torn apart the country have placed a significant pressure on the population and eventually on the future of the country. Through quantitative and qualitative analysis, this case study points out the current stand of the population. This aspect is important because it also provides a forecast for the coming years in terms of economic and sustainable development. The dramatic situation of the Somali society is visible when passing by through the capital Mogadishu as a simple tourist, as well as when analyzing the facts and figures presented in different statistical tables. Both these aspects taken into consideration, it can be said that the society, meaning the Somali people, has suffered immensely from the decades of civil war, and even today, it is hard to ascertain the degree in which the people can become a flourishing African nation.

For this case study, in order to establish a background, several aspects have been considered. Firstly, the historical background is crucial and more suitable for this exercise is the quantitative method of research largely because it provides a tool for descriptive and objective data gathering. In this sense, Somalia is a country at the crossroad of African and Arab cultures, with influences from both areas of definition. Somalia is a coastal nation in East Africa, widely known as Horn of Africa. Continentally, it is surrounded by Ethiopia and Djibouti on the north and mid-west, and Kenya on its south-west. The Gulf of Aden is located on its far east.

The structure of the social framework is the result of the constant pressures of the colonial powers that have exercised their influence throughout the years and had conditioned the evolution of the population. The English and the Italians were the two major political systems that influenced the history of the Somali and each in its turn provided a different social perspective. (Distance-based learning in global health for Africa, n.d.) As a response, at the time of its independence in 1960 Somalia was described as one of the few mono-ethnic states in Africa, one with a common language, a common culture and a single religion, Islam; this showed the attempt of the Somali to draw their own identity, independent of the desires imposed throughout the years by colonial nations.

Despite these attempts, the population suffered greatly from the wars that marked their history and this is most obvious in an analysis on the structure and trends of evolution of the society. Therefore, in order to better grasp the effects war had on the population it is important to take into account the demographic evolution in the country, with all its statistical evidence, such as fertility, mortality, migration and mobility, age and sex characteristics, as well as population and socio-economic characteristics. In the end, taking into consideration the reality, a few possible solutions would be in order. While the first part of this case study works with statistics, the possible solutions are reached through qualitative research conducted.

Overall assessment of the Somali population

It is difficult to give a proper assessment of the situation in a country that is constantly undergoing changes due to war. In this sense, even the UN, as the most important international organization dealing with issues such as migration, poverty, or mobility, lacks the proper information regarding such aspects, due to the limited amount of data provided by the authorities on the one hand, and by their own analysis on the other. Nonetheless, there is some general information that can account for as official data. The census realised in 1975, the only official attempt to this day, revealed "the total population was 3.3 million." (Metz, 1992) A rather independent source, the United Nations "estimated Somalia's population in mid-1991 at nearly 7.7 million." (Metz, 1992) Estimates from 2005 reveal the figure of 11.1 million people (Institute for Security Studies, 2005), thus a rather significant rise from the first census. Finally, figures from 2012, point out a decrease to a little over 10 million people (CIA World Factbook, 2012). Even this latest figure is estimated, "derived from an official census taken in 1975 by the Somali Government; population counting in Somalia is complicated by the large number of nomads and by refugee movements in response to famine and clan warfare" (CIA World Factbook, 2012). Therefore, for a quantitative analysis, the lack of valid information is a clear shortcoming particularly because it is first information that can be misinterpreted at a later stage of the research.

Fertility

Fertility is considered to be a major issue when discussing population because it offers one of the explanations for the rise or fall in the number of persons, which in turn may be useful in additionally explaining the number of population. A rather important impediment when trying to discuss the exact situation in terms of population is the fact that there is a lack of conclusive information regarding the exact structure and composition of the society and the population. In this sense, most assumptions tend to rely on the 1975 census and the eventual subsequent limited inquires made at local and regional level. From this perspective, it can be pointed out that before the 1992 war, the fertility rate had reached a rather significant level, of 6.7 for the Somali and 6.0 for the nomads. (UN, 1997) Also, in terms of differentiating the rural from the urban population, the fertility rate prior to the war shows a ratio of 7.2 for the city dwellers and 7.1 for the rest. (UN, 1997) After the war however, the situation changed in the sense of a fall in the fertility rate up to 6.0, with an estimate of 6.5 for 2000-2005. In terms of statistics available related to children situation, out of 15 indicators provided by UNICEF, 4 do not have data available (UNICEF, 2012).

From a qualitative research perspective, the available statistics could be explained by the hard living conditions the war had imposed on the population and especially on women. The lack of safety and social integration can determine the fall in fertility ratios and thus a fall in the overall number of births. Moreover, the precarious economic situation presents an important factor that influences the evolution of fertility figures. Thus, this indicator represents an alarm signal for the negative evolution of the country. This is obvious in the final assessment of the UN report which underlines the fact that estimated figures for the next decade continue to fall, up to 5.5 in 2010 (UN, 1997), an affirmation that points out even more the general decline the Somali society is going through.

Mortality

According to the UN, the life expectancy prior to the war was estimated at 42 years for the population in the rural areas, and 48 years for those living in the urban areas. (UN, 1997) Taking into account the fact that the segment of the population living in the cities is extremely low, with an average of only 28% in 2001, with prior figures indicating an even lower percentage, (Encyclopaedia of the Nations, n.d. ) it can be said that the overall live expectancy admitted a negative perspective of the population. The indicator of mortality is an important element for pointing out the effects the civil war had on the Somali population and its structure.

The war played a major part in defining the evolution of the mortality ratio. The expectancy rate dropped sharply to 30-35 years. (UN, 1997) This was indeed the result of the pressures the civil war imposed on the population, on the one hand. Throughout the civil conflict, the number of persons affected by the effects of the clashes had reached impressive levels. This in turn influenced the level of economic development and social evolution and it ultimately back clashed and reduced the opportunity for the normal evolution of the social environment. However, the same UN report agrees that "the expectancy of life at birth to remain at this level until 2005, and increase at the rate of half year per year during the subsequent years." (UN, 1997) To the practical effects of the civil war, one must take into account even the natural disasters that can affect the country, especially considering that Somalia lacks the infrastructure to respond to droughts or floods. (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 1992) This negative trend is somewhat obvious, taking into account the fact that the economic structure of the society is in large parts destroyed by a powerless political framework, a corrupt system, and an overall international scene that lacks the determined interest to get involved in resolving the situation in Somalia, and in African countries in general.

Migration and mobility; population and socio-economic characteristics

Given the statistics and limited information available, in order to assess the situation of the Somali population, both quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis are used. Although fertility, mortality, migration, mobility, all play a part in establishing the trends affecting the evolution of the population in Somalia, migration and mobility deal with the figures presented by the first two factors.

Migration can be seen as a major consequence of the civil war due to the fact that following the clashes of 1992-4, there was an immense number of refuges that tried to find shelter in different countries around the world. Even prior to the war, the government estimated in 1979 310, 000 people inside refugee camps. The situation worsened as "by mid-1980 estimates had raised to 750,000 persons in camps and at least half that number outside them. In early 1981, Mogadishu estimated that there were more than 1.3 million refugees in the camps and an additional 700,000 to 800,000 refugees at large, either attempting to carry on their nomadic way of life or quartered in towns and cities." (Metz, 1992) The civil war determined even greater population mobility in terms of refugees. The most important western country that accepted Somali refugees was Great Britain, but few of them were lucky enough to find proper shelter in other countries of the world, except for the neighboring ones. In this sense, Kenya responded in a positive manner, sheltering over 50,000 refugees in its camps. (Metz, 1992) Ethiopia was also affected by the afflux of refugees during the war.

Another element that plays a role in considering population movement is the internal migration phenomenon. However, due to the fact that the war had practically paralyzed any rural activity in the agriculture sector, any seasonal migration figures are, according to the UN, rather insignificant. (UN, 1997) In any case, it is estimated that once the situation on the ground becomes more secure, the flow of refugees will begin to come back to Somalia, thus creating a massive movement of population and a break in the social equilibrium. At the same time, the economic and, most importantly, the rural activities will reemerge and internal migration will become once again a defining factor for the assessment of population movement in Somalia.

Age and sex characteristics

An obvious consequence of the war is seen in the evolution of the structure of the society based on age and sex. According to UN sources, it can be pointed out the fact that the society is young, with more than 50% of its population ranging from 14 to 60 years. (UN, 1997) Surely, due to the fact that most of the information coming from Somalia is either questionable or incomplete, it is rather hard to ascertain the degree of accuracy for this sort of information. Nonetheless, overall, the figures indicate, and the situation on the ground confirms, that most of the population is aged between 20 and 40 years, a fact that is rather convenient for a society in which the labor force would be needed for its reconstruction. At the same time however, this large segment of young adults can also be seen as a major source of unemployment and social conflict, taking into account the lack of job opportunities and the economic disarray Somalia is currently experiencing.

In terms of the population divided by sex, statistics from 1995 to 2000 point out a small advantage for the male segment, which comes somewhat in contradiction with the traditional results a post conflict reality, would show. Normally, during a war, the male population would be more engaged in fighting, while females and children would somehow be spared. Contemporary warfare however places the accent more on casualties making and less on who is actually fighting. This is why the Somali society experiences a slight majority of males throughout the period examined in the report.

Overall, concluding on this case study it can be pointed out that both quantitative and qualitative research have limitations and shortcomings. Somalia was chosen as a case study particularly because in difficult conditions such as a war situation or in states where there is no official centralised data source, the results of such research are not reliable as a result of lack of information. If quantitative research cannot be conducted properly, the information needed for qualitative research is not complete and research cannot be verifiable and holistic.

Quantitative and qualitative research methods are essential tools for conducting thorough analysis of a subject. They are interlinked and although they appeal to different perspectives, they are also complementary in their approaches. At the same time though, there are cases in which these research methods acknowledge limitations. These most often include situations in which primary information is not readily available or it is inconsistent. The Somali population case study is relevant in this sense. Given the war state in the country, there cannot be an accurate account of the evolution of the society particularly because the information lacks in many areas and in others the statistics cannot be gathered for only one period of time.