2023-2024, Block 1 GW4003MV. Advanced Research Methods
WEEK 6
Moving beyond the Qualitative /
Quantitative dichotomy
Inhoud
Lecture 6 (6 okt)................................................................................................................................................2
2. Why do quantitative research?.................................................................................................................2
Descriptive research.................................................................................................................................3
1. Description versus 3. Causal inference..................................................................................................3
Predictive research...................................................................................................................................4
2. Prediction versus 3. Causal inference....................................................................................................5
Causal inference research.........................................................................................................................5
*Two perspectives on observational studies................................................................................................6
3. Why do qualitative research?...................................................................................................................7
How do the WG’s relate to a thesis?.........................................................................................................8
4. Qualitative vs. Quantitative research........................................................................................................9
Workgroup meeting 8.....................................................................................................................................11
Homework assignment...............................................................................................................................11
Present: Quantitative case 2...................................................................................................................11
Discuss: Qualitative case 2......................................................................................................................14
Qualitative case 1....................................................................................................................................15
Quantitative case 1.................................................................................................................................16
Literature........................................................................................................................................................17
1
,2023-2024, Block 1 GW4003MV. Advanced Research Methods
Lecture 6 (6 okt)
2. Why do quantitative research?
Slide 14
Slide 16
Based on:
Hernan et al. (2019)
A Second Chance to
get causal inference
right: a classification
of data science
tasks.
Slide 18
2
, 2023-2024, Block 1 GW4003MV. Advanced Research Methods
Distinguishing between these 3 reasons makes sense. There are crucial differences in:
- Design
- Statistical methods
- Interpretation of results
- Evaluation
- Role of theory and subject knowledge
Descriptive research
Slide 19 – 26
Goals:
To identify patterns in data
To obtain factual information
1. Description: Design and interpretation
There is a slight difference in using population data or using sample data. Both are summaries of
observations and/or of differences/associations.
If you use population data (e.g., election results) there is no uncertainty.
If you use sample data, there is quantify uncertainty (e.g. using confidents intervals). Technically, null-
hypothsis significance testing can be performed, but this is not very informative (and probably not aligned
with the RQ).
1. Description: Evaluation
Are the results:
Interesting?
Starting point for policy or further (causal) research?
1. Description versus 3. Causal inference
Description: you ruin your analysis by statistical adjustment. The results no longer make sense.
Causal inference: you may ruin your analysis by lack of statistical adjustment. The results are then biased
(confounders).
In the PC labs, we used description to explore the data before running (adjusted) regression analysis
and draw causal inference. The study objective was not description.
3
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through EFT, credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying this summary from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller dsmeets123. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy this summary for R87,11. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.