The term "quantitative" refers to things that are measurable. Quantitative research is a numbers-based way of collecting data. It is primarily a deductive process used to test the concepts, constructs and hypotheses that make up a theory. Generally, it is less in-depth, but more offers more breadth of information across a large number of cases. Quantitative research uses surveys, structured interviews and observations, and reviews of records or documents for numeric information. It is considered more objective as it provides observed effects of a program on a problem or condition.
Qualitative literature relies on more description-based data than numerical. It is primarily an inductive process used to formulate theory or hypotheses with methods that include case study, ethnography, phenomenology, narrative inquiry and grounded theory. As text-based research, it allows for descriptions of a problem or condition from the point of view of those experiencing it. It can be valid and reliable, largely depending on skill and rigor of the researcher.
Research literature often utilizes methods that combine both quantitative and qualitative practices. The value of mixed method approaches increases as research becomes increasingly interdisciplinary. A key feature of mixed methods research is its methodological pluralism or eclecticism, which frequently results in superior research, compared to research using a single method. This pluralism represents the bridging of polarities that often characterizes one method as better than another by purists of either tradition.
Different academic disciplines usually require specific types of research methods. Hard sciences like biology, engineering, physics, chemistry and medicine typically employ quantitative methods. Social sciences like anthropology, ethnic studies, humanities and philosophy usually rely on qualitative research. Disciplines like sociology, economics, and political science often use mixed methods. All disciplines have certain styles that correlate to their fields, and utilize different writing formats for presenting their research. Some examples of writing formats include Harvard, American Psychological Association format, Chicago Manual of Style or Turabian and Modern Language Association format.