Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods

It is useful to understand the distinction between quantitative and qualitative Research. Both are useful, though they have different focuses and use different research methods.

Quantitative Research

  • “Hard Research”
  • Tends to be more objective, “empirical” and number oriented.
  • Strives to answer the questions: Who? What? When? Where?
  • Focus on the “facts”

Qualitative Research

  • “Soft Research”
  • Can be more subjective, “interpretive” and “story” oriented.
  • Strives to answer the How? and Why? questions
  • Focus on the “factors”

Specific Examples of Quantitative and Qualitative Research

Quantitative: who? What? When? Where?

  • Whole Nation Church Census
  • Identify locations without churches
  • Unreached People Group profiles
  • Spiritual mapping of a neighborhood
  • Study the growth of a denomination or church
  • Church Health Diagnosis
  • Community profiles
  • Directory of churches
  • Directory of Christian Organizations
  • Directory of Christian Workers
  • Nr. of missionaries sent by a country
  • Leadership Development Needs and Resources
  • Determine the effect of a coach on the success of a church plant
  • Measure ministry effectiveness

    • Qualitative: Why? How?

    • Case studies on Church Planting
    • Ethnographies
    • Study factors leading to the conversion of Muslim Background Believers
    • Missionary member care
    • Community Survey
    • Breakthrough research related to solving a ministry related problem
    • Spirituality among young urban non-evangelical Europeans
    • Evaluation of specific ministry resources
    • Determine whether or not to open a new field
    • Determine felt needs of a People Group in a specific city

    Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods

    Quantitative Research Methods

    • Basic library and web research
    • Analysis of existing information
    • Field Research
    • Experimentation
    • Surveys and questionnaires

    Qualitative Research Methods

    • Basic library and web research
    • Ethnography
    • Participant observation
    • Vision trips
    • Case studies
    • Interviews
    • Focus Groups

    Tags: