Quantitative and qualitative research methods

Abstract

Quantitative research uses methods that seek to explain phenomena by collecting numerical data, which are then analysed mathematically, typically by statistics. With quantitative approaches, the data produced are always numerical; if there are no numbers, then the methods are not quantitative. Many phenomena lend themselves to quantitative methods because the relevant information is already available numerically. Qualitative methods provide a mechanism to provide answers based on the collection of non-numerical data 'i.e words, actions, behaviours'. Both quantitative and qualitative methodologies are important in medical imaging and radiation therapy. In some instances, both quantitative and qualitative approaches can be combined into a mixed-methods approach. This chapter discusses all methodological approaches to research from both medical imaging and radiation therapy perspectives.