Every science needs a theoretic basis for development. The major part of the necessary data can be provided by research, a systematic investigation or inquiry f materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions (Oxford Dictionaries), establish new theories and prove or disprove already existing ones. While this is a largely multisided and complicated process, there can be multiple classifications of researches according to their various characteristics. One of such classifications presupposes subdivision of researches into qualitative and quantitative ones.
As follows form the name, quantitative research is an empirical investigation of the measurable side of some phenomenon. It is performed using structural techniques such as online questionnaires, surveys, interviews, and many others (snapsurveys.com), and is analyzed using statistical methods. This research type is conclusive by its nature: the final aim of it is to create a mathematical model, theory or hypothesis of some problem on the basis of the obtained numerical correlations. It is characteristic for this research type that the obtained conclusions tend to be unbiased and thus objective due to being boiled down to mere facts.
Qualitative research, in its turn, is the method of investigation and inquiry applied in a number of disciplines such as social sciences (economy, sociology, political science, etc), market research (Denzin & Lincoln, 2005), and other spheres of knowledge. Qualitative techniques are semi-structured or unstructured. Data collection methods are rather numerous and include individual depth interviews, group discussions and other communication-based methods (snapsurveys.com), observations, documents, and audio-visual material (Cresswell, 2009). Data analysis is non-structural, too, and is traditionally carried out according to the following plan: (1) organizing and preparing data, (2) thorough reading, (3) coding (systematizing) the material, (4) describing of the settings, categories, etc., and developing the description into a narration, and finally (5) interpretation of the meaning of data (Creswell, 2009). The outcome of this research method is more explanatory and investigative; besides, due to the nature of the material considered it is much more subjective. It is aimed rather at obtaining a deeper understanding of already existing theories than at developing new ones.
As we see from these brief descriptions, due to fundamental differences in nature it is impossible to say which research method is generally more efficient and thus which one should be preferred. It is rather about the application of qualitative or quantitative research in this or that situation. As an example, let us consider the problem of drug addiction.
Drugs are substances possessing the ability to affect the central nervous system and thus used recreationally for perceived desirable effects on personality, perception, or behavior (the Free Dictionary by Farlex). Due to their ability to (1) imitate the brain’s natural chemical messengers and (2) overstimulate the “reward circuit” of the brain, systematic use of these substances leads to the development of a chronic, often relapsing complex brain disease called drug addiction (National Institute of Drug Abuse, 2012). Some of these substances are fully prohibited (e.g. hard drugs such as heroine, amphetamines, etc.) while the status of others …