Assessment 2
Semester 2 2025
Due Year 2025
,SEP3707
Assessment 2
Semester 2 2025
Due Year 2025
Table of Contents
QUESTION 1 .................................................................................................................. 2
1.1 Research Aims ...................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Types of Data Collected ........................................................................................ 2
1.3 Data Analysis Methods .......................................................................................... 3
1.4 Illustrative Examples .............................................................................................. 3
1.5 Integration of Approaches ...................................................................................... 3
QUESTION 2.1 ............................................................................................................... 4
QUESTION 2.2 ............................................................................................................... 6
QUESTION 2.3 ............................................................................................................... 7
QUESTION 2.4 ............................................................................................................... 8
QUESTION 2.5 ............................................................................................................... 9
QUESTION 2.6 ............................................................................................................. 10
QUESTION 2.7 ............................................................................................................. 12
QUESTION 2.8 ............................................................................................................. 14
References .................................................................................................................... 16
, QUESTION 1
Key Differences Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research Approaches
Qualitative and quantitative research constitute two foundational paradigms in the social
sciences, each underpinned by distinct epistemological, methodological, and analytical
orientations. At their philosophical core, qualitative research is grounded in
interpretivism and follows an inductive logic, prioritising the exploration of subjective
meanings, lived experiences, and social contexts. In contrast, quantitative research
aligns with positivism and follows a deductive logic, emphasising objective
measurement, hypothesis testing, and the pursuit of generalisable findings (Queirós,
Faria, & Almeida, 2017; Rahman, 2017).
1.1 Research Aims
• Qualitative research aims to produce rich, contextually grounded insights into
phenomena that cannot be readily reduced to numerical form. It seeks to answer
“why” and “how” questions, uncovering motivations, perceptions, and social
meanings. Such studies often generate new theories through in-depth
engagement with participants in their natural settings (Babbie, 2020).
• Quantitative research, by contrast, seeks to measure variables, test pre-
existing theories, establish causal relationships, and generate statistically robust
findings that can be generalised to broader populations. It addresses “how many”
and “how much” questions to identify measurable trends and relationships
(Kothari, 2004).
1.2 Types of Data Collected
• Qualitative data are non-numerical and descriptive, including interview
transcripts, field notes, personal narratives, photographs, and audiovisual
material. These capture the depth and complexity of experiences, allowing for a
nuanced understanding of social phenomena (Rahman, 2017).
• Quantitative data are numerical, encompassing counts, percentages, ratings,
and scores collected through structured instruments such as surveys,