Qualitative research is a method of inquiry that focuses on understanding people's experiences, perspectives, and behaviors through non-numerical data such as interviews, observations, and open-ended survey responses. It aims to explore complex phenomena in depth and provide rich, detailed insights into the subject of study.
Quantitative research, on the other hand, is a method of inquiry that focuses on collecting and analyzing numerical data to test hypotheses and make generalizations about a population. It aims to quantify relationships, patterns, and trends in a systematic and objective manner, often using statistical analysis to draw conclusions.
Both qualitative and quantitative research have their own strengths and limitations, and researchers often use a combination of both methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of a research topic. Qualitative research is often used to generate hypotheses and explore new areas of study, while quantitative research is used to test hypotheses and make predictions based on numerical data.