Quantitative vs Qualitative Techniques of Data Collection
| Aspect | Quantitative Techniques | Qualitative Techniques |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of Data | Numerical, measurable data. | Descriptive, interpretive data. |
| Objective | To quantify the problem and generalize results from a larger sample. | To explore underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations. |
| Approach | Positivist and objective. | Interpretivist and subjective. |
| Methods Used | Surveys, structured questionnaires, statistical analysis, censuses. | Interviews, focus groups, participant observation, ethnography, case studies. |
| Data Collection Tools | Structured tools with close-ended questions (e.g., Likert scales, yes/no questions). | Unstructured or semi-structured tools (e.g., open-ended questions, field notes). |
| Sample Size | Large and representative samples. | Small and purposive samples. |
| Analysis | Statistical and computational techniques (e.g., SPSS, Excel). | Thematic, narrative, or discourse analysis. |
| Outcomes | Generalizable patterns and correlations. | In-depth understanding and contextual insights. |
| Time & Cost | Usually less time-consuming, cost-effective for large populations. | Time-intensive and often costlier per respondent. |
| Researcher’s Role | Detached and objective; maintains distance from subjects. | Immersed in the setting; plays an active role in interpretation. |
Examples from Indian Society
Quantitative Technique Examples:
- Census of India (Every 10 Years):
- Conducted by the Registrar General of India.
- Collects data on population, literacy rate, sex ratio, migration, religion, etc.
- Objective: To quantify demographic patterns at national and state levels.
- Example: 2011 Census showed the decline in child sex ratio in Haryana and Punjab, prompting government schemes like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao.
- National Sample Survey (NSS):
- Collects data on employment, consumption, health, education, etc.
- Example: NSS 75th round provided data on health expenditure and usage of public vs private hospitals in rural India.
- NFHS (National Family Health Survey):
- Collects health and family welfare statistics.
- Example: NFHS-5 (2019–21) provided insights into anemia among women and undernutrition among children, leading to interventions under POSHAN Abhiyan.
Qualitative Technique Examples:
- Ethnographic Study of Caste in Rural India (M.N. Srinivas):
- Participant observation in the village of Rampura, Karnataka.
- Gave insights into the concepts of Sanskritization and dominant caste.
- Importance: Revealed internal nuances of caste mobility, which a survey might miss.
- Study of Dabbawalas in Mumbai (Harvard & IIM Ahmedabad):
- Used in-depth interviews and observations.
- Revealed how informal systems function efficiently without formal education or technology.
- Helped understand India’s unique Jugaad work ethic and collectivism.
- Fieldwork on Manual Scavenging (Bezwada Wilson, NGOs, and Sociologists):
- Interviews with Dalit workers engaged in sanitation and sewer cleaning.
- Uncovered lived experiences of untouchability and caste discrimination not visible in macro-level data.
- Feminist Studies of Gender Roles:
- Interviews and life histories of rural women regarding dowry, domestic violence, and reproductive rights.
- Example: Studies by sociologist Leela Dube explored women’s agency and kinship systems in Indian patriarchal families.
When to Use Which Technique?
- Use Quantitative when the goal is to generalize, measure, or compare—e.g., measuring literacy rate or income inequality across districts.
- Use Qualitative when the aim is to understand cultural practices, meanings, or social interactions—e.g., understanding why female foeticide persists in spite of awareness campaigns.
Combining Both: Mixed Methods Approach
Modern sociological studies often use triangulation—combining both techniques for richer insights.
Example: A study on dropout rates in rural schools may:
- Use quantitative surveys to measure how many children dropped out and at what stage.
- Use qualitative interviews with parents, teachers, and students to understand why they dropped out.
Conclusion
Quantitative and qualitative methods each serve distinct purposes and are best chosen based on the research question. In Indian society, where diversity and complexity abound, combining both offers a more holistic view of social reality.