Posted: December 7th, 2022
Qualitative research studies differ greatly from quantitative, though sometimes both are combined as a mixed-research study. To start, qualitative studies ask broad questions that will eventually divide into sub-questions, whereas quantitative studies determine specific variables within their hypothesis (Creswell, 2009, p. 129). Qualitative researchers will determine their area of study (ie. perceived benefits of art therapy in vulnerable children) and obtain subjective data from a determined sample size. In a study titled, “Benefits of an Arts-Based Mindfulness Group Intervention for Vulnerable Children,” researchers utilized a mixed-method design and first questioned children between the ages of 8-12 involved with child welfare and mental health services about how art therapy made them feel (Coholic and Eys, 2016). This is a qualitative process to first identify potential sub-questions that would then lead to a quantitative hypothesis. In this example, researchers identified the perceived benefits by conducting post-group interviews with both the children and their guardians and recognized themes involving improved emotion regulation, mood, coping skills, self-esteem, empathy, and ability to focus (Coholic and Eys, 2016). Themes are typically identified and explored in qualitative studies as means to continue redefining their research question Quantitative vs. Qualitative Objectives, Questions, or Hypotheses Advanced Nursing Research Essay.
Coholic and Eys then utilized quantitative research by using the Piers-Harris Children’s Self-Concept Scale and the Resiliency Scales for Children and Adolescents and conducted a hypothesis that children would have improved self-concept and resiliency post-treatment (Coholic and Eys, 2016). The dependent variable includes self-concept and resiliency, where the independent variable is art therapy. Here, quantitative research underlines specific variables attempting to draw a correlation between them. Because the research question is narrow, quantitative measures such as the Piers-Harris Children’s Self-Concept Scale is needed to draw statistical significance and establish a “cause and effect” (Creswell, 2009, p. 132). In contrast, qualitative research only aims to either discover, understand, explore a process, describe experiences, and/or report stories, depending on the type of qualitative research used (Creswell, 2009, p. 131).
References
Coholic, D. A., & Eys, M. (2016). Benefits of an arts-based mindfulness group intervention for vulnerable children. Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal, 33(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-015-0431-3
Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research questions and hypotheses. In J. W. Creswell (Author), Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (3rd ed., pp. 129-141). Sage Publications. http://www.gsic.uva.es/~amartine/thai/readings/Creswell2009_ch7-8-9.pdfew profile card for Kathleen Fagan
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