b) qualitative methods If qualitative methods are applied, findings in the verbal form are given, which
is fairly difficult to evaluate, in particular for inexperienced or beginning
researchers (e.g. interview). On the other hand, it may be noted that certain
phenomena can be partly translated into statistical summaries. Supporters of
the quantitative approach to the study of educational phenomena oppose that
the human aspect diminishes behind the final figures and emphasise the need
to get closer to the persons under study and penetrate into situations,
understand the essence of the problem because this is the only way to describe
and understand these phenomena. If qualitative research is applied, researcher
must keep as great distance from the phenomena under study as possible for
the sake of impartiality, which also applies to the distance from the respondent.
Quantitative methods are mostly used to prepare the final thesis, which is
mainly for prosaic reasons because we can obtain a high amount of data which
are easy to evaluate (this is especially suitable for writing bachelor’s theses).
Research eruditeness is necessary for the application of certain qualitative
methods (i.e. they can be applied when writing master’s thesis).
Below is a brief summary of selected methods which may be applied to acquire
the necessary information and analyse the phenomena under study.
14.4 Quantitative Research Methods Explorative methods Explorative methods are the most frequently used methods. They are based on
the statements made by respondents. The share of individuals and their direct
involvement in the response obviously provide a ‘
reflection’ of their own
opinion, feeling, attitude, etc., i.e. responses need not correspond to reality,
which reduces objectivity (validity) and reliability of these methods. A
