Differences and similarities between quantitative, qualitative and mix methods research studies.

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Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research are three distinct approaches used to investigate social phenomena. Each approach has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of method depends on the specific research question and the desired type of information.

Quantitative research is characterized by its emphasis on numerical data, statistical analysis, and objectivity. It typically involves large sample sizes, controlled conditions, and pre-determined measures.

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      Qualitative research focuses on collecting and analyzing non-numerical data, such as interviews, observations, and documents. It emphasizes subjective experiences, meanings, and interpretations. Qualitative research aims to gain in-depth understanding of complex phenomena and uncover the "why" behind observed patterns. Mixed methods research combines elements of both quantitative and qualitative approaches. It allows researchers to gather both quantitative and qualitative data to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the research question. Mixed methods research can be particularly useful for studying complex phenomena that can't be fully understood through a single approach. Table 1: Comparison of Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods Research

Feature	Quantitative	Qualitative	Mixed Methods
Data Type	Numerical	Non-numerical	Both
Sample Size	Large	Small	Varies
Analysis	Statistical	Interpretative	Both
Generalizability	High	Low	Moderate
Strengths	Accuracy, objectivity, replicability	Depth, richness, understanding	Completeness, triangulation, comprehensiveness
Weaknesses	Limited scope, artificiality, reductionism	Lack of generalizability, subjectivity, bias	Complexity, resource-intensive

drive_spreadsheetExport to Sheets Ethical Approaches in Research Studies Five Research Articles and their Ethical Approaches:

1. "The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health" (Quantitative): This study used a large-scale survey to investigate the relationship between social media use and mental health in adolescents. The researchers obtained informed consent from participants and ensured anonymity and confidentiality of their data.
2. "The Lived Experiences of Homelessness" (Qualitative): This study conducted in-depth interviews with homeless individuals to understand their experiences and perspectives. The researchers obtained informed consent, built rapport with participants, and ensured their anonymity and safety.
3. "A Mixed Methods Study of School Climate and Student Achievement" (Mixed Methods): This study combined quantitative data from surveys and qualitative data from interviews and observations to investigate the relationship between school climate and student achievement. The researchers ensured informed consent, anonymity, and data security while protecting the privacy of participants and the school community.
4. "Evaluating the Effectiveness of a New Intervention for Depression" (Quantitative): This study used a randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of a new intervention for depression. The researchers obtained informed consent, ensured ethical treatment of participants, and monitored for potential risks and side effects.
5. "Understanding the Cultural Meanings of Illness" (Qualitative): This study conducted ethnographic research to explore the cultural meanings of illness in a specific community. The researchers obtained informed consent, respected cultural norms and values, and ensured that their research did not harm or exploit the community.

Sensitivity and Specificity in Screening Tests In healthcare, screening tests are used to identify individuals who may have a particular disease or condition. The accuracy of a screening test is determined by its sensitivity and specificity:

• Sensitivity: The proportion of individuals with the disease who are correctly identified by the test.
• Specificity: The proportion of individuals without the disease who are correctly identified by the test.

High sensitivity means the test is good at catching people who have the disease, while high specificity means the test is good at identifying people who do not have the disease. Ideally, a screening test should have both high sensitivity and high specificity to be considered accurate and reliable. Importance of Sensitivity and Specificity: