Comparative Analysis of Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods in Environmental Studies

This paper presents a comparative analysis of quantitative and qualitative research methods within the context of environmental studies. The objectives of the study were to identify the types of qualitative and quantitative techniques used in environmental studies, examine qualitative and quantitative approaches to environmental research and examine the areas required for use in research. Data used were got from secondary sources such as books and articles in journals and the data collected were analyzed descriptively. The result of the comparative study shows that both types of research methods have their theoretical foundations, applications, strengths, and limitations. For qualitative method, two sets of measure that is, measure of central tendency and measure of dispersion were mainly the approach to solving statistical problems. Data collected using this approach were usually presented graphically and numerically. For quantitative approach is concerned mainly with measurement and expression of values of features in terms of quantity. This research type measures the properties of variables and makes precise measurement, determine trends or changes over time and compare trends on items. Inferential statistical methods such as correlation, regression, analysis of variance, chi-square and factor analysis are often used. In environmental studies, these research approaches are often used. However the type of research and the nature of data required determines the approach that is suitable for use. The study has recommended that both approaches are suitable and should be used in studies in environmental sciences.