Explain the difference between quantitative and qualitative methods. Identify which method of research you believe is most useful in homeland security research.
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Quantitative methods measures the quantity of a problem by numbering data that can be used as statistics . This is so the researchers are able to see what the relationship is between two or more variables . These variables are all characteristics that can be influenced by the researcher . Researcher ‘s will ” emphasize detached observation and documenting phenomena numerically ” ( Manheim & Brians , 2011 , pg. 81 ) . Qualitative methods is considering the meaning , cultures , behavior and experience that participants ‘ have had in their world . This is more of a ” ” interactive process between the researcher and the participants , is both descriptive and analytic , and relies on people ‘s words and observable behavior as the primary data ” ( Marshall & Rossman , ( within Empirical Political Analysis ) 1999 , pg. 7 ) . Out of these two research methods I believe that both quantitative and qualitative would be useful in homeland security research . It really depends on what assessments are needing to be done . ” Homeland security risk methodologies are often sorted into qualitative and quantitative categories , but when well – designed , both types of assessments have the potential to deliver useful analytic results ” ( DHS , 2011 , pg. 21 ) . Homeland security will use quantitative methods when they are looking for the statistics for certain variables that are being reviewed from both inside and outside of the assessment . These statistics however , can be influenced by the researcher . This influence can come from the DHS placing more security in one area than in another area . Homeland security will then use qualitative methods when they are observing participants within an area . This will include the different behaviors and individual views . The researcher will be in this area of research and does not influence the participants .