Introduction
Improving the quality of work and creating an efficient work environment requires various types of research. Specifically, qualitative and quantitative methods are often used to model and analyze scientific findings (Queirós, et al., 2017). Although quality improvement and research are both methods of gathering and using data, they possess profound differences.
Quality Improvement and Research Differences
Quality improvement and research are two approaches to obtaining data, but their purposes differ significantly. Quality improvement focuses on collecting data to achieve immediate results in a particular health care environment. Research is systematic data collection that contributes to generalizable knowledge (Carter, et al., 2021). Therefore, to distinguish between the two approaches, one must first question the aim of the scientific investigation.
Qualitative and Quantitative Research Applications
Qualitative and quantitative research are methods by which data is analyzed. Qualitative research is defined as research aimed to better understand a specific problem (Queirós, et al., 2017). It is mostly associated with social aspects of the investigation (Rutberg & Bouikidis, 2018). In the workplace, qualitative research could encourage programs to combat alcohol use. For example, management meetings where this issue could be discussed and evaluated. Quantitative research concerns obtaining precise and dependable measurements for statistical analysis (Queirós, et al., 2017). In the work environment, quantitative research that aims to contest alcohol use can come as surveys.
Within my organization, these research methods were used as bullying in workplace preventive measures. Qualitative research was used in the form of open-ended questions that were presented in a natural setting. Quantitative research was employed by collecting pre-existing data records (data gathered previously for other purposes). The results of these researches, especially pre-existing records, could be used in various different health care facilities since they provide information regarding the most common signs of bullying within the workplace.
Conclusion
Research and quality improvement are two methods of data collection that serve different purposes. Qualitative and quantitative research methods help to structure and analyze the data. However, they also possess fundamental differences. In the workplace, these methods could be used to combat and evaluate such issues as alcohol use and bullying.
References
Carter, E. J., Usseglio, J., Pahlevan‐Ibrekic, C., Vose, C., Rivera, R. R., & Larson, E. L. (2021). Differentiating research and quality improvement activities: A scoping review and implications for clinical scholarship.Journal of Clinical Nursing, 30(17-18), 2480-2488. Web.
Queirós, A., Faria, D., & Almeida, F. (2017). Strengths and limitations of qualitative and quantitative research methods.European Journal of Education Studies. Web.
Rutberg, S., & Bouikidis, C. D. (2018). Focusing on the fundamentals: A simplistic differentiation between qualitative and quantitative research.Nephrology Nursing Journal, 45(2), 209-213. Web.