The Significance of Quantitative and Qualitative Research in The Progression of Ideas

The use of both quantitative and qualitive research are a key factor in the development of theories in numerous areas of study. The use of research has proven to be the basis for development of theories based on data that is collected through the research process. In the following pages a demonstration of how these two forms of research can be utilized to the composition of theories will be presented.

Research over the years has been the source of a plethora of information and has contributed to the development and teaching of many theories through several platforms of study. The use of research is the most effective way in which theories can be developed, and has progressively become more involved over the years. With the research of many scholars, scientists, professors, etc. we as a society have benefited from the development and teaching of theories as they relate to our area of study. Effective research, leads to well developed and defined theories.

Regardless of the researcher, whether it be Timothy Ellis, Robert Dubin, both have addressed the fact that research is composed of different “units” and that these units when combined can be utilized to develop theories on any topic related to the research study. Utilizing the research theories of these individuals has allowed researchers to format their findings in a method that the study and comparison on different items can be well laid out and compared in the formation of a theory (Ellis & Levy, 2008) (Lynham, 2002).

Theories when looked at in general are all potential answers to a problem, or a question. When research is conducted, this is done to answer a question. With this simple concept in mind it should be relatively easy to see that research can easily be related and utilized to the development of a theory. When looking at these aspects we can see that quantitative research, where we take observable data based on statistical or mathematical components, and apply these set factors to the solution of a problem to develop a theory on how the problem occurs or can be resolved. Qualitive research, where inquiry into data is taken from many different sources, can also be applied to theory development when the topic is of broader range, or exists in multiple disciplines.

As discussed in research provided by Elizabeth Harlow, the thought that theoretical concepts and teachings are formed from the basis of well-established research. Contributions that are provided by research are what can and always have then developed into theories. Utilizing research information whether gathered in a qualitive or quantitative manner can be formulized through organization and research study to find a theory that can be applied to the solution of a problem (Harlow E., 2009).

In the area of Criminal Justice and Public Safety, research is the key component that can easily be developed in theories and/or theoretical approaches to the solution of problem. Utilizing study information and research data we can pinpoint the reasons that certain crimes are more prevalent in certain areas, why some fear police more than others, and any variety of statistical comparisons that we can then utilize into forming theories on these facts, and in turn develop and research solutions to a problem. This was further demonstrated in research discussed by Elizabeth Harlow about fear of crime in the UK. (Harlow, E., 2009).

For example, when we discuss the “attachment theory” which is based on a combination of both quantitative, and qualitative research we find that this theory was developed after combining the two types of research, and finding relevant and substantive information as to how different characteristics in certain groups were a direct driving force in the types of crimes that they may commit, and how they react to punishments. Over years of review of this data it could be determined that this “attachment theory” research could be utilized to develop programs to assist in the deterrent of crime in certain socioeconomic groups in order to try to deter behaviors that were demonstrated in the research. This is a prime example of how the use of both quantitative and qualitative research could be utilized in the formation of a theory, that is then transferred to developing a problem solution (Cassidy, Jones, & Shaver, 2013).

This is just a small sampling of how concepts of research collection whether done quantitatively, or with qualitative research. can be utilized in the development of theories, and in turn be applied to our criminal justice and public safety concerns. Solutions to problems, which is the main basis of theories, is developed primarily from observation and research collection.