Quantitative and qualitative research methods are the most commonly used for the social sciences. Quantitative data give numerical value to social events and relations (Pandey, 1) This type of research method is best at providing an understanding to social situations which are appropriate for numerical value. One such scenario is the effects of abortion on mental health, as seen in the web article “Abortion and mental health: quantitative synthesis and analysis of research published 1995-2009,” by Priscilla K. Coleman. This article, found on the BJPsych.com website, utilizes the quantitative method in order to determine whether abortion has a direct effect on mental health.
As seen in this study, there are positive aspects to using the quantitative research method. Tulsi Ram Pandey states that quantitative research helps to slim down the unit being studied by drawing a logical size sample out of a given population (3). It also makes simplicity and precision more accessible from a large population (Pandey, 3). Quantitative data enables researchers to locate patterns. The most commonly used methods to collect data are the closed-ended type of questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative research can be viewed, in some respect, to be more “concrete” than qualitative research data.
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"Research Methods in Sociology: Quantitative Method".
Due to the limitations of recent qualitative research on the effects of abortion on mental health, the quantitative study mentioned was performed. The sample consisted of 22 studies, with 36 measures of effect (Pandey 4). There were 877,181 participants, and 163,831 of these women had experienced an abortion (Pandey, 4). It was found that 81% of the women who had an abortion experienced an increase in risk to their mental health (Pandey, 4). In addition, 10% of poor mental health was attributed to the experience of abortion among those interviewed (Pandey, 4). The numerical data found as a result of this study builds a foundation for research in the area of the effects of abortion on women. The numerical results are solid.
The article mentioned is a web source which demonstrates quantitative research at its finest. This particular study is the largest study performed to date regarding the mental effects of abortion on women. The results could be construed as predictable, but the data is substantial, concrete results which promote the use of the quantitative method over qualitative.
- Coleman, Priscilla. “Abortion and mental health: quantitative synthesis and analysis of research Published 1995-2009.” BJPsych. Aug 2011. Web. 14 March 2015.
- Pandey, Tulsi Ram. “Qualitative Methods and Sociology.” Nepalese Journal of Qualitative Research Methods 3(2009): 1-27. Academic Search Complete. Web. 14 March 2015.
