A rule of thumb for deciding whether to use qualitative or quantitative data is:
For most research topics you can choose a qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods approach. Which type you choose depends on, among other things, whether you're taking an inductive vs. deductive research approach; your research question(s); whether you're doing experimental, correlational, or descriptive research; and practical considerations such as time, money, availability of data, and access to respondents.
Research question How satisfied are students with their studies?
Quantitative research approach
You survey 300 students at your university and ask them questions such as: "on a scale from 1-5, how satisfied are you with your professors?"
You can perform statistical analysis on the data and draw conclusions such as: "on average students rated their professors 4.4".
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Qualitative research approach
You conduct in-depth interviews with 15 students and ask them open-ended questions such as: "How satisfied are you with your studies?", "What is the most positive aspect of your study program?" and "What can be done to improve the study program?"