The main aim of the essay presented is to fully describe the similarities and differences evident in quantitative and qualitative research method. As described by Tingen et al. (2009) research has a great impact on the already existing and dynamics of the nursing profession. Research creates a platform and a basis to generate new knowledge that in turn improves nursing practice. This is in line with the initiative “improving general practice: A call to action” (NHS, 2014). This essay will describe various steps, aims, components and the general pattern of research process (Morgan, 2007).

As described by Field (2011), the major purpose of research is to generate new ideas, broaden existing information and validate facts in order to improve practice. A further review into the report of nursing committee (Briggs report), nursing practices should be a testimonial with facts so as to make the quality of care better for patients and the entire population (ICN, 2009). Research method refers to all systems and strategies used by a researcher in a research process. It is made up of both the quantitative and qualitative method (Kathari, 2004). A quantitative research is an organised approach used to enumerate variables (Wayne, 2010). Groove (2005) also defined a quantitative research as a methodical, coordinated and official process that uses statistical approach in the gathering, scrutinizing, interpretation and demonstration of data. On the Contrary, Carter and Thomas (2005) defined a qualitative research as a systematic but amorphous method that uses descriptive or recount approaches in collection, reviewing, elaboration and exhibition of data. It is often referred to as a primary experimental research that is used to comprehend a given fact or underlying impression it also reviews an idea and perception, which sets a concept to be reviewed in a potential quantitative study (Wyse, 2011). Despite the differences in the meaning of a quantitative and qualitative research, they are both methods that follow a systems and processes. They both consider all the aspects of a research process such as the approach and plan. This is best described with the definition of research as an organised and rigorous process (Kaplain, 2015).

The main features in a quantitative research includes the use of a problem solving technique. It is frequently referred as a deductive approach. This is mainly because it works on a theory; it examines a phenomena until it derives into a conclusion (Gabriel, 2013). A quantitative research often tries to examine experiments to explain its thesis showing link between a cause an