Social research is key to understanding crime and society. There are two types of research, qualitative and quantitative, and the results from the two different methods are very different. Quantitative research methods are used to quantify by generating numerical data and allows for the measurement of a subjects reaction, for example to a set of questions. Qualitative research methods produce quality data using language and is used for exploratory research and used to gain and understanding of underlying reasons, opinions and ideas; in other words, qualitative methods are used to produce data and gather information which can provide insights to issues (Neuman, 2007).
As Dodd (2008) recognises, both qualitative and quantitative can be used in conjunction with one another, however the major differences between the both need be identified. According to Dodd (2008) the main difference between the two is that quantitative research is objective and qualitative research is subjective. Objective research provides results that are not based on opinions but information backed up by the numerical data gathered which provides us with statistics. The subjective nature of qualitative research is focused more on exploring further beyond statistical data and looking at the feelings and theories behind an issue, hence it does not allow for definitive conclusions to be made.
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Qualitative research is done in order to develop a theory, meaning data is collected and based on that a theory is constructed whereas quantitative research takes this further and starts with a theory, data is collected based on that theory, and then the data proves the theory right or wrong; in other words, the theory is tested (Dodds,