Answer:
In quantitative research hypotheses and variables are tested and measured numerically using statistical methods after the data were collected. Hypotheses and variables exist and stated prior to the beginning of investigation.
In qualitative research no hypotheses or relationships of variables are tested. Because variables must be defined numerically in hypothesis-testing research, they cannot reflect subjective experience. This leads to hypothesis-generating research using the grounded theory method to study subjective experience directly. The grounded theory method uses a data analysis procedure called theoretical coding to develop hypotheses based on what the research participants say. Because the method involves developing hypotheses after the data are collected, it is called hypothesis-generating research rather than hypothesis-testing research. Grounded theory method uses questioning rather than measuring and generating hypotheses using theoretical coding.
