The advantages and disadvantages of using qualitative and quantitative approaches and methods in language “testing and assessment” research: A literature review

Abstract

The researchers of various disciplines often use qualitative and quantitative research methods and approaches fortheir studies. Some of these researchers like to be known as qualitative researchers; others like to be regarded asquantitative researchers. The researchers, thus, are sharply polarised; and they involve in a competition ofpointing out the benefits of their own preferred methods and approaches. But, both the methods and approaches(qualitative and quantitative) have pros and cons. This study, therefore, aims to discuss the advantages anddisadvantages of using qualitative and quantitative research approaches and methods in language testing andassessment research. There is a focus on ethical considerations too. The study found some strengths of usingqualitative methods for language “assessment and testing” research—such as, eliciting deeper insights intodesigning, administering, and interpreting assessment and testing; and exploring test-takers’ behaviour,perceptions, feelings, and understanding. Some weaknesses are, for instance, smaller sample size and timeconsuming. Quantitative research methods, on the other hand, involve a larger sample, and do not requirerelatively a longer time for data collection. Some limitations are that quantitative research methods takesnapshots of a phenomenon: not in-depth, and overlook test-takers’ and testers’ experiences as well as what theymean by something. Among these two research paradigms, the quantitative one is dominant in the context oflanguage testing and assessment research.

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