Qualitative research is the importance of the observations made in a study rather than the raw numbers themselves (Quantitative Research, 2014). This is most commonly the survey method which may include interviews and case studies. Qualitative research is also used in a historical and ethnographic context, to try to determine what happened and what is happening (Quantitative Research, 2014). Qualitative research is useful for practitioners because it allows the researcher to establish a connection with clients, as the practitioner gains inner insight. By allowing the practitioner an inner view, it can open up relationships and dynamic process that might otherwise have been missed (Hughes, C, 2006). For example, by researching a client's history through interviews and case studies, a practitioner could gain a deeper understanding of the client's past history and relationships that may directly relate to their case, something a quantitative research method would not provide. Such data would be collected from an oral or written description, with the practitioner interpreting the data once collected. Qualitative research is also useful in determining what is currently happening, for example using case studies to provide analysis of current trends in the field of social work (Hughes, C, 2006). However, qualitative research has its limitations. Qualitative research takes much longer than quantitative research, due to the nature of the research. The presence of the practitioner on the client is felt more, and more of the client's time is required. There is also a potential risk of confidentiality when discussing results (Hughes, C. 2006). Another limitation to consider is that when performing qualitative analyses...... middle of paper ......n, K., Guest, G., Namey, E. 2005). While quantitative research seeks to prove hypotheses, qualitative research explores an idea. While quantitative research seeks to predict relationships, qualitative research explains relationships. While quantitative research uses closed-ended questions, qualitative research uses open-ended questions. Quantitative research is rigid and stable, while qualitative research can be modified as new information is gathered (Mack, N., Woodsong, C., MacQueen, K., Guest, G., Namey, E. 2005 ). The main difference being the degree of flexibility, qualitative research would be the best methodology to explore and discover new research on my chosen research topic. In the case of a literature review, quantitative methodology is the ideal method to explore already existing data, in order to be able to assess the needs for new data to explore..