IntroductionThis paper will compare and contrast Northcentral University's expectations for both qualitative and quantitative approaches to data analysis based on the NCU Template Applied Degree 2013 Concept Paper Template. We will also discuss why the qualitative approach was chosen for this article over the quantitative research style. Finally, this paper will document and discuss best practice suggestions for the qualitative research approach. Comparing the Qualitative and Quantitative Approach The thesis process at Northcentral University requires that students choose to conduct their research using a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed research method. Qualitative research, unlike quantitative research, deals with research that is not the byproduct of statistical analysis. Furthermore, qualitative research, or phenomenological inquiry, deals with phenomena that are context-specific rather than part of causal relationships, prediction, and generalization, which are characteristic of quantitative research and must be aligned with the purpose statement (Sanders, 1997) . Differences between qualitative and quantitative research include the fact that, while qualitative research involves practices such as interviews, focus groups, and observations, quantitative research relies on more objective measures that include interviews or structured questionnaires (Kisely & Kendall, 2011). Furthermore, the use of online questionnaires has created a strong distinction between qualitative and quantitative research due to the fact that respondents are alone and unsupervised when answering questions, whereas qualitative research is conducted in a face-to-face environment (Barnham, 2012). This information is...... half of the document ......rce: (Best Practices for Concept Paper Development by Northcentral University, 2010) There is also a difference between research method and research design. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that you need to explain why your chosen research method (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed method) is best for your thesis (Northcentral University Best Practices for Concept Paper Development, 2010). Qualitative research is that the criteria used to create quantitative data cannot be easily translated directly into usable evaluations of research that involves a qualitative approach (Frost, 2014). In other words, it would be difficult to adapt reliability, validity, and generalizability to the qualitative approach (Frost, 2014). This is likely a growing concern due to the increasing use of qualitative research.