A comparative study of quantitative and qualitative research methods in published case studies: causes and manifestations of performance anxiety

Music performance anxiety is a common psychological phenomenon in the field of music performance, exerting a significant impact on the physical and mental state, performance quality, and career development of performers. It typically manifests in three dimensions: physiological, psychological and behavioural symptoms. Existing research employs both quantitative and qualitative approaches, each with distinct emphases. This paper systematically analyses the differences between these two research paradigms by comparing two representative case studies. The comparison is structured around several key dimensions: research objectives, research design, sample selection, data types, analytical methods, presentation of results, strategies for ensuring reliability and validity, and the role of the researcher. The paper begins with a literature review, followed by a detailed comparison of quantitative and qualitative methods across the aforementioned dimensions. It concludes with a discussion of the advantages and limitations of each approach in exploring the causes and manifestations of performance anxiety, in relation to the research questions. Findings indicate that quantitative research is characterised by reproducibility, standardisation, and structured procedures for data collection and analysis, making it particularly suitable for exploring the prevalence and predictors of performance anxiety. In contrast, qualitative research offers flexibility and depth, enabling a nuanced understanding of performers' psychological responses in specific contexts. Ultimately, the choice of research method should be guided by the specific aims and questions of the study. In practical research, quantitative and qualitative research can be used together to give full play to the advantages of both methods.