Back to the Basics: An Explanation of Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods
By: Tracey Walterbusch
Sometimes we become so involved with the details we forget the basics. It is important before you
start you research you use the appropriate methodology for your research. Each methodology has a
different positive and negative. Be sure you are evaluating your own research methods and utilizing the
correct form as well as the correct
QUANTITATIVE: Uses pre-established research designs and may not be as flexible as qualitative.
Experimental: best for testing cause-effect relationships. It is the only type of research that attempts to
influence a particular variable. Things you may need to keep in mind: randomization, holding variables
constant, building the variable into the design, grouping of subjects, and using the analysis of
covariance. More than any other method, is important to test and retest when using this method.
Single-subject: very similar to experimental data but only one subject is used. Single-subject research is
based on time-series design and mainly used to study changes in behavior after exposure to an
intervention or event.
Correlation: is also called associational research and is used to study relationships without an attempt
at influencing them. Correlational research is used to understand unexplained circumstances by
identifying relationships among variables. Researchers study many different variable to identify the
variable that has affected the “phenomenon.”
Causal-Comparative: is sometimes viewed as a part of correlation research because it is the
observation of differences and consequences that already exist without any attempt to influence the
relationship. Sometimes referred to as “ex post facto research,” because the observation occurs after
the change in the variables occurs. It is the observation of things that cannot be changed or things that
have been manipulated before but have not been permanently changed.
Survey Research: a number of questions are asked to find answers about a particular topic or issue.
This is used when researchers want to figure out the beliefs or opinions of a large group. It is important
to realize the method these surveys are distributed affects the responses.
QUALITATIVE:
Ethnographic: some consider it the most complex of all research. Many different methods are used to
get an idea of an entire society or group. It is important to document everyday experiences through
observations and interviews. A positive of this research is that it may reveal secrets that other research
methods would not reveal. Ethnography provides contextualization for a researcher’s data.
Historical: is the research and evaluation of data to describe certain actions by a particular group that
occurred during the past. The purpose for historical research is to make people aware of what has
happened in the past, test a hypothesis about the past, or understand current educational practices and
their history. Since the only source for information in this research is historical papers it is important
that researchers that use this method identify the legitimacy of each source.
Mixed Methods
This method uses both quantitative and qualitative. It provides a more thorough research of the subject
being evaluated and it is usually associated with pragmatism. Exploratory design uses qualitative then
quantitative research. Explanatory design uses the same two types in the opposite order. In
triangulation design, a research conducts qualitative and quantitative usually simultaneously and
determines which provides better information.
Action Research
This type of research is often completed without the identified term action research. It is conducted by
one or more administrator to solve a day to day problem. It assumes that those involved are informed
individuals that can perform this form of research. There are two forms practical and participatory.
Practical action research addresses a particular problem. Participatory action research focuses on a
problem and finding ways to solve this problem. This research type may not be valid due to an observer
bias and inability to generalize. This research does encourage practitioners a way to evaluate their
services.