|
|
Qualitative Research |
Quantitative Research |
|
Purpose |
Understand and interpret social interactions. |
Test hypotheses. Look at cause and effect. Predict. |
|
Group Studied |
Tends to be smaller, nonrandom. Researchers may get involved in lives of those studied. |
Tends to be larger, randomly selected. Anonymity important. |
|
Variables |
Study of the whole rather than specific variables. |
A few variables studied. |
|
Type of Data Collected |
Emphasis is on words. Increasing interest in visual data. |
Emphasis is on numbers. Variables. |
|
Form of Data Collected |
In-depth interviews, participant observation, field notes, and open-ended questions. |
Data based on precise measurement using structured and validated data-collection instruments |
|
Type of Data Analysis |
Use descriptive data; search for patterns, themes, and holistic features; appreciate difference/variation. |
Identify statistical relationships among variables. |
|
Objectivity / Subjectivity |
Subjectivity is expected. |
Objectivity is critical. |
|
Role of Researcher |
Researcher is central to any study. Interpretations are based on researcher's experience and background. |
Researcher tries to remain outside of the system, keeping biases to a minimum. |
|
Nature of Reality/Truth |
Multiple realities; subjective. |
Single reality; objective. |
|
Nature of Observation |
Study groups and individuals in natural settings; attempt to understand perspectives. |
Study behavior under controlled conditions; isolate the causal effect of single variables. |
|
Scientific method |
"Bottom-up." The researcher generates hypotheses from data collected during fieldwork. |
"Top-down." The researcher tests hypotheses and theory with data. |
|
Final Report |
Informal narrative. |
Formal statistical report. |
Sources:
370.72 J66E
Johnson, B., & Christensen, L. (2012). Educational Research: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Approaches (pp. 34-35). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
370.721 L699Q
Lichtman, M. (2013). Qualitative research in education: A user’s guide (pp. 14-15). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
A (Very) Brief Refresher on the Case Study Method from SAGE Publications.
An Introduction to Codes and Coding from The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers, SAGE Publications.
A Simple Introduction to the Practice of Ethnography and Guide to Ethnographic Fieldnotes by Brian A. Hoey, Marshall University.
Evaluation Research: An Overview by Ronald R. Powell in Library Trends, John Hopkins University Press.
Social Research Update: Internet Research and Unobtrusive Methods by Christine Hine from The University of Surrey.
Atkins, L. & Wallace, S. (2012). Interviewing in educational research. In Research Methods in Education: Qualitative research in education (pp. 85-106). London: SAGE Publications Ltd.
Pan, M. L., & Lopez, M. (2013). Preparing literature reviews: Qualitative and quantitative approaches. Glendale, CA: Pyrczak Pub.
Atkins, L. & Wallace, S. (2012). Writing a literature review. In Research Methods in Education: Qualitative research in education (pp. 65-84). London: SAGE Publications Ltd.
Connelly, F. M., & Clandinin, D. J. (1990). Stories of experience and narrative inquiry. Educational researcher, 19(5), 2-14.
McKechnie, L. (2008). Observational research. In L. M. Given (Ed.), The SAGE encyclopedia of qualitative research methods (pp. 574-575). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications Ltd. doi: 10.4135/9781412963909.n295
Trobia, A. (2008). Questionnaire. In P. J. Lavrakas (Ed.), Encyclopedia of survey research methods (pp. 653-655). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications Ltd. doi: 10.4135/9781412963947.n424
Lavrakas, P. J. (2008). Encyclopedia of survey research methods : SAGE Publications Ltd. doi: 10.4135/9781412963947