What are Research Methods?
We conduct research to answer specific questions or to gain greater understanding of specific topics and phenomena. How do we go about it? There are many patterns or "research methods" to help us find the answers we seek. This guide will provide you a short introduction, point to resources on different types of research methods, and provide a few key texts that will assist you in conducting research for your particular discipline.
Research Design by Call Number: eBookISBN: 9781462529995Publication Date: 2017-04-12"This user-friendly book provides a step-by-step guide to using the five major approaches to research design: quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, arts-based, and community-based participatory research. Chapters on each approach follow a unique format--they present a template for a research proposal and explain in detail how to conceptualize and fill in every section." ~ from the publisher
Different Approaches
Qualitative Research
These efforts generally seek data that can be interpreted to help us understand ideas, concepts, and subjective experiences. Qualitative data typically comes to us in the form of words and is gathered via observation, interviews, focus groups, and questionnaires. Are you seeking to gain understanding of a concept or idea? The qualitative approach might be your best bet.
Quantitative Research
This kind of research is focused on the gathering and interpretation of numerical data such as statistics and percentages--things that can be quantified. Are you trying to test or confirm a hypothesis? If so, a quantitative approach might be your best bet.