Research Methods Quiz

Research Types and Characteristics

• Research can be categorized into three main types: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research.
• Each type of research has its own strategies of inquiry and methods of data collection.

Qualitative Research

• Provides a richer and deeper understanding of the phenomenon.
• Participants can provide deeper, more detailed, and specific answers to open-ended questions.
• Number of participants (sample size) is smaller compared to quantitative research.
• Narrative findings are not generalizable for the whole population.
• May possibly use numbers and figures, but analysis focuses on words, meanings, interpretations, and perspectives.

Quantitative Research

• Means for testing objective theories by examining the relationship among variables.
• Makes use of statistics in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of numerical data.
• Strategies of inquiry include survey research and experimental research.
• Data collection methods include surveys and experiments.
• Examples of quantitative research include the effects of physical exercise on sleep quality and preferences of college students towards computer operating systems.

Mixed Methods Research

• Employs elements of both qualitative and quantitative research in terms of strategies and methods.
• Can be sequential (elaborates or expands findings of one method with another) or concurrent (uses both qualitative and quantitative methods at the same time).
• Can use a theoretical lens as an overarching perspective within a design that contains both quantitative and qualitative data.

Research Design

• Research design includes qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches.
• Qualitative and quantitative research have different advantages and disadvantages.
• Mixed methods research combines qualitative and quantitative techniques, considering the complementarity of the two techniques.