Quantitative research methodologies involve pre-determined instrument-based questions
- data from research can be turned into statistics,
- any defined variable, including opinion, attitudes or beliefs can be quantified statistically,
- findings can be used to generalize results to larger sample populations eg. scholarly research
- collection methods for the data are very structured and include: some types of surveys, interviews, longitudinal studies, and systematic observations.
- the statistics in a research paper are usually in the methods or methodology section
- a discussion of findings are found in the discussion section.
- can include: Experimental, Quasi-Experimental, Correlational (e.g. explanatory, prediction), Survey (e.g. cross-sectional, longitudinal)
Qualitative research methodologies emerge through study and open ended questions
- primarily exploratory research used to understand underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations,
- can help develop ideas for future quantitative research,
- the data collection methods vary but tend to be, unstructured or semi-structured and can include: focus groups, group discussions, individual interviews, and participation/observations,
- usually has a small sample size and the subjects are chosen to fill a quota,
- the conclusions are not generalizable to other populations due to sample size and methodology.
- can include: Grounded Theory; Historical Research; Ethnography; Phenomenology; Narrative Inquiry; Case Study Research; Critical Ethnography; Action Research and Mixed Methods.
