Research methods are the strategies, processes or techniques utilized in the collection of data or evidence for analysis in order to uncover new information or create better understanding of a topic. There are different types of research methods which use different tools for data collection.
| Research Type | Definition | Title Words | Methods | Data | Researcher Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative | Research based on traditional scientific methods, which generates numerical data and usually seeks to establish causal relationships between two or more variables, using statistical methods to test the strength and significance of the relationships. |
Case Control Study, Clinical Trial, Cohort Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Statistical, Structured-Questionnaire |
Starts with a testable hypothesis that determines methodology, Collects and analyzes data, Uses mathematical and statistical methods to analyze data. | Measurable, numbers, statistics | Objective: Separate, Observes but does not participate. |
| Qualitative | Research that seeks to provide understanding of human experience, perceptions, motivations, intentions, and behaviours based on description and observation and utilizing a naturalistic interpretative approach to a subject and its contextual setting. | Ethnographic study, Field notes, Field Research, Focus group, Observation, Open ended, Phenomenological | Focus Groups, Interviews, Recording behavior, Unstructured observation | Idea, interpretive, Narrative Description and analysis, Text-based, Word analysis | Subjective: involved, participant observer |
Sources:
Qualitative Vs Quantitative from Maricopa Community Colleges
