Qualitative and Quantitative Research
Quantitative research involves collecting numerical data though content analysis, performance tests, personality measures, questionnaires, etc. Quantitative research allows for experimental and non-experimental research. Experimental research tests cause and effect, while non-experimental research, such as, correlation research, relates variables, and survey research describes trends. There are three basic types of quantitative research questions: descriptive research questions, correlational research questions, and causal research questions. However, research involves collecting word data though interviews, open-ended questionnaires, observations, content analysis, focus groups, etc. Qualitative research can explore common experience (Grounded Theory Research), shared culture (Ethnography), an environment (Case Study), or an individual (Narrative Research). Both type of research ask research questions, focus on type of data, and have variables.
Research Questions
Research Questions are clear, concise, and arguable questions. A qualitative research question “explores a central concept or phenomenon” (Schreiber 2012). An example of a qualitative research question is how do African American male elementary students read popular fiction written by Caucasian female authors? This is an ethnographic research question that will explore hared culture of a group of people. Differently, a quantitative research question “relates attributes or characteristics of individuals or organizations” (Schreiber 2012). There are three basic types of quantitative research questions: descriptive research questions, correlational research questions, and causal research questions. Descriptive research questions describe variables being studied. An example of descriptive research question is does reading popular fiction increase test scores in elementary students? This research question is an experimental research question that tests the cause and effect. Another research question is
Research Questions
Research Questions are clear, concise, and arguable questions. A qualitative research question “explores a central concept or phenomenon” (Schreiber 2012). An example of a qualitative research question is how do African American male elementary students read popular fiction written by Caucasian female authors? This is an ethnographic research question that will explore hared culture of a group of people. Differently, a quantitative research question “relates attributes or characteristics of individuals or organizations” (Schreiber 2012). There are three basic types of quantitative research questions: descriptive research questions, correlational research questions, and causal research questions. Descriptive research questions describe variables being studied. An example of descriptive research question is does reading popular fiction increase test scores in elementary students? This research question is an experimental research question that tests the cause and effect. Another research question is
Bibliography: • Lane, D.M. (2006, June). Glossary. Rice Virtual Lab in Statistics Retrieved January 31, 2014, from http://davidmlane.com/hyperstat/glossary.html • Research Methods ** Available in the Presentations section. • Schreiber, Deborah Ph.D. 2012 Research Methods in Education • StatSoft, Inc. (2010). Electronic Statistics Textbook. Elementary Concepts. Retrieved January 31, 2014, from http://www.statsoft.com/textbook/elementary-concepts-in-statistics/?button=1