Quantitative Research | ||
Purpose | Supports a hypothesis through a review of the literature | |
Aim | Provides a statistical model of what the literature presents | |
Previous Knowledge | Researcher already knows what has been discovered | |
Phase in Process | Generally occurs later in the research process | |
Research Design | Designed before research begins | |
Data-Gathering | Data is gathered using tools like surveys or computer programs | |
Form of Data | Data is numerical | |
Objectivity of Research | More objective; researcher measures and analyzes data | |
Keywords | Quantitative, survey, literature review |
Qualitative Research | ||
Purpose | Used for exploration, generates a hypothesis | |
Aim | Provides an in-depth description of the research methods to be used | |
Previous Knowledge | Researcher has a general idea of what will be discovered | |
Phase in Process | Usually occurs early in the research process | |
Research Design | Design is developed during research | |
Data-Gathering | Researcher gathers data from interviews, etc. | |
Form of Data | Data takes the form of interviews, videos, artifacts | |
Objectivity of Research | More subjective; researcher interprets events | |
Keywords | Qualitative, focus groups, results, interviews |
Mixed Methods Research uses strategies from both qualitative and quantitative research processes to provide a greater understanding of the subject matter.
Here are some other clues to help you determine whether the research presented in an article is qualitative or quantitative:
What to Look for in Qualitative Research:
What to Look for in Quantitative Research:
Strategy 1: Use Subject Headings
Databases use controlled keywords (known as thesaurus or subject terms) to categorize each record stored. PubMed, for example, uses Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), a highly structured index of terminology. The subject headings vary for each database according to their indexing system. The term "qualitative research" is indexed in PubMed as "Qualitative Research" or "Nursing Methodology Research", while in CINAHL the subject heading "Qualitative Studies" is complemented by more detailed terms, including "Phenomenological Research" and "Grounded Theory".
Strategy 2: Use Keywords
Keywords are words or phrases that you use to describe your research topic - both the content (eg depression) and the research methodology (eg quantitative). You can use as many or as few keywords as you like, and you don't have to include a method, although it may help narrow down your search resullts.
Strategy 3: Use Database Methodology Filters
APA PsycINFO and APA PsycARTICLES are two databases that include a methodology filter in their advanced search functions.