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Doctoral Social Work Research: Methodology Searches

This guide gives an overview of resources for doctoral research in social work (PhD and DSW)

Searching for Empirical Articles by Methodology

(Qualitative, Quantitative, Mixed Methods, etc.)

Empirical Research 101

Quantitative vs Qualitative vs Mixed Methods
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:

  • the word "qualitative" and no statistical analysis methods
  • descriptive words and/or feelings
  • narration (reads more like it tells a story)
  • lack of numerical data
  • case studies, histories 
  • trying to develop an understanding of something that cannot be quantified

What to Look for in Quantitative Research: 

  • numbers
  • charts and graphs
  • the word "quantitative" or specific statistical analysis methods
  • trying to compare two variables using numerical data 

Finding Articles by Methodology

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. 

CINAHL search showing use of keyword for content     CINAHL search box showing use of keyword for research methodology

Strategy 3: Use Database Methodology Filters

APA PsycINFO and APA PsycARTICLES are two databases that include a methodology filter in their advanced search functions.