According to Neuman (2008), there are three main types of research methods: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods.
1. Qualitative research involves collecting and analyzing non-numerical data, such as words, images, and sounds. This type of research is often used to explore subjective experiences and understand people's perspectives and meanings. Qualitative research methods include interviews, focus groups, observations, and content analysis. Neuman (2008) notes that qualitative research is typically inductive, meaning that it involves generating hypotheses from the data rather than testing preconceived hypotheses.
2. Quantitative research involves collecting and analyzing numerical data. This type of research is used to test hypotheses and answer research questions. Quantitative research methods include surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis. Neuman (2008) notes that quantitative research is typically deductive, meaning that it involves testing preconceived hypotheses using numerical data.
3. Mixed methods research involves combining qualitative and quantitative methods in a single study. This type of research allows researchers to triangulate data and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the research topic. Mixed methods research can involve collecting and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data, or collecting one type of data and analyzing it using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Neuman (2008) notes that mixed methods research can be either inductive or deductive, depending on the research questions and the specific combination of qualitative and quantitative methods used.
References
1. Qualitative research involves collecting and analyzing non-numerical data, such as words, images, and sounds. This type of research is often used to explore subjective experiences and understand people's perspectives and meanings. Qualitative research methods include interviews, focus groups, observations, and content analysis. Neuman (2008) notes that qualitative research is typically inductive, meaning that it involves generating hypotheses from the data rather than testing preconceived hypotheses.
2. Quantitative research involves collecting and analyzing numerical data. This type of research is used to test hypotheses and answer research questions. Quantitative research methods include surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis. Neuman (2008) notes that quantitative research is typically deductive, meaning that it involves testing preconceived hypotheses using numerical data.
3. Mixed methods research involves combining qualitative and quantitative methods in a single study. This type of research allows researchers to triangulate data and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the research topic. Mixed methods research can involve collecting and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data, or collecting one type of data and analyzing it using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Neuman (2008) notes that mixed methods research can be either inductive or deductive, depending on the research questions and the specific combination of qualitative and quantitative methods used.
References
Neuman, W.L. (2008). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.
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