Method of Research (An Introduction)

Summary

Key Points

• Quantitative research involves collecting and analyzing numerical data to identify patterns and relationships, often using statistics and math. 0:40
• A key feature of quantitative research is its use of surveys, experiments, or tests to answer questions about 'how many' and 'how often'. 1:18
• Qualitative research focuses on understanding ideas, experiences, and meanings using words rather than numbers. 1:32
• Qualitative research typically employs interviews, observations, or open-ended questions to explore emotions, opinions, and behaviors, answering 'why' and 'how'. 2:03
• Mixed method research combines both quantitative and qualitative approaches to gain a more comprehensive understanding by confirming findings from each method. 2:23
• An example of mixed method research is a study that surveys students about study habits and interviews them about their feelings towards school. 2:36
• Mixed method research seeks to both generalize and understand data, providing a deeper meaning and balancing facts with personal experiences. 2:54
• The primary purpose of quantitative research is to generalize data, while qualitative research aims to understand data. 3:32
• For a research project, one typically selects either a quantitative or a qualitative method, as mixed methods require expertise in both approaches. 3:44