The document discusses the differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods. Quantitative research aims to test hypotheses and theories through deductive analysis, using methods like experiments and statistical analysis. Qualitative research seeks to explore questions and build theories through inductive analysis, using methods like case studies, ethnography, and narrative descriptions. The appropriate method depends on factors like the research question, available literature, and the researcher's skills and approach. Both have valid uses depending on the goals of the study.

1. Qualitative vs. Quantitative
• QUANTITATIVE
• Hypothesis: All beans
are alike.
• NULL: No beans are
different.
• Method: Count the
beans.
• QUALITATIVE
• Question: What is a
bean? What does it
mean to be a bean?
• Method: Examine
“beanness” in the
field.

2. Variety of qualitative methods
• Case study (of 1 or more individuals)
• Ethnography (study of cultural groups)
• Phenomenology (individual point of view)
• Grounded theory (link data to theory)
• Action research
• Historical analysis

3. Distinguishing Characteristics of
Quantitative and Qualitative
Research

4. Purpose
• QUANTITATIVE
• to explain and predict
• to test, confirm, and
validate theory
• QUALITATIVE
• to describe and explain
• to explore and
interpret
• to build theory

5. Research Process
• QUANTITATIVE
• focused
• deals with known
variables
• uses established
guidelines
• static designs; context-
free; objective
• QUALITATIVE
• holistic approach
• unknown variables
• flexible guidelines
• “emergent” design;
context-bound;
• subjective

6. Form of Reasoning
• QUANTITATIVE
• deductive analysis
– from general case
(“theory”) to specific
situations.
• QUALITATIVE
• inductive analysis
– from specific
situation to general
case.

7. Description of findings
• QUANTITATIVE
• Numerical data
• Statistics
• Formal and scientific
• QUALITATIVE
• Narrative description
• Words, quotes
• Personal voice;
literary style

8. Which approach to educational
research should you use?

9. Do you believe that...
• There is an objective
reality that can be
measured?
• If so, use Quantitative
research.
• There are multiple,
constructed realities
that defy easy
measurement or
categorization?
• If so, use Qualitative
research?

10. Is your research question...
• Confirmatory or
predictive in nature?
• If so, use Quantitative
research.
• Exploratory or
interpretive in nature?
• If so, use Qualitative
research.

11. Is the available research
literature...
• Relatively large?
• If so, use Quantitative
research.
• Limited or non-
existent?
• If so, use Qualitative
research.

12. Do you have skills in...
• Statistics and
deductive reasoning,
and able to write in a
technical and scientific
style?
• If so, use Quantitative
research.
• Inductive reasoning,
attentiveness to detail,
and able to write in a
more literary,
narrative style?
• If so, use Qualitative
research.

13. Choosing the “right” method
Different research methods are
appropriate for different research
questions. No single approach is best
for all the questions that can be asked
regarding any particular behavioral
phenomenon.

14. “What leads some students to be more
successful readers than other students?”
• “Can I predict who is likely to have reading
difficulties?” (Correlation/regression)
• “What is the best method of teaching reading?”
(Experiment)
• “What are the norms for a population for the
development of reading skill?” (Descriptive)
• “What are the conditions of reading instruction
and learning in today’s classrooms?”
(Qualitative)