This document defines and compares key terms used in research, including empirical vs theoretical arguments, qualitative vs quantitative vs mixed methods, and methodology vs method. It explains that empirical arguments are based on collected data while theoretical arguments use reason or logic, and qualitative research produces words while quantitative research produces numbers for statistical analysis.

1. ENG 601
Basic Terms for Research

2. Empirical Theoretical
argument is made argument is made by
based on collected reason or logic
data
data is observable or in response to other
testable texts
also called a study also called critique

3. Empirical
Qualitative
Quantitative
Mixed Methods

4. Methodology
The theories which motivate the researcher
or underpin the study; worldview
All studies have a methodology
(Cresswell calls these the philosophical
worldviews.)
(This term is sometimes used differently in
Rhetoric & Composition.)

5. Method
Tools for data collection
Example: a survey, an
interview, artifact collection,
space mapping

6. Quantitative
Data produces numbers
Numbers are analyzed
statistically for trends
Examples: experiments &
surveys

7. Qualitative
Data produces words
Words are analyzed for trends
Examples: case studies,
interviews, & ethnographies

8. Mixed Method
Studies which use qualitative
and quantitative data
collection
Example: A survey with
follow-up interviews