Comparison of Methodology
2 likes1,140 views
This document compares quantitative, mixed, and qualitative approaches to educational research. Quantitative research uses deductive methods to test hypotheses with numeric data, seeks generalizable results, and identifies statistical relationships. Qualitative research uses inductive methods to explore phenomena through narrative data collection in natural contexts, seeks particularistic findings, and identifies patterns and themes. Mixed research uses both deductive and inductive methods to examine phenomena from multiple lenses through a mixture of numeric and narrative data to develop a general understanding while also identifying overall themes.
Comparison of Methodology
- 1. Comparison of Quantitative, Mixed, and Qualitative Approaches to Educational Research Quantitative Approach Mixed Approach Qualitative Approach Scientific Method Deductive or “top-down” Test hypothesis and theory with data. Deductive and Inductive Inductive or “bottom-up” Generate new hypotheses and theory from data collected. Most common research objectives Description Explanation Prediction Multiple objectives Description Exploration Discovery Focus Narrow-angle lens Testing specific hypotheses Multi-lens Wide and Deep-angle lenses Examine the breadth and depth of phenomenon to learn more about them. Nature of study Study behavior under artificial, controlled conditions. Study behavior in more than one context or condition Study behavior in its natural environment or context. Form of data collected Collect numeric data using structured and validated instruments (closed-ended survey items, rating scales, measurable behavioral responses) Multiple forms Collect narrative data using semi- or unstructured instruments (open-ended survey items, interviews, observation, focus groups, documents) Nature of data Numeric variables. Mixture of numeric variables, words, and images. Words, images, themes, and categories Data analysis Identify statistical relationships. Statistical and holistic Holistically identify patterns, categories, and themes. Results Generalizable findings. General understanding of respondent’s viewpoint. Researcher framed results. Corroborated findings that may be generalizable. Particularistic findings. In-depth understanding of respondent’s viewpoint. Respondent framed results. Form of final report Statistical report including correlations, comparisons of means, and statistically significant findings. Statistical findings with in-depth narrative description and identification of overall themes. Narrative report including contextual description, categories, themes, and supporting respondent quotes. Adapted from Johnson & Christensen. (2004). Educational Research: Quantitative, qualitative and mixes approaches, 2 nd ed. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.