Qualitative and Quantitative Methods

As a researcher, you will need a firm understanding of research methods to help you develop an appropriate research design.

Discuss the following with your classmates:

• Describe the key characteristics of qualitative and quantitative research methods outlined in Creswell and Creswell (2023). What is the primary purpose of each method, and how do these approaches align with their respective philosophical worldviews (e.g., postpositivist for quantitative, constructivist for qualitative)?
• Discuss at least two challenges associated with using each method, such as sampling, data collection, or analysis issues. Provide specific examples from the textbook to support your response.

Where to Find the Answers:

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D., (2023). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Chapter 1: The Selection of a Research Approach

• Philosophical Worldviews (pages 512): Learn about the connections between philosophical worldviews and research methods.
• Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (pages 1217): Overview of the characteristics and purposes of each research method.

Chapter 8: Quantitative Methods

• Characteristics of Quantitative Research (pages 146149): Discusses structured data collection, hypothesis testing, and objectivity.
• Survey and Experimental Designs (pages 149165): Explains how quantitative designs align with their purposes.
• Challenges in Quantitative Methods (pages 172175): Provides examples of difficulties in sampling, bias, and data analysis.

Chapter 9: Qualitative Methods

• Characteristics of Qualitative Research (pages 188194): Outlines subjective meanings, natural settings, and emergent designs.
• Design Approaches in Qualitative Research (pages 195202): Highlights ethnography, narrative, and phenomenology.
• Challenges in Qualitative Methods (pages 219221): Addresses reflexivity, trustworthiness, and validity.