Researchers are tasked with choosing the most relevant method to study a particular phenomenon. In the planning stages of a study, the researcher must decide whether to collect data that is quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods. Quantitative research is defined by Creswell (2014) as “a means for testing objective theories by examining the relationship among variables” (p. 247). Quantitative data is typically collected in numerical form and analyzed using statistical analysis. Furthermore, quantitative data is generally used when cause-and-effect relationships are not under investigation (Leedy & Ormond, 2010). Qualitative research is defined by Creswell (2014) as “a means for exploring and understanding the meaning individuals or groups ascribe to a social or human problem (p. 246). Qualitative data is usually collected in the natural setting of the perceived problem, but can include open-ended survey questions, personal interviews, or observations (Leedy & Ormond, 2010). Mixed method research combines both qualitative and quantitative methods. For the purpose of
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Experiments, review of history, and case studies address ‘how’ or ‘why’ questions. In opposition, surveys and archival analysis are suggested when needing to answer “who, what, where, how, many, and how much” (Rowley, 2002, p. 17). A case study would be used when the question needing to be answered could not be recreated in an experimental setting or replicated to match a prior event. Additionally, case studies are used when research of a particular problem is relatively new and background information is needed to generate more precise questions that yield quantitative data. As mentioned above, case studies focus on a particular occurrence, procedure, action, or person in detail (Rowley, 2002). Case studies that pertain to a specific person in history are described
Experiments, review of history, and case studies address ‘how’ or ‘why’ questions. In opposition, surveys and archival analysis are suggested when needing to answer “who, what, where, how, many, and how much” (Rowley, 2002, p. 17). A case study would be used when the question needing to be answered could not be recreated in an experimental setting or replicated to match a prior event. Additionally, case studies are used when research of a particular problem is relatively new and background information is needed to generate more precise questions that yield quantitative data. As mentioned above, case studies focus on a particular occurrence, procedure, action, or person in detail (Rowley, 2002). Case studies that pertain to a specific person in history are described