1. Choosing a research approach
Gizelle V. Carr, Ph.D.
howard university

2. Point of review/clarification
Research approaches – plans and the procedures for research that span specific steps
3 primary approaches
Qualitative
Quantitative
Mixed methods
Research designs – procedures for inquiry
Research methods – specific data collection, analysis, and interpretation methods
Research problem – issue being addressed

3. Quantitative research
Tests objective theories
Examines relationships among measurable variables
Uses survey instruments that produce numbered data
Uses statistical analysis of data generated
Tests theories deductively
Uses a set structure for the final report

4. Qualitative research Focuses on understanding meaning
Uses emerging questions
Collects data in participant’s setting
Uses the an inductive approach to analysis
Has a written report that is flexible in structure

5. Mixed methods research
Collects both quantitative and qualitative data
Integrates the two forms of data
Uses distinct designs that may involve philosophy or theory
Yields additional insight to a research problem

6. Maintaining the thread in research

7. Philosophical worldviews
Beliefs about the world and nature of research
Make explicit in proposal
Four common worldviews:
Postpositivism
Constructivism
Transformative
Pragmatism

8. Aims of Four worldviews
Postpositivism
Constructivism
Transformative
Pragmatism
Determinism
Understanding
Political
Consequences of actions
Reductionism
Multiple participant meanings
Power and justice oriented
Problem-centered
Empirical observation and measurement
Social and historical construction
Collaborative
Pluralistic
Theory verification
Theory generation
Change-oriented
Real-world practice oriented

9. ...Back to the thread

10. Corresponding research designs
Quantitative
Qualitative
Mixed Methods
Experimental Designs
Narrative research
Convergent
Non-experimental designs (e.g. surveys)
Phenomenology
Explanatory sequential
Longitudinal designs
Grounded Theory
Exploratory sequential
Ethnographies
Complex designs with embedded core designs
Case Study

11. Criteria for selecting a research approach
Quantitative approach is best when
Identifying factors that influence a particular outcome
Evaluating the utility of an intervention
Understanding best predictors of an outcome

12. Criteria for selecting a research approach
Qualitative approach is best when
The topic is new
The subject has not been addressed with a certain sample
Existing theories do not apply

13. Criteria for selecting a research approach
Mixed methods approach is best when:
Neither quantitative nor qualitative approaches are adequate to understand a research problem
The strength of qualitative and quantitative approaches provides the best understanding
E.g., generalize findings and develop detailed view

14. Exploratory Methods you may want to consider
You may be thinking...
Type of Research
Possible methods
I don’t have a clear sense of my exact research problem/question yet or know what methods I should use!
Exploratory
Literature reviewing, interviews, case studies, focus groups, pilot studies, grounded theory
I need to find out the background to an area and what is going on with a particular topic/issue/community

15. Descriptive methods you may want to consider
You may be thinking...
Type of Research
Possible methods you could use
I need to identify characteristics of a given population
Descriptive
Observation, case study, surveys/questionnaires
What are these people/this community like?

16. Explanatory methods you may want to consider
You may be thinking...
Type of Research
Possible methods
I want to look at cause and effect relationships
Causal
Experiments, some qualitative methods*
I’d like to look at similarities and differences of communities
Comparative
Cross-cultural
Participatory Action Research
experiments
I want to prove or disprove something
Hypothesis testing
Experiments, interventions

17. Explanatory methods you may want to consider
You may be thinking...
Type of Research
Possible methods
I need a snapshot of a particular community, org, pop (sans intervention.
Cross sectional
Observation, diaries, surveys, interviews, physical measures (e.g. weight
I want to see how people live without intervening
Observational
Ethnography, participant checklists, surveys, schedules
I want to see how people change over time
Longitudinal
Observation, creative, and visual methods, diaries
Experimental/Quasi-experimental

18. Take home points... Your question determines your approach
Do not choose an approach because it is “sexy”.
Root your question by clarifying your worldview.
Maintain the thread and mind the gap.