1. Building the Body of Knowledge Module 2, Class 3 A Teaching Module Developed by the Curriculum Task Force of the Sloan Work and Family Research Network

2. Quantitative Research Methods
The quantitative research approach "is an objective, formal, systematic process in which numerical data are used to quantify or measure phenomena and produce findings. It describes, tests and examines cause and effect relationships, using a deductive process of knowledge attainment." (Carr, 1994, p. 716)
Carr, L.T. (1994). The strengths and weaknesses of quantitative and qualitative research: What method for nursing? Journal of Advanced Nursing, 20(4),

3. Limitations of Quantitative Research
Less conducive to creating rich, thick descriptions of social life
Constructing, rather than reflecting, some realities

4. Qualitative Research Methods
“(Q)ualitative researchers are guided by certain ideas, perspectives or hunches regarding the subject to be investigated.” (Carr, 1994, p. 716)
Theory is developed inductively.
“There is no explicit intention to count or quantify the findings, which are instead described in the language employed during the research process.” (Carr, 1994, p. 716)
Carr, L.T. (1994). The strengths and weaknesses of quantitative and qualitative research: What method for nursing? Journal of Advanced Nursing, 20(4),

5. Limitations of Qualitative Research
Sample size
Ability to generalize findings beyond the groups studied
Researchers also may be involved with their subjects, which in turn can shape their perspectives and ability to be impartial observers

6. Mixed Methods
A procedure for collecting and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data in a single study or in a series of studies, based on priority and sequence of information.
Creswell, J.W.(2003). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches, 2nd. Edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

7. Examples of Quantitative/Qualitative Data Collection Methods
Quantitative Data Collection Methods
Qualitative Data Collection Methods
Fixed response questions in interviews
Surveys with fixed response options
Observations of behaviors on indices or scales
Meta analyses
Interviews
Focus groups
Observation
Fieldwork
Case study
Life histories
Content analysis
Filming of interactions
Recording of conversations

8. Limitations of Mixed Methods
Time consuming
Expensive
Difficult for a single researcher to carry out (might require a research team)
Need to be properly trained in both approaches and need to understand how to appropriately combine them

9. Class Conversation: Assessing How Work-Family Conflicts Contribute to Stress
Experiments and Quasi-Experiments
Surveys
Unobtrusive methods
Ethnography
Focus Groups
Experience Sampling Methods
Adopt one methodological approach
Design the rudiments of a research study
Consider how you would measure “stress” and “work-family conflicts”