1. Quantitative methods test hypotheses or problem statements and involve:
Close-ended and structured data collection
Large sample sizes
Deductive reasoning and objective approaches
Common study research methods under this are:
Laboratory experiments. These are conducted in controlled environments by manipulating variables to collect numerical data.
Meta-analysis. This is a statistical method used to deduce a universal conclusion from multiple scientific studies trying to answer the same question. It minimizes disparities across studies owing to differences in sampling strategies and other variables.
Surveys. These consist of a list of questions specifically designed to collect quantifiable information from a target group/population. For surveys, researchers should:
Select a sample representative of the target population
Pre-test the survey on a small number of people before rolling it out on a large scale
Adopt robust data-entry approaches such as a two-pass verification to avoid errors and discrepancies
Design a survey from scratch or use publicly available survey data
Secondary data collection. This study research method uses existing data from government reports, press releases, corporate reports, etc. to add significance to the primary research.
2. Qualitative methods explore intangible occurrences and are used to form themes or develop theories or concepts. These involve:
Smaller samples
Mostly semi-structured data collection
Inductive reasoning and subjective and open-ended approaches
Most widely adopted study research methods under this are
Interviews. Researchers ask open-ended questions to participants and collect qualitative data.
Focus groups. These allow researchers to
Facilitate or prompt a thematic discussion among a group of people
Collect opinions and thoughts via recordings and prepare transcripts
Segregate information into sets and subsets
Analyze information and interpret conclusions, themes, or patterns
Case studies. These are used to study a phenomenon using multiple data sources and uncover all of its facets to fine precision.
Literature review. This involves sourcing information from published articles, research reports, abstracts, and monographs. This study research method allows researchers to
Collect authentic information
Discover research methodology suited to their research
Find data-collection approaches
Interpret their results in light of related research