Introduction to

Qualitative and Quantitative

Research Methods

Brief Description

This module is designed to introduce students to qualitative and quantitative research methods. It will focus on research design and general approaches to qualitative and quantitative methods.

Rationale

This unit will provide a general introduction to both quantitative and qualitative research, and to explore how the research questions guide the selection of the research methodology. In this module, candidates will explore basic quantitative and qualitative research designs, examine the type of research questions that each is best at addressing, consider how various approaches might be used to approach the general research question, consider the implications of using each design, and ultimately select the one that is best suited for the candidate’s research.

Aims and Objectives

The specific aims of the module are:

1)To gain an understanding of general research;

2)To become familiar with basic quantitative and qualitative research methodologies;

3)To select the most appropriate methodology for the proposed study.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this module.

Length and Mode

The module will be presented over the equivalent of 18 hours in mixed mode delivery.

Structure and Sequence

As this module is designed to assist students in the selection of a research methodology for their thesis, it is logically sequenced very early in the candidature.

Specific Contents and Topics

The module will address:

A) Basic Quantitative Research Designs

Experimental Designs

Quasi Experimental Designs

Correlational Designs

B) Basic Issues in Quantitative Research

Validity and Reliability

Sampling strategies

Measurement

C) Qualitative Research Methodologies

Grounded Theory

Phenomenology

Narrative Analysis

Critical Methodologies

D) Basic Issues in Qualitative Methodologies

Sampling

Data collection methods

E) Generic Issues

Relationship between research question and research methodology

Implications for knowledge claims. Practical issues to consider in selecting a methodology.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

A variety of teaching and learning methods may be used, including: lectures, small group tutorials, seminars, discussions and on-line delivery as appropriate.

Graduate Attributes

Graduate attributes relevant to this module are:

1.Ability to articulate a research problem, define the intellectual context in which it arises, and create a strategy to address the problem;

2.Ability to communicate the findings to the wider community in a manner appropriate to the discipline.

Assessment

To finalise the completion of this module you are required to identify four journal articles that illustrate four different types of research in your research field.

For each article, you are to:

  • Explain why the article illustrates the particular type of research and
  • Discuss some of the methodological weaknesses of the article

N.B. These articles are not to be taken from the module readings. You need to search out different articles. Copies of each of your articles are to be included with your assignment. Each article is to have a separate section of 500 words.

Length:2000 words

KEY REFERENCES

Ary, D., Cheser Jacobs, L., Razavieh, A., & Sorensen, C. (2006). Introduction to research in education. (7th ed.). Thomson Wadsworth.

Burns, R. (2000). Introduction to research methods (4th ed). Sydney: Longman.

Creswell , J. (2008). Educational research: Planning, conducting and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research (3rd ed.) Upper Saddle River: Pearson.

Denzin, N. K. (1989). Interpretive biography. Newbury Park: Sage.

Johnson, B., & Christensen, L. (2000). Educational research: Quantitative and qualitative approaches.Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Krathwohl, D.R. (1998). Methods of educational and social science research: An integrated approach (2nd ed.). Long Grove: Waveland.

Kuhn, T.S. (1970). The structure of scientific revolutions (2nd ed.). Chicago: University of Chicago.

Kumar, R. (2005). Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners (2nd ed.).
Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

McMillan J. H., & Schumacher, S. (2006). Research in education: Evidence-based inquiry. Boston: Pearson.

Neuman, W. L. (2003). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches (5th ed.).
Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research and evaluation methods (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks: Sage.

Punch, K. F. (2005) Introduction to social research: Quantitative and qualitative approaches (2nd ed.). London: Sage.

Somekh, B., & Lewin, C. (2005). Research methods in the social sciences. London: Sage.

Stake, R. (1995). The art of case study research. Thousand Oaks: Sage.

Tuckman, B. W. (1999). Conducting educational research (5th ed.). Orlando: Harcourt Brace.

Wiersma, W., & Jurs, J. (2005). Research methods in education: An introduction (8th ed.). Boston: Pearson.

Author: BB 01/08/2005

Revised: JD 27/02/2009