Distinguishing Between Methodologies Part 2: Mixed Methods and Single-Subject Research Design

Week 7: Distinguishing Between Methodologies Part 2: Mixed Methods and Single-Subject Research Design

Posted on: Sunday, July 10, 2022 7:35:03 PM EDT

Week 7: Distinguishing Between Methodologies Part 2:

Mixed Methods and Single-Subject Research Design

 

Here is a brief overview of the primary methods that might be helpful as you practice distinguishing between approaches.

· Qualitative research  is a type of exploratory research. This approach gives researchers a way to examine underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations of participants. Qualitative methods promote subjective insight into the problem being researched or generate theories to explain phenomenon. Qualitative Research can be used to uncover patterns in the thought and opinions of participants or dive deeper into a problem. Qualitative data collection methods vary using unstructured or semi-structured techniques. Some common data collection methods include focus groups (group discussions), individual interviews, and observations. The sample size is generally small, and participants are selected to fulfill a given quota. (Note: if there was an assessment given to participants, an intervention implemented, or a control group utilized in the design, it would not be defined as a strictly qualitative study). In qualitative research, in situ typically refers to those studies done in a field setting as opposed to a laboratory setting.

· Quantitative research  is used to measure a problem by using numeric data or data that can be transformed into usable statistics. It is used to objectively quantify attitudes, opinions, behaviors, or other defined variables. Quantitative Research uses measurable data to investigate hypotheses and uncover patterns in research. Quantitative data collection methods are much more structured than qualitative data collection methods. Quantitative data collection methods include various forms of surveys or assessment measures (instruments/tests) with scores. Counselors frequently use career surveys, personality factors, or occupational preference assessments.  Projective Personality tests require specialized training. Personality factors and intelligence tests are psychological measures and achievement tests measure levels of skills.

· Mixed Methods  researchers will collect both quantitative and qualitative data and carry out both qualitative methods AND quantitative analysis in the same study.

Independent Variable: An independent variable is the variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment to test the effects on the dependent variable. Examples of a value that could be manipulated or changed include an intervention occurring in a study, participation (or non-participation) in a program, or length of time of a service being provided.

Dependent Variable: A dependent variable is the variable being tested and measured in a scientific experiment. In other words, the dependent variable is the observed result of the independent variable being manipulated or the goals of a program or study.