Qualitative Research Designs

To prepare for this Discussion:

• Review “ Descriptive Research: Assessing the Current State of Affairs” on pages 14–16 in Chapter 1 of your course text, Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences, focusing on the differences between qualitative versus quantitative research.
  
• Review the article, “From Single Case to Database: A New Method for Enhancing Psychotherapy Practice.” Pay particular attention to the differences between quantitative and qualitative analyses.
  
• Using the Walden Library, choose and review a research study dealing with an area of forensic psychology in which you are interested and which uses quantitative analysis.
  
• Consider how you might design the study you selected using a qualitative approach (e.g., case study, action research, etc.) and why you would do so.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4 a brief description of the research study you selected. Then explain what makes this a quantitative study and how you might design a study on this topic using a qualitative method. Provide a rationale for doing so. Be specific.

Learning Resources

Readings

• Course Text: Stangor, C. (2015). Research methods for the behavioral sciences (5th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.
  • Chapter 1, “ Introduction to Research” ("Descriptive Research: Assessing the  Current State of Affairs" section, pp. 14–16)
• Article: Fishman, D. B. (2005). Editor’s introduction to PCSP: From single case to database: A new method for enhancing psychotherapy practice. Pragmatic Case Studies in Psychotherapy, 1(1), 1–50. Retrieved from http://ejbe.libraries.rutgers.edu/index.php/pcsp/article/view/855/2167