The differences between the three major approaches surrounding collection and analysis of data

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Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods

Quantitative research is a type of research that uses numerical data to collect and analyze information. It is often used to measure variables and to test hypotheses. Quantitative research methods include surveys, experiments, and quasi-experiments.

Qualitative research is a type of research that collects and analyzes non-numerical data, such as text, images, and videos. It is often used to explore people's experiences and perspectives. Qualitative research methods include interviews, focus groups, and ethnography.

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  Mixed methods research is a type of research that combines quantitative and qualitative research methods. It is often used to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a research topic. Mixed methods research designs can vary widely, but they typically involve collecting both quantitative and qualitative data at different stages of the research process. Design of Scientific Inquiry The following are some common research designs that can be used for each of the three major approaches to data collection and analysis: Quantitative research:

• Survey: A survey is a research method that involves collecting data from a large group of people using a questionnaire. Surveys are often used to collect data about demographics, attitudes, and opinions.
• Experiment: An experiment is a research method that involves testing a hypothesis by manipulating one variable while controlling for all other variables. Experiments are often used to study cause-and-effect relationships.
• Quasi-experiment: A quasi-experiment is a research method that is similar to an experiment, but it does not involve random assignment to groups. Quasi-experiments are often used to study populations that are difficult to randomize, such as school children or hospital patients.

Qualitative research:

• Interview: An interview is a research method that involves collecting data from a small group of people through one-on-one conversations. Interviews are often used to collect data about people's experiences, perspectives, and opinions.
• Focus group: A focus group is a research method that involves collecting data from a small group of people through facilitated discussions. Focus groups are often used to collect data about people's reactions to products, services, or ideas.
• Ethnography: Ethnography is a research method that involves studying a culture or group of people by observing them in their natural setting. Ethnography is often used to collect data about people's everyday lives and customs.

Mixed methods research:

• Sequential mixed methods: Sequential mixed methods involve collecting and analyzing quantitative data first, followed by qualitative data. This design is often used to explore a research topic in more depth after collecting quantitative data to gain a general understanding of the topic.
• Concurrent mixed methods: Concurrent mixed methods involve collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously. This design is often used to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a research topic by collecting different types of data from the same participants.
• Transformative mixed methods: Transformative mixed methods involve integrating quantitative and qualitative data in a complex and iterative way. This design is often used to develop new theories or to challenge existing theories.

Which Method and Design Would I Prefer to Use? I would prefer to use a mixed methods research design to conduct research. This is because I believe that mixed methods research can provide a more comprehensive understanding of a research topic than either quantitative or qualitative research methods alone. For example, I might use a sequential mixed methods design to study the impact of a new educational program on students' academic achievement. I would first collect quantitative data to measure students' academic achievement before and after the program. I would then collect qualitative data to explore students' experiences in the program and their perceptions of its impact on their learning. By using a mixed methods design, I would be able to gain a more complete understanding of the impact of the program on students' academic achievement, as well as their experiences and perspectives. In conclusion, the three major approaches to data collection and analysis are quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages. I believe that mixed methods research is the best approach to conducting research because it can provide a more comprehensive understanding of a research topic than either quantitative or qualitative research methods alone.