Research Methodologies

There are several types of methodologies that can be used to study and write scientific research papers. The three largest and most common are qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. Each of these methods will have different smaller methods as subtypes.

Quantitative Research

Quantitative research relies primarily on the collection of quantitative data and has its own, unique set of assumptions and normative practices. Quantitative researchers often try to study behavior under controlled conditions via experiments, in order to isolate the causal effects of independent variables.

Popular methods of quantitative research are experimental research, survey research, and structured observational research. 
Quantitative data are collected based on precise measurement of variables using structured, standardized, and validated data collection instruments and procedures. Data are analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The desired product is research findings that generalize broadly. 

*Definition created from Credo Reference (will open in new window)

Qualitative Research

Qualitative research is an approach to research that is primarily concerned with studying the nature, quality, and meaning of human experience. It asks questions about how people make sense of their experiences, how people talk about what has happened to them and others, and how people experience, manage, and negotiate situations they find themselves in. Qualitative research is interested both in individual experiences and in the ways in which people experience themselves as part of a group. Qualitative data take the form of accounts or observations, and the findings are presented in the form of a discussion of the themes that emerged from the analysis. Numbers are very rarely used in qualitative research.

*Definition created from Credo Reference (will open in new window)

Student Research

As a student, it is likely that most of your research will not be creating your own tests unless you are in higher level courses. What you would focus on is previous research conducted with thorough literature reviews and analysis of current research conducted by professionals in your field. The usual goal of student research is to expand your own knowledge and understanding of your studies, identifying gaps in your own knowledge rather than gaps in research as a whole. Graduate studies and beyond would develop this research into finding real gaps and conducting new studies to contribute to the research beyond the university.

The next page of this guide will provide you with information on how to learn about beginning your studies and the best databases to research the Sciences.