Research Methods: Introduction

The purpose of this guide is to acquaint you with library resources that can help you better understand research methods. For an overview of all types of research methods (qualitative, quantitative and mixed), start at the "Research Methods" tab.  To get you started, here are some working definitions:

Quantitative Research

Typically involves numbers

Tests theories

Can be analyzed using statistics

Used to predict events

Qualitative Research

Typically studies social or human problems

Frequently involves interviews or observations

Makes interpretations on the meaning of the data

Mixed Methods Research

Combines qualitative and quantitative methods

Creswell, J.W. (2009). Research design qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches. Los Angeles: Sage.