Methods and Approaches
Methods and Approaches
Educational research has two main families: qualitative and quantitative. This chapter explains both and shows which one fits action research.
| Approach | Common tools | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative | Tests, structured questionnaires, tally sheets, checklists | Counts, averages, percentages, simple statistics |
| Qualitative | Open interviews, observation notes, journals, focus groups, student work | Themes, patterns, direct quotes |
| Mixed methods | Both, used together on the same question | Quantitative side shows what changed; qualitative side explains why |
One caution: mixed methods does not mean collecting random extra data. Each tool must answer a part of the research question.
Numbers versus meanings. A simple test for telling them apart.
Why mixed methods are the default, and when pure quantitative or pure qualitative still fit.
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Last updated on • Talha