1.3 The Research Process

Question 1

What distinguishes qualitative research and quantitative research?

Answer 1

Quantitative research produces numerical scores
Submitted to statistical analysis for summary and interpretation
Qualitative research is based on making observations
Summarized and interpreted in a narrative report

Question 2

The Steps in the Research Process

Answer 2

1. Find a research idea: select a topic and search the literature to find an unanswered question
2. Form a hypothesis
3. Determine how you will define and measure your variables
4. Identify the participants or subjects for the study, decide how they will be selected, and plan for their ethical treatment
5. Select a research strategy
6. Select a research design
7. Conduct the study
8. Evaluate the data
9. Report the results
10. Refine or reformulate your research idea
    ►Return to step 2 and continue
    Important: there are no final answers