Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Research Methods for Dissertation

Your dissertation methodology will depend on whether you use qualitative, quantitative, or mixed research methods. Each approach has distinct characteristics:

  1. Qualitative Research: Focuses on understanding phenomena from a subjective, in-depth perspective. It often involves interviews, focus groups, or case studies.

    • Use: Best for exploring behaviors, experiences, and perceptions.

    • Example: Conducting interviews with healthcare professionals to understand their experiences with a new treatment.

  2. Quantitative Research: Involves collecting and analyzing numerical data. It often uses surveys, experiments, or statistical analysis.

    • Use: Best for testing hypotheses or measuring variables.

    • Example: Surveying a large sample to assess customer satisfaction using statistical tests.

  3. Mixed Methods: Combines both qualitative and quantitative methods to provide a more comprehensive understanding.

    • Use: Best when both qualitative insights and quantitative data are necessary.

    • Example: A study that uses surveys to gather numerical data and interviews to understand personal experiences.

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