Types of educational research

Three commonly used research types or designs are quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research.

Quantitativeresearch follows a deductive research process and involves the collection and
analysis of quantitative (i.e., numerical) data to identify statistical relations of variables. Common
quantitative research methods include: content (relational) analysis, experiments, observations
(scaled ratings, checklists), and surveys (closed-ended, validated scales)
Qualitativeresearch follows an inductive research process and involves the collection and
analysis of qualitative (i.e., non-numerical) data to search for patterns, themes, and holistic
features. Common qualitative research methods include: content (conceptual) analysis, focus
groups, observations (narrative, comments), interviews, and surveys (open-ended).
Mixedresearch combines or mixes quantitative and qualitative research techniques in a
single study. Two sub-types of mixed research includes mixed method researchusing qualitative
and quantitative approaches for different phases of the studyand mixed model researchusing
quantitative and qualitative approaches within or across phases of the study.

View a table comparing the three research approaches

Research approaches are generally categorized into quantitative and qualitative designs based upon
the primary research purpose for each design. There are four different research purposes:
toexplore(an attempt to generate ideas about educational phenomenon),describe(an attempt to
describe the characteristics of educational phenomenon),predict(an attempt to forecast an
educational phenomenon), andexplain(an attempt to show why and how an educational
phenomenon operates). The table below shows the preferred research approach for each research
purpose.

Because both quantitative and qualitative approaches have weaknesses that limit the research
purposes for which they are appropriate, we recommend using a mixed research approach that takes
advantage of the complementary strengths of the qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Research purpose Preferred approach

Qualitative Quantitative Mixed
Explore X X
Describe X X
Predict X X
Explain X X