Research Methods Tutorials: Introductions to Quantitative and Qualitative Methods

Watch this 3:36 video from Scribbr to learn about two approaches to collecting and analyzing data: qualitative research and quantitative research. The video will explain the differences between the two research methods, as well as the mixed-methods approach.

Studies can use quantitative data, qualitative data, or both types of data. Each approach has advantages and disadvantages.

Of the available library databases, only ERIC (for education topics) and PsycINFO (for psychology topics) allow you to limit your results by the type of data a study uses.

Note: Database limits are helpful but not perfect. Rely on your own judgment when determining if data match the type you are seeking.

Quantitative Data (Think numerical data)

Quantitative variables can be continuous or discrete.

• Continuous: the variable can, in theory, be any value within a certain range. Can be measured.
  • Examples: height, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol.
• Discrete: the variable can only have certain values, usually whole numbers. Can be counted.
  • Examples: number of visits to doctor in last year, number of fractures, number of children.

More information can be found on analyzing quantitative data here.

Qualitative Data (Think non-numerical data)

Qualitative variables can be nominal or ordinal.

• Nominal: the variable does not have a specific order.
  • Examples: eye color, blood type, ethnicity.
• Ordinal: the variable has a specific order.
  • Examples: stages of cancer, class letter grade, position in a race.

This guide from Duke University Libraries highlights different types of qualitative data. Also, information on analyzing qualitative data can be found using SAGE Research Methods.