The Three Major Research Traditions in Educational Research

If you come across data reported as statistical results or numbers, it is probably quantitative research; if data is collected in words as a narrative, it is likely qualitative research; and if it is somewhere in between, odds are it is mixed research.

By Ashley Breton Posted on: July 2021 Updated on: July 2022

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The three major research traditions in educational research are quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research.

What is quantitative research? Quantitative research is the collection of numerical data used to make generalizations and inferences to explain a particular phenomenon. Quantitative research follows the confirmatory scientific method, which involves stating and testing hypotheses or theories with empirical data (i.e., the observations and measurements of a phenomenon) to see if they are supported. Researchers focus on observing phenomena objectively in a controlled environment by studying the topic of interest "from a distance" using standardized measuring devices. The aim is to identify probabilistic causes or cause-and-effect relationships to explain phenomena.

What is qualitative research? Qualitative research is the collection of non-numerical data (e.g., words and pictures) that is commonly used to understand participant experiences and to express their perspectives. Qualitative research follows the exploratory scientific method which is used to describe a topic or phenomenon that is not well-known. Researchers are not interested in making generalizations, instead, they focus on behaviour as it occurs naturally by “getting close” to their subjects through participant observation in order to experience and understand their unique viewpoints. This practice is referred to as empathetic understanding or simply “putting yourself in someone else’s shoes”.

What is mixed research? Mixed research involves the mixing of quantitative and qualitative research methods, approaches, and other features. The degree in which a researcher will borrow from either paradigm will depend on the research questions and the circumstances of the researcher. This method sees the importance of not influencing or creating bias, while acknowledging the significance of understanding the subjective dimensions of the phenomena being studied as well.

In sum, if you come across data reported as statistical results or numbers, it is probably quantitative research; if data is collected in words as a narrative, it is likely qualitative research; and if it is somewhere in between, odds are it is mixed research.

References

Johnson, R., & Christensen, L. (2014). Chapter 2: Quantitative, qualitative and mixed research. In Educational research: quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches, 29-58. SAGE Publications, Inc