Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods
BSHS 435
July 18, 2016
Instructor: Heather Suggs
Abstract
In this paper I will be defining the terms appropriate academic research along with defining the terms quantitative and qualitative research. I will be explaining the difference between the two terms quantitative and qualitative and their relations to the human services field and the use of scientific methods. I will be explaining just where to use quantitative or qualitative research and I will be including examples of the types of studies are used for each type of the methods of research with an explanation. I will define the term mixed method research and provide the strengths in this method. I will also include where and when it is appropriate to use the mixed method research in the human services field. And lastly I will provide ethical issues in research that was provided in the article.
An appropriate working definition of academic research is based on scientific inquiry through investigation. The main point here is to focus on the words scientific inquiry. Qualitative research is an important element in the human services profession because it highlights the multifaceted and great intricacy which characterizes human sociocultural and experience in which humans act. Qualitative research is extremely important as a complete world view not only from the research point but also as an important part of the human services profession. For this reason, it is so important to implement the process of qualitative research and that we as human services professionals take internally its importance and become qualitative researchers. A Qualitative researcher assists in obtaining the deepest understanding of human behavior and some of the reasons which oversee this type of behavior like the how and why and not just the where and...