Paul Meek Library FAQs

Quantitative research tends to focus on numbers, statistics, and things that can be objectively measured.

• Measurements
• Finances
• Averages
• Percentages
• Questionnaires
• Data relationships and comparisons

Qualitative research focuses more on observations and fitting the complex pieces of the human puzzle together. Qualitative research may still use data, charts, graphs, and statistical reporting to represent the complexities expressed by study participants. 

• Observations
• Focus groups
• Interviews
• Ethnographies
• Immersion
• Writing exercises

Depending on your field and research topic, you might need to focus more on quantitative research, qualitative research, or both. Many studies now use a "mixed-methods" approach where they combine quantitative and qualitative data. 

For more information, definitions, and examples, check out our Sage Research Methods database. This database can help you learn more about the research process, including information such as:

• Quantitative Data Collection
• Ethics of Qualitative Data Collection
• Mixed Methods Research: A Guide to the Field