Research Design. Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches
Creswell & Creswell
Summary Chapter 1
Research approaches are plans and procedures for research
Research designs are procedures of inquiry (enquête)
Research methods are about the data collection, analysis and interpretation
Research problem is the issue being addressed
3 research approaches:
• Qualitative research is framed in using words and open-ended questions and responses. It is
an approach for exploring and understanding the meaning individuals or groups ascribe to a
social or human problem
• Quantitative research is framed in using numbers and closed-ended questions and
responses. It is an approach of testing objective theories by examining the relationship
among variables.
• Mixed methods research is an approach to inquiry involving collecting both quantitative and
qualitative data, integrating the two forms of data, and using distinct designs that may
involve philosophical assumptions and theoretical frameworks.
→ In all 3 approaches, there are 3 components that create the framework for research: The
interconnection of (philosophical) worldviews, research designs and research methods.
Philosophical worldviews:
• A basic set of beliefs that guide action
• A general philosophical orientation about the world and the nature of research that a
researcher brings to a study
• 4 most common worldviews in research:
1. The Postpositivist Worldview/Scientific Method: absolute truth can never be found (looking
at objective reality and laws and theories).
a. Determination: causes determine effects or outcomes (so focus on the muses when you
found out the effects in a research)
b. Reductionism: the intent is to reduce the ideas into a small, discrete set to test, such as
variables that comprise hypotheses and research questions.
c. Empirical observation and measurement: knowledge is based on carefully observation
and measurement of the objective reality.
d. Theory verification: laws and theories govern the world and they need to be tested and
verified so that we can understand the world. Starting with testing a theory.
2. The (Social) Constructivist Worldview: individuals have their own varied understanding of
the world based on their own experiences
a. Understanding: individuals seek understanding of the world
b. Multiple participant meanings: the meanings of participants of their experiences (about
certain objects or things) are multiple and varied, so it's hard for researchers.
c. Social and historical construction: the meanings of the individuals derive from historical
and social experiences (interaction with others).
d. Theory generation: Not starting with a theory but generate a theory of meaning.
Creswell & Creswell
Summary Chapter 1
Research approaches are plans and procedures for research
Research designs are procedures of inquiry (enquête)
Research methods are about the data collection, analysis and interpretation
Research problem is the issue being addressed
3 research approaches:
• Qualitative research is framed in using words and open-ended questions and responses. It is
an approach for exploring and understanding the meaning individuals or groups ascribe to a
social or human problem
• Quantitative research is framed in using numbers and closed-ended questions and
responses. It is an approach of testing objective theories by examining the relationship
among variables.
• Mixed methods research is an approach to inquiry involving collecting both quantitative and
qualitative data, integrating the two forms of data, and using distinct designs that may
involve philosophical assumptions and theoretical frameworks.
→ In all 3 approaches, there are 3 components that create the framework for research: The
interconnection of (philosophical) worldviews, research designs and research methods.
Philosophical worldviews:
• A basic set of beliefs that guide action
• A general philosophical orientation about the world and the nature of research that a
researcher brings to a study
• 4 most common worldviews in research:
1. The Postpositivist Worldview/Scientific Method: absolute truth can never be found (looking
at objective reality and laws and theories).
a. Determination: causes determine effects or outcomes (so focus on the muses when you
found out the effects in a research)
b. Reductionism: the intent is to reduce the ideas into a small, discrete set to test, such as
variables that comprise hypotheses and research questions.
c. Empirical observation and measurement: knowledge is based on carefully observation
and measurement of the objective reality.
d. Theory verification: laws and theories govern the world and they need to be tested and
verified so that we can understand the world. Starting with testing a theory.
2. The (Social) Constructivist Worldview: individuals have their own varied understanding of
the world based on their own experiences
a. Understanding: individuals seek understanding of the world
b. Multiple participant meanings: the meanings of participants of their experiences (about
certain objects or things) are multiple and varied, so it's hard for researchers.
c. Social and historical construction: the meanings of the individuals derive from historical
and social experiences (interaction with others).
d. Theory generation: Not starting with a theory but generate a theory of meaning.
