"It is unethical to fail to explore one’s data to learn the lessons they can reveal."
Melvin Mark, Kristen Eyssell & Bernadette Campbell (2004)
Each of the research approaches (whether it’s qualitative, quantitative, or mixed) involves using one or more data collection methods. Choosing your data collection and analysis methods is closely linked to methodology and it is not possible to discuss one without the other. SoTL research is often informed by a social research approach, and this requires a rationale that clearly links methodology and methods. For example, if you were interested in researching how a particular cohort understands and enacts knowledge in a specific circumstance, you might choose ethnography as your methodology. As you are seeking to collect data that focuses on the cohort’s views, you might choose unstructured interviews as a data collection method.
These are some of the most common qualitative methods for data collection:
These are some of the most common qualitative methods for data analysis:
These are some of the most common quantitative methods for data collection:
These are some of the most common quantitative methods for data analysis:
Mixed-methods research combines both quantitative and qualitative approaches, leveraging the strengths of each to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a research problem.
In terms of data collection, a mixed-methods study might employ surveys to gather numerical data on participants' behaviours or preferences, and then conduct focus group discussions or interviews to delve deeper into reasons or motivations behind those responses.
For data analysis, quantitative data might be statistically analyzed to identify patterns or significant differences, while qualitative data would be coded and thematically analyzed to uncover underlying themes or narratives. By synthesising results from both methods, researchers can achieve a richer and more nuanced insight into their research questions, benefiting from the specificity of quantitative data and the depth of qualitative perspectives.