Recap

Guidelines for Classification

Guidelines for Classification

Which of the six types is most appropriate for
a given study depends upon the way in which
the problem is defined. The same general
problem can often be investigated using
several types of research.
When analyzing a study in order to determine
the specific type of research represented, one
strategy is to ask yourself a series of
questions; first, does the study represent a
qualitative or a quantitative approach?

Guidelines for Classification

If the study is qualitative, it should be easy to
differentiate between historical and qualitative
studies.
If the study is quantitative, Is the researcher
attempting to establish a cause effect
relationship? Is the alleged cause, or
independent variable, manipulated by the
researcher? Is the researcher attempting to
establish a relationship or use a relationship
for prediction?