Skip to main content

Introduction to Research Methods

Introduction to Research Methods

Instructional Guide Student Before You Start

What is a research method?

The procedures a researcher uses to collect and analyze data in their research.

This tutorial is hosted through LibWizard. To access the full screen view of this tutorial go to https://gmu.libwizard.com/f/research_methods.

Three Types of Research Methods

Quantitative

  • Data is in the form of numbers
  • Often used in STEM, business, and social sciences
  • Usually involves large samples and is generalizable

Qualitative

  • Data is in the form of words and images
  • Often used in the humanities and social sciences
  • Usually involves small samples and close analysis

Mixed-Methods

  • Data is collected through both quantitative and qualitative methods, then analyzed together
  • Often used in business and social sciences
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

This tutorial by The Teaching & Learning Team is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.