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Selecting Research Methods
Selecting Research Methods
After creating your research questions, you probably already have a good idea of the data you will need to collect. Selecting methods to obtain the data you need requires figuring out some of the following:
Do you need quantitative data (numerical and more closed-ended) or qualitative data (text-based and more open-ended)? Are both forms of data needed to answer your research questions?
Given time, cost, and local expertise constraints, what methods of data collection are feasible?
Who is the sample from whom you will draw your data?
Below are some resources that will help you make decisions about your research methods.
Resources
Resources
Michigan - Data_Collection_Methods--pros_and_cons_2_403346_7.pdfThis brief resource offers high-level pros and cons related to different data collection methods including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observations.
Hawaii - focus_survey_interview_cocurric_2011-05.pdfThis resource provides some guidance on the thought process you can take to connect your evaluation questions to research methods.
NESP - Choosing Data Sources.pptxThis resource offers practical advice for determining the data sources you may need to answer your evaluation questions including qualitative vs. quantitative methods, and an overview of different data collection techniques.
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