Glossary
- Qualitative Research
- Is multi-method in focus, involving an interpretive, naturalistic approach to its subject matter. Qualitative researchers study in things in their natural settings, attempting to make sense of, or interpret, phenomena in terms of the meaning people bring to them. Qualitative research is an attempt "to get a better fix on the subject matter at hand" (Denzin & Lincoln, 1988). It usually starts off with how or what so it is the initial foray into the topic and is trying to describe what is going on. The questions are trying to elicit greater understanding of perceptions, attitudes, and processes. Example: I want to understand how teachers interpret a reform model.
- Quantitative research
- The collection of numerical data in order to describe, explain, predict, and/or control phenomena of interest.
- Quasi-experimental research
- Similar to experimental design, however the research cannot control one of the three elements of a research design: environment, treatment, or assignment to experimental and control groups.



