¶ … driven: it "collects numerical data in order to explain, predict and/or control phenomena of interest" (Ouyang 2009). It is mainly statistical in nature, and can compile data through descriptive research, correlational research, causal-comparative research and experimental research methods (Ouyang 2009). For example, to determine the attitude of counselors regarding changes in the procedure of determining eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services, counselors might fill in a survey assessing different attitudes about the changes, expressing their agreement or disagreement on a 1-5 scale, or through true and false statements. Correlational research might seek to determine if length of service in the profession or the area where the counselor was located was correlated to strong support or a lack of support for the plan, based upon a data-driven demographic and attitudinal questionnaire. Causal-comparative research might hypothesize that 'counselors in high-crime areas are more likely to support the reforms,' because the reforms make good behavior in prison contingent upon participation in the program, and thus improve the experience and outcome of the counseling. Experimental research "establishes the cause-effect relationship and does the comparison, but the cause is manipulated" as in 'counselors have a more positive view of the reformed program if they receive specialized training beforehand' (Ouyang 2009). In such a design, one group of counselors would receive additional training to address the needs of the new population while a control group would not.
Qualitative methods -- that is, non-data-driven methods, involve participant observation (such as the study's constructors acting as counselors themselves), direct observation (observing counseling sessions), unstructured interviewing (of subjects and counselors in the newly reformed program), and finally case studies of specific study subjects that are followed for a period of time (Trochim 2006). It should be stressed that there is no one, singular correct method: both quantitative and qualitative approaches to research have strengths and weaknesses. Quantitative data is easier to use to assess a large population of subjects, but may produce misleading results if only certain variables are focused upon, while qualitative data can yield more useful and unusual experiential results, but can be overly individualized and not paint a full picture of the situation in question
Works Cited
Ouyang, R. Basic Inquiry of Quantitative Research. Retrieved June 12, 2009 at http://ksumail.kennesaw.edu/~rouyang/ED-research/details.htm
Trochim, William. (2006, October 20). Qualitative methods. Research methods knowledge base.
Retrieved June 12, 2009 at http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/qualmeth.php
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