peer 1  Traditionally, there are three branches of methodology: quantitative (numeric data), qualitative (observational or interview data), and mixed methods (using both types of data). The purpose of the Qualitative research method is to reveal a target audience’s range of behavior and the perceptions that drive it with reference to specific topics or issues. This analysis uses small groups of people vs larger groups to for the purposes of developing and establishing a hypotheses. When study is concluded the results are summarized in a manner that is descriptive. This form of research was developed by both the social and behavioral sciences and includes “in-depth interviews with individuals, group discussions (from two to ten participants is typical); diary and journal exercises; and in-context observations” (http://www.qrca.org). Because of the advancements of today, studies are conveniently conducted “in person, by telephone, via videoconferencing and via the Internet”( http://www.qrca.org) vs on site in most cases. According to Research Qualitative Research is useful because it does the following (http://www.qrca.org): · Provides Several unique aspects of qualitative research contribute to rich, insightful results: · Creates Synergy among respondents, as they build on each other’s comments and ideas. · Improves the dynamic nature of the interview or group discussion process, which engages respondents more actively than is possible in more structured survey. · Provides the opportunity to probe ("Help me understand why you feel that way") enabling the researcher to reach beyond initial responses and rationales. · Provides opportunity to observe, record and interpret non-verbal communication (i.e., body language, voice intonation) as part of a respondent’s feedback, which is valuable during interviews or discussions, and during analysis. · Provides the opportunity to engage respondents in "play" such as projective techniques and exercises, overcoming the self-consciousness that can inhibit spontaneous reactions and comments On the otherhand, the quantitative method of research focuses on “objective measurements and the statistical, mathematical, or numerical analysis” (http://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/quantitative) This is done through the collection of data that may be collected through the use of “polls, questionnaires, and surveys, or by manipulating pre-existing statistical data using computational techniques” (http://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/quantitative). Unlike the Qualitative method. It analyzes numerical data and compares it in a form that is more general when observing groups of people it uses the same approach to explain a particular phenomenon based on research. The Mixed Methods simply includes the benefits of both methods and it has both Strengths and Challenges. Based on my research this method is useful because it enables the researcher to “meanfully interpret data and the topic that is being examined.

1. peer 1
Traditionally, there are three branches of methodology:
quantitative (numeric data), qualitative (observational or
interview data), and mixed methods (using both types of data).
The purpose of the Qualitative research method is to reveal a
target audience’s range of behavior and the perceptions that
drive it with reference to specific topics or issues. This analysis
uses small groups of people vs larger groups to for the purposes
of developing and establishing a hypotheses. When study is
concluded the results are summarized in a manner that is
descriptive.
This form of research was developed by both the social and
behavioral sciences and includes “in-depth interviews with
individuals, group discussions (from two to ten participants is
typical); diary and journal exercises; and in-context
observations” (http://www.qrca.org). Because of the
advancements of today, studies are conveniently conducted “in
person, by telephone, via videoconferencing and via the
Internet”( http://www.qrca.org) vs on site in most cases.
According to Research Qualitative Research is useful because it
does the following (http://www.qrca.org):
·
Provides Several unique aspects of qualitative research
contribute to rich, insightful results:
·
Creates Synergy among respondents, as they build on each
other’s comments and ideas.
·
Improves the
dynamic nature of the interview or group discussion process,

2. which engages respondents more actively than is possible in
more structured survey.
·
Provides the opportunity to probe ("Help me understand why
you feel that way") enabling the researcher to reach beyond
initial responses and rationales.
·
Provides opportunity to observe, record and interpret non-verbal
communication (i.e., body language, voice intonation) as part of
a respondent’s feedback, which is valuable during interviews or
discussions, and during analysis.
·
Provides the opportunity to engage respondents in "play" such
as projective techniques and exercises, overcoming the self-
consciousness that can inhibit spontaneous reactions and
comments
On the otherhand, the quantitative method of research focuses
on “objective measurements and the statistical, mathematical, or
numerical analysis”
(http://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/quantitative) This is done
through the collection of data that may be
collected through the use of
“polls, questionnaires, and surveys, or by manipulating pre-
existing statistical data using computational techniques”
(http://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/quantitative). Unlike the
Qualitative method. It analyzes
numerical data and compares it in a form that is more general
when observing groups of people it uses the same approach to
explain a particular phenomenon based on research.
The Mixed Methods simply includes the benefits of both

3. methods and it has both Strengths and Challenges. Based on my
research this method is useful because it enables the researcher
to “meanfully interpret data and the topic that is being
examined”(https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/mixe
d-methods-research#.WPvzg4WcFYc). It also equalizes the
study of both qualitative and quantitative alike. It is mentioned
that if the researcher properly uses this method for its
advantages both the qualitative and quantitative method will
began to mirror each other. However, the greatest challenges of
this method includes taking the time to plan appropriately to
conduct research! If this is not done correctly interpreting data
can become extremely difficult. It is suggested that the
utilization of this method “can be complicated and time
intensive given that the data and interpretations are often
abstract” (). Additionally, it is suggested that conducting this
form of research requires “training and mastery of the
methodology, so there can be a learning curve for researchers
who traditionally use only quantitative or qualitative methods”
(). The ability of the researcher to stick to the theory-based and
evidence-based designs are attributed to the ability to
understand and interpret data.
According to research the types of mixed method research
includes the following
(https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/mixed-
methods-research#.WPvzg4WcFYc):
·
The sequential explanatory method employs two different data-
collection time points; the quantitative data are collected first
and the qualitative collected last.
·
The sequential exploratory design is best for testing emergent
theory because both types of data are interpreted during the data
integration phase.
·

4. The sequential transformative approach has no preference for
sequencing of data collection and emphasizes theory.
·
Concurrent triangulation is the ideal method for cross-validation
studies and has only one point of data collection.
·
The concurrent nested design is best used to gain perspectives
on understudied phenomena.
·
The concurrent transformative approach is theory driven and
allows the researcher to examine phenomena on several
different levels.
The use of the mixed methodology will be helpful for the
purpose on my research proposal assignment because the
program that I will be researching has been developed based on
outcome based evaluation and the mixed methodology will be
useful for allowing me to gauge the effectiveness of our
programs.
I will be utilizing goal-based and process-based assessments
which will encompass both the qualitative and quantitative
styles of research. This methodology will determine the true
amount of difference in the lives of people that the programs
offer within the community. This will also allow management to
see the results of the various programs that have been
implemented.
References

5. Hughes, Allyson. Mixed Method Research. Retrieved from
https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/mixed-methods-
research#.WPvzg4WcFYc on 4/22/17.
Qualitative Research Association. Qualitative Method.
Retrieved from http://www.qrca.org on 4/22/2017.
University of SouthCarolina Library. Quantitative Research.
Retrieved from
http://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/quantitative on 4/22/17.
peer2
Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Method
The qualitative method of research is characterized by the
collection and analysis of textual data like surveys, interviews,
focus groups, conversational analysis and observation (Olds, et-
al, 2005). The qualitative approach is more uncertain, studying
behavior in natural environments using words, images and
identify natural patterns and themes. It also generates new
hypotheses and theories based on collected data, narrating
reports with description, categories and exploration. The
qualitative can refute any hypotheses.
Quantitative research methods use statistical analysis
for comparing, description and relating variables. It also uses
numerical data, hypotheses testing, effect size and interval
estimates. This is used to identify statistical relationships and
generalized findings. It uses highly structured methods, such as
surveys, questionnaires and observation. This can predict casual
relationships; quantify variation, study design, statistical
assumptions and conditions. This method is inflexible which
helps with meaningful comparisons of responses across
participants.
The mixed research method on the other hand is
deductive and inductive with multiple objectives and forms. It
studies behavior in more than one context or condition. Uses
numeric variables, words and images with a statistical and
holistic approach. In-depth narrative description and
identification of overall themes are used as well. One major

6. popular mixed method approach is the sequential explanatory
strategy. This has the advantage of having multiple ways to
explore a research problem. The mixed method can address
problems of different levels, complement the strengths of single
design and overcome the weaknesses as well.
The method selected for my final project model would
be the qualitative method. This goes into details and more in
depth, with cost-effectiveness, flexible times and locations,
making interviews easier. It gives a clear picture of complex
problems including how and what experiences about the project
simply seeking to discover and understand the perspectives and
views of people involved.
Citations
Mixed-Methods Approach. (n.d.).
http://www.statisticssolutions.com/mixed-methods-approach/
Northeastern university. (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2017, from
http://www.ccs.neu.edu/
Tan, D. (n.d.). Research design Qualitative, Quantitative, and
mixed methods. http://www.scribd.com/doc/51107663/research