What is qualitative research? 

Describes research methods that interpret descriptive (non-numerical) information based in conversation or narrative text, using surveys with open-ended questions, interviews, and recording experiences. Qualitative studies usually try to answer a "why" question, recording people's experiences, attitudes, and beliefs. Researchers observe and interpret.

To search specifically for qualitative research, it may be helpful to search databases with specific filters and keywords, such as: 

• qualitative
• observation*
• interview* 
• discussion
• "case study"
• "focus group"
• "face-to-face"
• "text analysis"
• "language analysis"
• fieldwork
• structured
• "semi-structured"
• ethnograph*

What is quantitative research?

Describes research methods that use numerical data, using measurements, numerical surveys, and statistics. Quantitative studies usually try to answer a "how many?", "how often?", or "how much?" question. Researchers measure and test.

To search specifically for quantitative research, it may be helpful to search databases using specific filters, subject terms, or selective keywords, such as:

• quantitative
• survey*
• statistical
• validity 
• variance
• correlation

Some studies employ a mixed methods approach, which combines both qualitative and quantitative research methods. 

Watch the video below to learn more how qualitative and quantitative research differs: