Taking the "q" out of research: Teaching research methodology courses without the divide between quantitative and qualitative paradigms

Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie, Nancy L. Leech

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

173 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence that the debate between quantitative and qualitative is divisive and, hence, counterproductive for advancing the social and behavioral science field. We advocate that all graduate students learn to utilize and to appreciate both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. As such, students will develop into pragmatist researchers who are able to utilize both quantitative and qualitative techniques when conducting research. We contend that the best way to accomplish this is by eliminating quantitative research methodology and qualitative research methodology courses from curricula and replacing these with research methodology courses at different levels that simultaneously teach both quantitative and qualitative techniques within a mixed methodological framework.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)267-295
Number of pages29
JournalQuality and Quantity
Volume39
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Mixed methods
  • Pragmatist researcher
  • Qualitative research
  • Quantitative research
  • Research methods courses
  • Teaching research

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Statistics and Probability
  • General Social Sciences

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