QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
oQualitative researchers seek to understand a phenomenon by focusing on the total picture
rather than breaking it down into variables.The quantitative researcher typically makes statements about the probability that such a fi
nding is due to chance and reaches a conclusion about the hypothesis .If test scores and fi nal grades were higher than could be accounted for by
chance in the section receiving online feedback, the researcher could tentatively conclude that
there is evidence the online feedback (treatment or independent variable) contributed to greater
learning than the in-class feedback.Content analysis is sometimes quantitative, such as when one investigates middle
school science textbooks to determine the extent of coverage given to the achievements of
minority scientists.Qualitative researchers also have a toolbox of data-gathering techniques, including indepth
interviewing, participant observation, and document analysis.Designing the research.1.2.3.4.5.