How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education, 5/e

Jack R. Fraenkel, San Francisco State University
Norman E. Wallen, San Francisco State University

The Nature of Qualitative

Learning Objectives

Studying this chapter should enable you to:

Explain what is meant by the term "qualitative research."

Describe five general characteristics that most qualitative studies have in common.

Describe briefly the philosophic assumptions underlying qualitative and quantitative research.

Describe briefly some of the steps involved in qualitative research.

Describe at least three ways that qualitative research differs from quantitative research.

Describe briefly at least four different approaches to qualitative research.

Describe the type of samples that are used in qualitative research, and give some examples of these types.

Explain how generalizing differs in qualitative and quantitative research.

Describe briefly how matters of ethics affect qualitative research.

Suggest some ways that qualitative and quantitative approaches to research might be used together.

2003 McGraw-Hill Higher Education
Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
McGraw-Hill Higher Education is one of the many fine businesses of The McGraw-Hill Companies.