Leedy Paul, D. & Ormrod, Jeanne Ellis. Practical research planning and design.

8th
edition. Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall. 2005.

Table 5.3 (p.108) methodology and concomitant research goals

Method Characteristics of the method and the research goals the method attempts to
achieve
Action research A type of applied research that focuses on finding a solution to a local
problem in a local setting. For example, a teacher investigates whether a
new spelling program she has adopted leads to improvement in her students
achievement scores (see G.E. Mills Action Research, 2003, for guidance on
conducting action research)
Case study A type of qualitative research in which in-depth data are gathered relative to
s single individual, program, or event, for the purpose of learning more
about un unknown or poorly understood situation. (see chapter 7)
Content analysis A detailed and systematic examination of the contents of a particular body
of material (e.g. television shows, advertisements, textbooks) for the
purpose of identifying patterns, themes, or biases within that material. (see
chapter 7)
Correlational A statistical investigation of the relationship between 2 or more variables.
research Correlational research looks at surface relationships but does not necessarily
probe for causal reasons underlying them. For example, a researcher might
investigate the relationships among high school seniors achievement test
scores and their grade point averages a year later when they are first -year
college students. (see chapter 9)
Developmental An observational-descriptive type of research that either compares people in
research different age groups ( a cross-sectional study) or follows a particular group
over a lengthy period of time (a longitudinal study). Such studies are
particularly appropriate for looking at developmental trends. (see chapter 9)
Ethnography A type of qualitative inquiry that involves an indepth study of an intact
cultural group in a natural setting. (see chapter 7)
Experimental A study in which participants are randomly assigned to groups that undergo
research various researcher-imposed treatments or interventions, followed by
observations, or measurements to assess the effects of the treatments. (see
chapter 10)
Ex post factor An approach in which one looks at conditions that have already occurred
research and then collects data to investigate a possible relationship between these
conditions and subsequent characteristics or behaviors. (see chapter 10)
Grounded theory A type of qualitative research aimed at deriving theory through the use of
research multiple stages of data collection and interpretation. (see chapter 7)
Historical An attempt to solve certain problems arising out of a historical context
research through gathering and examining relevant data (see Chapter 8)
Observation study A type of quantitative research in which a particular aspect of behavior is
observed systematically and with as much objectivity as possible (see
chapter 9)
Phenominological A qualitative method that attempts to understand participants perspectives
research and views of social realities (see chapter 7)
Quasi- A method similar to experimental research but without random assignment
experimental to groups (see chapter 10)
research
Survey research A common method used in business, sociology, and government. Surveys
are used to describe the incidence, frequency, and distribution of certain
characteristics in a population. (see chapter 9)