Quantitative and Qualitative Research for Beginners from edX

What's inside

Learning objectives

Be able to identify a research problem stated in a study;
Be familiar with conducting a literature review for a research study;
Know the steps involved in conducting research;
Be able to distinguish between the writing structure used for a quantitative study and one used for a qualitative study.
After completing this course, students should:

Understand general principles of research design;
Know why and how research is undertaken;
Be able to identify the overall process of designing a research study from its inception to its report;
Know the primary characteristics of quantitative research, qualitative research, and mixed methods research;

Be able to identify a research problem stated in a study;
Be familiar with conducting a literature review for a research study;
Know the steps involved in conducting research;
Be able to distinguish between the writing structure used for a quantitative study and one used for a qualitative study.
After completing this course, students should:
Understand general principles of research design;
Know why and how research is undertaken;
Be able to identify the overall process of designing a research study from its inception to its report;
Know the primary characteristics of quantitative research, qualitative research, and mixed methods research;

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction to research

Course Introduction

Foundations of Knowledge Production

Quantitative vs Qualitative Research

Mixed Methods

Week 2: Research planning

Conducting a Literature Review

Formulating Qualitative Research Questions

Formulating Quantitative Research Questions

Ethical Considerations

Writing a Literature Review

Week 3: Qualitative research part 1

Sampling Strategies in Qualitative Research

Data Collection in Qualitative Research

Interview and Focus Group

Qualitative Data Analysis Part 1: Preparing the Data for Analysis - Transcription

Qualitative Data Analysis Part 2: Selection of Appropriate Methodology or Method

Qualitative Data Analysis Part 3: Differences between Qualitative Methodologies and Methods

Week 4: Qualitative research part 2

Qualitative Data Analysis Part 4: Grounded Theory

Qualitative Data Analysis Part 5: Thematic Analysis

Week 5: Quantitative research part 1

Carrying out Quantitative Research: Frameworks

Study Design

Sampling Methods

Data Collection in Quantitative Research

Week 6: Quantitative research part 2

Quantitative Data Analysis Part 1: Description of the Sample Dataset

Quantitative Data Analysis Part 2: Descriptive Statistics

Quantitative Data Analysis Part 3: Computing Descriptive Statistics in Google Sheets

Quantitative Data Analysis Part 4: Inferential Statistics 1 - t-Test, ANOVA, Chi-square

Quantitative Data Analysis Part 5: Computing t-test and ANOVA in Google Sheets

Week 7: Quantitative research part 3 and mixed methods

Quantitative Data Analysis Part 6: Inferential Statistics 2 - Correlation and Regression

Quantitative Data Analysis Part 7: Computing Correlation and Regression in Google Sheets

Quantitative Data Analysis Part 8: Advanced Statistical Methods

Carrying out Mixed Methods Research

Week 8: Writing research papers

Writing Quantitative Papers Using Reporting Guidelines

Writing Qualitative Papers Using Reporting Guidelines

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops research design comprehension and competency, a foundational element for research

Taught by recognized instructors Foo Yann Yann, Rebecca Lurie Starr, Satvir Kaur-Gill, and Wilson Tam

Examines research methods and their applications across a wide range of topics

Builds a comprehensive understanding of quantitative and qualitative research approaches

Provides hands-on experience in conducting research studies

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Quantitative and Qualitative Research for Beginners with these activities:

Review basic math skills

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Quantitative research studies rely heavily on the analysis of numerical data. Reviewing basic mathematical skills such as percentages, ratios, and basic statistics will improve your ability to make sense of the data and draw meaningful conclusions.

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Review percentages, ratios, and proportions
Practice converting between different units of measurement (e.g., miles to kilometers, pounds to kilograms)
Review basic statistical concepts (e.g., mean, median, mode)

Explore resources for finding research articles

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Literature reviews are a key part of the research process. Familiarizing yourself with resources and techniques for finding relevant research articles will give you a strong foundation for your own research projects.

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Watch a tutorial on using a library database
Practice searching for research articles on a specific topic using keywords and Boolean operators
Explore different citation management tools and choose one to use

Conduct a mini-literature review

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Practice conducting a literature review, focusing on a specific topic.

Browse courses on Literature Review

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Identify a specific research topic.
Search for relevant academic databases.
Read and summarize relevant articles.

Six other activities

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Practice writing research questions

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Well-crafted research questions are essential for guiding your research project. Practice writing different types of research questions to improve your ability to identify and articulate your research interests.

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Review different types of research questions (e.g., descriptive, explanatory, evaluative)
Practice writing research questions on a variety of topics
Get feedback on your research questions from a peer or instructor

Learn about different research designs

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Follow tutorials to gain a deeper understanding of different research designs.

Browse courses on Research Designs

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Review course materials on research design.
Search for tutorials on specific research designs.
Follow the tutorials and complete any exercises or quizzes.

Join a study group to discuss course concepts

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Engaging with other students through peer-led study groups can help clarify concepts, identify knowledge gaps, and reinforce learning.

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Find a study group or form one with classmates
Meet regularly to discuss course material, ask questions, and work on assignments together
Take turns leading the group and facilitating discussions

Design a research proposal

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Apply the principles of research design to create a proposal for a research study.

Browse courses on Research Proposal

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Develop a research question and hypothesis.
Identify the appropriate research design.
Describe the data collection and analysis methods.
Discuss the potential limitations and ethical considerations of the study.

Write a research proposal

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Writing a research proposal will force you to synthesize your research question, methodology, and expected outcomes. This process will help you solidify your understanding of the research process and prepare you for conducting your own research project.

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Develop a research question and specific aims
Review the literature to identify relevant studies and gaps in knowledge
Choose an appropriate research design and methodology
Write the research proposal and get feedback from a peer or instructor

Participate in a research competition

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Participate in a research competition to showcase skills and gain recognition.

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Identify relevant research competitions.
Develop a research proposal or project.
Submit the proposal or project for review.
Present the research at the competition.

Career center

Learners who complete Quantitative and Qualitative Research for Beginners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Analyst

Data Analysts help companies in making data-driven decisions by analyzing data from multiple sources. They then give recommendations to management based on the results. Building on research skills learned in Quantitative and Qualitative Research for Beginners, graduates of the course can excel as Data Analysts. Research-based recommendations are far more persuasive and can alleviate potential resistance from those not trained in data analysis. A strong grasp of the research process allows Data Analysts to adapt to changing data environments and gain a competitive edge in the modern job market.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts help businesses improve their performance by analyzing their operations and identifying areas for improvement. The knowledge of how to formulate research questions learned in Quantitative and Qualitative Research for Beginners is essential to Business Analysts. They must be able to collect and analyze data to make recommendations that improve operations. The course can provide a solid foundation for a career in Business Analysis.

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Survey Researcher

Survey Researchers design and conduct surveys to collect data on public opinion or consumer behavior. The research skills taught in Quantitative and Qualitative Research for Beginners are essential to becoming a Survey Researcher. They must be able to design surveys that collect accurate and reliable data. The course can provide a solid foundation for a career in Survey Research.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies. They use this information to make recommendations to policymakers. Quantitative and Qualitative Research for Beginners can provide a strong foundation for Policy Analysts. The course introduces learners to the research process and provides them with the skills they need to collect and analyze data. This knowledge can help Policy Analysts to make informed recommendations that improve public policy.

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Market Researcher

Market Researchers study market conditions to help businesses understand their customers. They identify trends in human behavior and use this information to predict future trends. Quantitative and Qualitative Research for Beginners lays a foundation for being a Market Researcher. The course provides a solid understanding of research design, data collection, and analysis techniques. It can provide a competitive advantage to those seeking entry-level roles in this field.

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Research Associate

Research Associates help researchers conduct research projects. They may collect data, analyze data, or write research reports. The course Quantitative and Qualitative Research for Beginners can provide Research Associates with the skills they need to succeed in their roles. The course covers research design, data collection, and analysis techniques. This knowledge can help Research Associates to contribute to research projects in a meaningful way.

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User Experience Researcher

User Experience Researchers study how users interact with products and services. They use this information to improve the user experience. Quantitative and Qualitative Research for Beginners provides a solid foundation for User Experience Researchers. The course covers research methods that can be used to collect data on user behavior. This data can then be used to improve the user experience.

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Program Evaluator

Program Evaluators assess the effectiveness of social programs. They use research methods to collect data on program outcomes. This data is then used to improve the program. Quantitative and Qualitative Research for Beginners can provide Program Evaluators with the skills they need to succeed in their roles. The course covers research design, data collection, and analysis techniques. This knowledge can help Program Evaluators to conduct rigorous evaluations that improve social programs.

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Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data. They use this information to make predictions and draw conclusions. The foundation in data analysis learned in Quantitative and Qualitative Research for Beginners can help prepare someone for a career as a Statistician. The course covers research design, data collection, and analysis techniques. This knowledge can help Statisticians to develop and implement statistical models to solve real-world problems.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. They use statistical and machine learning techniques to analyze data and make predictions. Quantitative and Qualitative Research for Beginners can provide Data Scientists with the skills they need to succeed in their roles. The course covers research design, data collection, and analysis techniques. This knowledge can help Data Scientists to develop and implement data-driven solutions to business problems.

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Public Health Researcher

Public Health Researchers study the health of populations. They use research methods to collect data on health outcomes and risk factors. Quantitative and Qualitative Research for Beginners may be useful for Public Health Researchers. The course covers research design, data collection, and analysis techniques. This knowledge can help Public Health Researchers to conduct research that improves the health of populations.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people overcome social and economic challenges. They use research methods to assess needs and develop interventions. The research skills learned in Quantitative and Qualitative Research for Beginners may be useful for Social Workers. The course covers research design, data collection, and analysis techniques. This knowledge can help Social Workers to develop and implement effective interventions.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and distribution of diseases. They use research methods to collect data on disease outbreaks and trends. The research skills learned in Quantitative and Qualitative Research for Beginners may be useful for Epidemiologists. The course covers research design, data collection, and analysis techniques. This knowledge can help Epidemiologists to conduct research that improves public health.

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Consultant

Consultants provide advice to businesses and organizations on a variety of topics. They use research methods to collect data and develop recommendations. Quantitative and Qualitative Research for Beginners may be useful for Consultants. The course covers research design, data collection, and analysis techniques. This knowledge can help Consultants to develop and implement effective recommendations.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. They use research methods to develop lesson plans and assess student learning. The research skills learned in Quantitative and Qualitative Research for Beginners may be useful for Teachers. The course covers research design, data collection, and analysis techniques. This knowledge can help Teachers to develop and implement effective lesson plans.

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