Quantitative Research Methods

• Interpretivism

  Prefer research methods which produce qualitative data- information which gives us depth on the situation. These methods include unstructured interviews, participant observation, and analysis of personal documents.
• Positivism

  Prefer research methods which produce quantitative data- information in a numerical and statistical form. Seeing society as an objective reality made up of social facts. Society follows patterns which can be observed and measured (e.g. educational achievement and underachievement of certain groups). Claim these exist due to society exerting an influence on its members, shaping their behaviour. Through careful observation, they can then establish cause and effect laws.