ABSTRACT
While a full exploration of data collection methods is beyond the scope of this text, the first part of this chapter introduces students to qualitative and quantitative research methods, providing overviews of each and when to use one, the other, or both. We describe major data collection strategies, including library research exploring primary sources, recording observations with research journals and field notes, survey research, and interviews. The second part of this chapter includes information about the terms and techniques involved in analyzing different types of information. It discusses the importance of triangulating results, identifying overarching themes, and aligning the discussion of research results with the research question and the review of the literature. The chapter concludes with a reminder about acknowledging any limitations of the research that significantly affect the results.
