ABSTRACT
There are two general categories of research designs: quantitative and qualitative. If your SoTL question needs to have some kind of numerical evaluation, then at least part of your data collection will be quantitative. SoTL questions such as whether one group does better than another or whether a teaching technique results in improved learning are likely to use a quantitative design. Quantitative designs tend to follow a similar process: make a prediction or hypothesis, collect data, analyze data, and draw conclusions. In a highly quantitative field such as mathematics or engineering, your SoTL work may be more likely to be accepted and valued if you follow the norms of the field. It is important to think of a project in terms of phases. Indeed, much of our SoTL work has involved a multiphase approach, with the pilot study being the first phase.
