Quantitative or Qualitative

A huge part of my education program is understanding the difference between quantitative and qualitative designs. My interest in music and literacy could fall under either design, but it’s so difficult to choose!

I do know that I want to stay out of the classroom as much as possible to avoid interference with the students and/or the curriculum. I also know that I don’t want to spend a long time with this study. The goal is “to graduate, not change the world”.

I guess my concern is the impact. Which research design will have the most impact for teachers and of course other researchers in the field? Will a case study? Will an ex post facto study?

My final paper in my current class is spelling out the problem, purpose, questions, and/or hypotheses in one chosen research design. I’m thinking of flipping a coin!

By the way, I’m currently reading two dissertations:

Swan, C. R. (2021). The Impact of a Synchronization-Based Movement Intervention on Behavior for Students with Low-Functioning Autism: A Qualitative Case Study [Doctoral dissertation, Northcentral University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses

Connelly, D. C. (2021). An Ex-Post Facto Causal Comparative Study of a Rural Reading Program [Doctoral dissertation, Northcentral University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses.