Quantitative research is experiment based. The researcher starts with a theory or hypothesis, collects numerical data, and interprets the statistical significance of the data to prove or disprove the hypothesis. The researcher is an impartial observer in the process, not an active participant.
Qualitative research is based on observation and interpretation of things occurring in their natural setting. Findings are based the interpretation of information gathered by the researcher through observation or interviews rather than the numerical significance of data. The researcher is involved in a more direct and active way in the research.
What does it mean to be peer reviewed?
Articles that appear in peer reviewed journals have been examined by professionals in the field before publication. For example, articles published in the Journal of Marriage and Family are reviewed by sociologists who focus on family research. They make sure that the methodology is sound and the results are significant before the article is actually published. In a scientific article, the experts will review the experiment to see if the methods, analysis and conclusions make sense. Experts will also make recommendations on the wording the authors used.
What do peer reviewed articles look like?
Peer reviewed journal articles tend to be rather long, often over twenty pages. They also use quite a bit of jargon, or language associated with a professional field. Many peer reviewed articles are empirical, meaning that they discuss original research. Articles that discuss original research have the following format:
Where are peer reviewed articles found?
The easiest way to locate peer reviewed articles is by searching article databases or using the “Single Search” on the library’s website. In most databases, there is an option to limit to peer reviewed articles only in the result list – it is as easy as clicking a check box.
Need more guidance? Ask a librarian!