Choosing the appropriate research method is crucial for SoTL study. Your choice of research method is usually guided by both your own research question and an exploration of the existing literature. Generally, three research methods are available for conducting a SoTL study: quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods. If you are not well-versed in the area of education or social science, these terms might seem unfamiliar. The resources on this page can help you learn more, and you can always contact us for help. At the same time, your own disciplinary research expertise will come in handy, and can be relevant to addressing SoTL research questions. For example, Methods in Arts and Humanities might be useful to those who study those fields as they attempt to answer SoTL research questions.
The three main research methods are:
- Quantitative research: “an approach for testing objective theories by examining the relationship among variables. These variables, in turn, can be measured, typically on instruments, so that numbered data can be analyzed using statistical procedures.” (Creswell & Creswell, 2018, p.4)
- Qualitative research: “an approach for exploring and understanding the meaning individuals or groups ascribe to a social or human problem. The process of research involves emerging questions and procedures, data typically collected in the participant’s setting, data analysis inductively building from particulars to general themes, and the researcher making interpretations of the meaning of the data.” (Creswell & Creswell, 2018, p.4)
- Mixed methods research: “an approach to inquiry involving collecting both quantitative and qualitative data, integrating the two forms of data, and using distinct designs that may involve philosophical assumptions and theoretical frameworks. The core assumption of this form of inquiry is that the integration of qualitative and quantitative data yields additional insight beyond the information provided by either the quantitative and qualitative data alone.” (Creswell & Creswell, 2018, p.4)
If you are unfamiliar with SoTL research methods, it might help to review the most commonly used, including:
- Quantitative Methods
- Experimental Design Methods
- Survey
- Correlational Study
- Qualitative Methods
- Phenomenology
- Case Study
- Narrative Research
- Autoethnography
- Grounded Theory
- Action Research
- Mixed Methods
Adapted from Elon University and revised by the LED team at NYU.
We have created a guide to help you learn more about each of these research methods, including examples of SoTL studies that employ each. You can find those in this table:
References:
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). SAGE