How to Locate Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed-Methods Studies
There is no exact way to locate only one type of methodological study. However, most find it easy to narrow result lists by methodology using a subject (SU Subject Terms) search limiter in a research database. Below is an example using Magale’s Search Electronic Resources tool. You will want to consider what search terms or keywords you use in each search box. Keyword terms usually address who, what, when, where, or how.
Example:
Let us say that you want to find quantitative research about adults with ADHD. Here is how you might set-up a database search using subject search limiters.
Keywords (limit one per search box):
who = adults
what = ADHD
what = quantitative
Notice that in the top search box the population (or who) is listed as a subject term: adults. In the second search box, a what is listed as a subject term: ADHD. The bottom search has another what listed as a subject term: quantitative.
This search reduces the results list to resources that contain subjects of adults, ADHD, and quantitative. However, be aware other subjects may be included. For example, if a study is a mixed-methods approach, then it includes qualitative methods in addition to quantitative methods. This is important to recognize since these resources having both qualitative and quantitative subjects are usually considered mixed-methods studies. Still, this saves time by helping reduce resources with methodologies and those identified as solely qualitative methods research.
