Comparison Of Traditional Versus Alternative Preparation Of Special Education Teachers

Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods

It is important to understand the different research methods, and how they are used to examine ideas such as the quality of relationships, and relationships between variables. In considering which methods are traditionally used, we find that there is an abundant use of qualitative and quantitative methods. Note, no one methodology is better than the other, and researchers are not limited to using only one method for their study. Instead, researchers can incorporate the two traditional methods, known as mixed-method. When researchers have comprehensive knowledge about each method, they are able to decide on which method is appropriate for their research focus.

In a briefly describing the methods,

Robertson and Singleton (2010) used the quantitative research method to collect data two research questions. The first question focused on a comparison between job retention rates of the University of Memphis' alternatively certified graduates, and the traditionally certified graduates, while the second question focused on the demographics (i.e., ethnicity, gender) of both alternative and traditionally educated teachers who remained in the profession (Robertson & Singleton,

Huang (2017) used a mixed-method explanatory research design to collect data on two different research questions about the Accelerated Reading Program (AR). Huang (2012) wanted to find out the effect of AR on middle school students' reading achievement, and the students' views about using the AR program in regards to promoting reading motivation. The purpose of the study was clearly stated by the