-       A quantitative approach is one in which the investigator primarily uses postpositivist claims for developing knowledge (i.e., cause and effect thinking,  reduction to specific variables and hypotheses and questions, use of measurement and observation, and the test of the theories),  employs strategies of inquiry such as experiments and surveys and collects data on predetermined instruments that yield statistical data.

-       Alternatively, a qualitative research is one in which the inquirer often makes knowldge claims based primarily on constructivist perspectives (i.e., multiple meanings of individual experiences, meanings socially and historically constructed, with an intent of developing a theory or pattern) or advocacy/participatory perspectives (i.e., politcal, ssue-oriented, collaborative, or change oriented) or both. It also uses strategies of inquiry such as narratives, phenomenologies, ethnographies, grounded theory studies, or case studies. The reseacher collects open-ended, emerging data with the primary intent of developing themes from the data.

-         Mixed-metods approach is one in which the reseacher tends to base knowledge claims on pragmatic grounds (e.g., consequence-oriented, problem-centered and pluralistic). It employes strategies of inquiry that involve collecting data either stimultaneously or sequentially to best understand research problems.