Here's a breakdown:
Qualitative Research:
* Focuses on understanding the complexities of human experience and behavior.
* Employs methods like interviews, observations, and focus groups.
* Aims to generate rich, descriptive data about people's perspectives, beliefs, and lived experiences.
Mixed Methods Research:
* Combines qualitative and quantitative approaches.
* Uses both qualitative data (e.g., interview transcripts) and quantitative data (e.g., surveys) to explore a research question.
Why Fieldwork-Based Research is Often Considered Qualitative:
* Fieldwork involves direct interaction with people in their natural settings.
* The emphasis is on understanding the context and meaning-making processes of participants.
* Data collected through fieldwork is often text-based, requiring interpretation and analysis.
Examples of Fieldwork-Based Research:
* Anthropology: Studying cultures and societies in their natural settings.
* Sociology: Observing social interactions and understanding social phenomena.
* Psychology: Conducting interviews and observations to explore human behavior.
* Environmental Studies: Analyzing ecological data and conducting fieldwork in natural environments.
Important Note: While fieldwork is often associated with qualitative research, it can also be used to collect quantitative data. For example, a researcher might conduct a survey in a particular location to gather information about people's attitudes or behaviors.