Section outline

  • Course Overview

    This course introduces you to the core concepts and practical applications of qualitative, quantitative, and multi-methods research. You’ll learn how to select, combine, and apply methods effectively, with real-world examples to guide your decisions. By the end, you’ll gain the confidence and tools to design and carry out research projects with clarity and purpose.

    Learning Outcomes

    This course will help you to:

    1. Appreciate the importance of selecting appropriate research methods and how they impact the success of a project
    2. Differentiate between qualitative, quantitative, and multi-methods approaches, recognizing how each functions and can be applied
    3. Explore real-world examples to see how methods are used, their value, and how they can be combined effectively
    4. Develop the skills to align research questions with methods, reassess approaches, and determine the best strategy for your project

    • Course Instructor: Peter Civetta

      • Peter Civetta

        Peter is the Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research at Northwestern University, advising students on grants and research initiatives. An Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Theater Department, he teaches performance and culture, focusing on religion, politics, and comedy. A former professional actor, he holds a BA in Theatre from Boston College, an MA from San Francisco State, and a PhD from Cornell. His research explores comedy’s cultural impact and performance in religious and ethical beliefs. He also runs a children's theatre nonprofit.

        View Bio for Peter Civetta

      • Pre-Course Self Assessment

        Before you dive into this course, spend a few moments reflecting on your familiarity with the topic and your current level of skills confidence. 

        You will then re-visit the same questions in our Post-Course Self Assessment and reflect on how the course has helped you develop in confidence and grow your skills. 

        • Module One: What Are Research Methods?

          This module will help you to:

          1. Appreciate the importance of selecting a research method in the success of a project
          2. Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative approaches to research
          3. Recognize how different methods can be combined for a multi-methods approach

        • Module Two: What Are Some Popular Qualitative Approaches?

          This module will help you to:

          1. Identify how different qualitative methods function
          2. Explore how different projects have utilized them to see the range of applicable uses
          3. Recognize how each example could have value within your own work

        • Module Three: What Are Some Popular Quantitative Approaches?

          This module will help you to:

          1. Identify how different quantitative methods function
          2. Explore how different projects have utilized them to see the range of applicable uses
          3. Recognize how each one could have value within your own work

        • Module Four: What Are Some Popular Multi-Methods Approaches?

          This module will help you to:

          1. Recognize how different research methods could be combined
          2. Recognize the implications of the order in which methods are used
          3. Identify ways of determining what might work best for your own project

        • Module Five: How Do I Choose a Method?

          This module will help you to:

          1. Recognize how to reassess your research question to ensure it remains aligned with your chosen method(s)
          2. Identify questions to ask to determine which method is best for your project
          3. Discern how to select a research method and confirm its connection to your research question

        • Glossary of Key Terms

          In addition to the glossary you’ll find woven throughout the course, you can find the full glossary collated in one place here.

        • Post-Course Self Assessment

          Now you’ve completed the course, spend a few moments reflecting on where your familiarity with the topics and your confidence skills levels are at now. 

          Has the course helped you develop new skills and grow your confidence?

          You'll need to complete the Post-Course Self Assessment in order to download your certificate. If you didn't do the Pre-Course Self Assessment before starting the course, please go to the top of the page and reflect on your familiarity with the topic and your level of skills confidence before you started the course.

          • Completion: Certificate

            Completing all modules (plus the pre and post-course assessments) will unlock the course certificate, which you can then download here. Your course certificate will only be made available once you have completed all these sections.

            If you have difficulty accessing your certificate, please contact the Sage support team at: onlinesupport@sagepub.co.uk. You can also check out this FAQ page which may be helpful.

            • Give Feedback About This Course

              Did you enjoy the course? Please take two minutes to share your feedback. We use learner feedback in future course updates and developments to provide an excellent learning experience.

            • Accessibility

              We have high standards of accessibility on Sage Campus and as of May/June 2024 all activities within this course are keyboard and screen reader compatible. For more details on accessibility standards, please see the Sage Campus Accessibility Guide.

              For those using assistive technology, please note that within this course:

              • Tab components: JAWS and NVDA behave slightly differently. For NVDA to keep reading, it is best to exit focus mode and go back to browse mode. 
              • Matching: JAWS does not read out question label on dropdown focus.