Choices of Methodology for Cooperative Education Researchers.

Abstract

Research in cooperative education is dominated by quantitative means of inquiry with few qualitative studies reported in the literature. In this paper the advantages and disadvantages of qualitative and quantitative methodologies are described. It is proposed that the choice of methodology should be driven by the research questions or objectives rather than any preference for a given methodology. In particular, it is recommended that researchers should consider the use of qualitative or combinedmethodology means of inquiry. An overview of reports of qualitative-based inquiries in cooperative education is provided to support this proposal. The literature reveals that researchers utilized qualitative means of inquiry when they wished to ascertain subjective views, such as perceptions of placement experiences, and when greater depth of inquiry was required. To help facilitate the development of qualitative means of inquiry in cooperative education research, we describe how trustworthiness may be maintained and provide guidelines for conducting interviews and interview technique. (Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education, 2000, 1(1), 1-8).