Qualitative and quantitative methods as complementary assessment tools
Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
12-1-2009
Abstract
The purpose of this chapter is to address epistemological and methodological approaches to assessing assessment. The authors' intent is to show how moving beyond paradigm wars and using multiple methods makes for good assessment. The authors explore ways qualitative and quantitative methods are complementary, as opposed to competing concepts, arguing that these methodologies in collaboration provide a much richer form of higher education assessment. The chapter begins with a review of the literature on qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method designs, which includes an overview of the history and contemporary landscape of the qualitative-quantitative debate. The chapter also highlights successful examples of mixed-method assessment at a mid-sized, private university, presented in general frameworks which can be used on any campus. The chapter concludes with recommendations for practitioners and future trends. © 2009, IGI Global.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
Handbook of Research on Assessment Technologies, Methods, and Applications in Higher Education
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Thompson, Sheila S., and Annemarie Vaccaro. "Qualitative and quantitative methods as complementary assessment tools." Handbook of Research on Assessment Technologies, Methods, and Applications in Higher Education (2009): 121-134. doi: 10.4018/978-1-60566-667-9.ch007.