Most methods of data collection employed by quantitative and qualitative researchers are the same in principle.
Naturalistic methods are those borrowed by social researchers from natural sciences.
Triangulation simply refers to a procedure entailing three paths of action.
In principle, in quantitative research instruments are chosen before the study has begun; in qualitative research instruments are chosen while the study is being conducted.
In experimental research, closure means that additional subjects should not be accepted after the closing date.
The principal functions of experiments are hypothesis testing and theory testing.
An important condition of experimental research is the controlling for, ruling out or closing off all external factors, except those related to the stimulus.
'Matching’ is a sampling procedure employed in experimental research, and it is conducted after the study has commenced.
Panel studies employ several different samples studied at different points in time.
The validity of experiments is immune to instrumentation problems.