The Cycle of Research [microform] : A Call for Truce / Wilma Elizabeth Goodnow

In order for researchers to develop principles for successful adult education, they must use both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The first step in developing principles for adult education is to describe education and practices through descriptive research that objectively quantifies and classifies aspects of practice. Through an inductive thought process, outcomes are measured, concepts are defined, and typologies are developed. In theory building, the outcomes and classifications that were defined in descriptive research must be subjectively related. Next, in order to screen out incorrect theories before they are developed into principles for successful adult educational practice, researchers must test their theories through experimental research. Using a deductive thought process, researchers must then codify their theories into principles for successful practice. These four stages of research come to form a cycle when experimental research disproves the practicality of a theory. Thus, both quantitative and qualitative methods of research are necessary for the development of successful adult educational practices; quantitative methods are necessary to test theories for accuracy, and qualitative methods are necessary to interpret the results of quantitative studies so that they may be applied by practitioners. (MN)