Quantitative research
Quantitative research is generally associated with the positivist model. It usually involves collecting and converting data into numerical form so that statistical calculations can be made and conclusions drawn.
Qualitative research
Qualitative research is the approach usually associated with the social constructivist model which emphasis the socially constructed nature of reality.
Pragmatic approach to research (mixed methods)
The pragmatic approach to science involves using the method which appears best suited to the research problem and not getting caught up in philosophical debates about which is the best approach.
Advocacy/participatory approach to research
To some degree, researchers adopting an advocacy/participatory approach feel that the approaches to research described so far do not respond to the needs or situation of people from marginalized or vulnerable groups. As they aim to bring about positive change in the lives of the research subjects, their approach is sometimes described as emancipator