Handbook of Human Performance Technology: Principles, Practices, and Potential, Third Edition

Chapter 31. A Commentary on Quantitative and Qualitative Methods: Myths and Realities

Jana L. Pershing

Central to the field of human performance technology (HPT) is the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation (ADDIE) process, an applied and practical research technique applicable to solving organizational problems (Molenda, 2003). ^[17] The ADDIE process emphasizes testing ideas through empirical observation and measurement (Rosenberg, 1999). As such, it lends itself to scientific research based on deductive reasoning, relying heavily on quantitative data-collection techniques such as experiments, correlational studies, and surveys, including questionnaires.

Given this emphasis on quantitative methodology and data, several myths ...