Trident University International

Research methods can be classified in two different categories – quantitative and qualitative. We looked at the former method in the past, so it’s time to shine some light on the qualitative method and how it fits into your dissertation or scholarly research that you’re performing.

While quantitative research requires the collection of numerical data, qualitative research attempts to understand a specific organization or event and does not involve the collection of a numerical sample from a population.

Disorders of the brain – those “unseen diseases” – affect many millions of Americans from all walks of life. The men and women of the Armed Forces are not immune, with many returning from combat with some form of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or other forms of combat exposure. These disorders are difficult to treat, with researchers working hard to fill in the missing gaps of knowledge.

Trident Ph.D. in Health Sciences student Jeffrey Nagy is one of these researchers. Nagy, who was a combat medic for the United States Army, understands these realities all too well, which is why he is in a prime position to address some of these gaps.

Quantitative research, according to Aliaga and Gunderson (2000), is “explaining phenomena by collecting numerical data that are analyzed using mathematically based methods (in particular statistics).” It’s a formal, objective, and systematic process, and it’s one that is absolutely integral to scholarly and professional research.

This is a companion blog to "Communicating Your Professional and Scholarly Work with the Media," part of the Culture of Research & Education (C.O.R.E.) webinar series.

The true power of scholarly research is realized when it is exposed to the general public. If you’re presented with an opportunity to discuss your research with the media, these are some key guidelines to follow.

Dr. David Nadler earned a Ph.D. in Health Sciences degree from Trident, graduating in 2013. According to David, obtaining a doctorate was integral to his career for a number of reasons. In addition to teaching at the university level, scholarly research was something that was key to him as he grew as a professional.

Currently, David serves as a senior program manager in a capital construction group in New York City. Some of his projects include building a filtration plant below The Bronx and digging tunnels through the bedrock hundreds of feet below the ground to serve as aqueducts. He puts together policies, procedures, and specifications for contractors' occupational health programs.

“One reason I wanted a Ph.D. was so that I can continue learning through conducting novel research, and so far I have had a few papers published. This work also allows for others to learn from what I have studied,” says David.

Compassionate commitment – one of Trident’s two Pillars of excellence – is exhibited by its dedicated faculty and staff on a daily basis. It’s not just a mindset or attitude, but it’s a way of serving a student population who is focused on practical goals and transferrable skills.