Application: Design Outcome Evaluation for the Clarksville Food Bank

Generally, qualitative and quantitative approaches can be defined by their different purposes, processes, data gathering techniques, analysis plans, and findings (see the table below). Researchers do not usually take an approach that is purely quantitative or purely qualitative. Many use a mixed methods approach. Mixed methods research combines both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Quantitative Qualitative
Purpose Seeks explanations and predictions to develop generalizations Seeks a better understanding of complex situations
Research process Known variables, established guidelines, predetermined methods, objective Unknown variables, flexible guidelines, emergent methods, subjective
Data gathering Numeric data, representative large sample, standardized instruments Textual/image data, small sample, loosely structured observations and interviews
Data analysis Statistical analysis, objectivity, deductive reasoning Search for themes and categories, subjective and potentially biased analysis, inductive reasoning
Findings Numbers, statistics, aggregated data, scientific style Words, narratives, quotes, literary style

For this Assignment, you plan a mixed method outcome evaluation for the Clarksville Food Bank. As you receive feedback for this Assignment, consider what revisions you want to make for your final project and apply your new knowledge to your final project program or population.
The Assignment:
Submit a 2–3 page mixed method outcome evaluation using your logic model of the Clarksville Food Bank in which you:
• Stipulate which outcomes you are measuring using the qualitative approach and which outcomes you are measuring using a quantitative approach.
• Describe why you chose to measure the outcomes with your selected approach.
• Describe how you think your results can be used to improve the Clarksville Food Bank.