An Introduction to Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research

An Introduction to Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research

Bonny Dickinson, PhD

Mercer University

Dr. Dickinson’s scholarship is focused on teaching and learning in the basic sciences. She uses qualitative and mixed methods approaches to explore how medical students apply their basic science knowledge to the practice of medicine and how this knowledge contributes to the development of adaptive expertise and professional identity formation. She is also interested in the professional identity formation of medical science educators who teach basic science content to medical students. Dr. Dickinson develops tools and approaches to support faculty development, which culminated in the publication of an educator portfolio toolkit and an educator evaluator assessment guide for those tasked with evaluating faculty for the purpose of appointment, promotion, and tenure.