"RESEARCH METHODS IN DISCOURSE ANALYSIS: QUANTITATIVE, QUALITATIVE AND MIXED-METHODS APPROACHES "

Abstract

This paper presents three different research methods: the quantitative research, the qualitative research and the mixed-method research, showing the advantages and the limitations of each of them. It also provides a brief historical overview of the three methods, their main characteristics and strategies, the worldviews to which they are usually associated as well as several other factors that might affect the researcher’s choice of approach. Understanding these various aspects helps the researcher when deciding upon the best method to be used in a particular situation.