Is the school system obligated to provide education on suicide prevention? And if so, what is the school system’s role? What type of evidence-based programs are in schools for suicide prevention? Do the evidence-based programs decrease the rate of suicide?

Qualitative Versus Quantitative Research

More often than not, individuals undertaking research projects often struggle to determine the best methodology for their projects. The research why most struggle to determine the best methods for them is that they do not always understand how they differ. In fact, most people mistakenly think that they can use the terms interchangeably. Qualitative and quantitative methodologies differ in several ways. Whereas quantitative methods are used to quantify the issue by obtaining numerical data that can be interpreted and changed into something useful, qualitative research methodology is used to develop a better understanding of views, reasons, and motivational factors (O’Neill et al., 2020). Unlike the quantitative method, qualitative research offers essential insights into the topic being investigated. In this respect, the qualitative method is text-based, while the quantitative method is based on numbers. Again, the qualitative research method differs from the quantitative method in that it can be reliable and valid, which depends mainly on the rigor and skill of the researcher. Conversely, the validity and reliability of the quantitative method rely on the instrument or measurement of the device used. The third difference between these methods is that qualitative research is less generalizable while quantitative research is more generalizable (Breet et al., 2021).

The most ideal research methodology for me is a combination of the two. In this respect, the best approach for my study is a mixed research method. The research why the hybrid method is the most ideal methodology for my study is that it will reflect each participant’s viewpoint and help ensure that the findings are based on the experiences of the participants (Wright-Berryman et al., 2018; Singer, 2017). The research question for this study is, “Is the school system obligated to provide education on suicide prevention? And if so, what is the school system’s role? What type of evidence-based programs are in schools for suicide prevention? Do the evidence-based programs decrease the rate of suicide?”

I will ensure that my approach is culturally sensitive by integrating the experiences, cultural beliefs, values, characteristics, traditions, and norms of my target population into the research design that I will use, the assessment, and materials. I would also do so by not dressing in any provocative manner throughout the study (Walrath et al., 2015; King, 2001).