Clues to Identifying Quantitative vs Qualitative Studies
What to Look for in Quantitative Research:
- numbers
- charts and graphs
- the word "quantitative" or specific statistical analysis methods
- trying to compare two variables using numerical data
What to Look for in Qualitative Research:
- the word "qualitative" and no statistical analysis methods
- descriptive words and/or feelings
- narration (reads more like it tells a story)
- lack of numerical data
- case studies, histories
- trying to develop an understanding of something that cannot be quantified
Some research will include both quantitative and qualitative research methods, also known as mixed methods. (For a more complete definition of mixed methods go to this link.)
Examples of Clues in Article Abstracts
Below are examples of abstracts with "clues" that hint at a quantitative or qualitative methodology.
This abstract (a summary of the article) includes numerical data. This article might use quantitative methods. It also uses the words "quantitative analysis" in the title and/or description.
Quantitative

The following article abstract/summary uses the term qualitative, but also has other clues. It does not include numerical data, but provides a description of what is being studied that cannot be described numerically. Looking at the methodology section of this article will help determine further what types of research methods are used, but it looks like a qualitative study.
Qualitative

In order to determine what research methods are used in a study, you must look at the full-text article and find a section of the article that is titled "Methodology" or "Methods" or a portion of the article that describes how the researchers conducted the study (what they did, what they intended to find, etc.).