Qualitative and quantitative methods allow researchers to investigate, explore and investigate the nature of the phenomenon studied. It is important that the researcher develops a clear understanding of the problem and designs a plan to investigate it (Cresswell, 1998, para. 1). There are several research methods; however, it is important to consider which research method is appropriate for the study. Qualitative research focuses on human experiences while quantitative research is based on numbers, measurements and tests. However, qualitative and quantitative methods use similar approaches to conduct research and collect data. For example, observations and interviews are approaches used in both research projects; however, the approaches are used and viewed differently. This will be discussed later in the article. Controversy between qualitative and quantitative research designs The two research methods, qualitative and quantitative, are different and according to Brewer (1999) there has been a controversy between research methods for decades regarding which research design offers a more significant result. in-depth and objective data (p. 245). However, according to the literature reviewed, mixed methods seem to be an adequate solution to this topic. Mixed methods combine qualitative and quantitative approaches, and according to Abusabha and Woelfel (2003), combining both research designs has its advantages: first, all data have both an objective and subjective component. Numbers can be easily assigned to all qualitative data (such as open-ended questions in surveys), and any number obtained from a quantitative study is interpreted using subjective or qualitative judgment. Secondly, using a different… center of the paper… objectives of a different nature, thus producing accurate data. However, Allington and McGill-Frazon determined that “reducing a complex phenomenon to a few quantifiable variables can lead to oversimplification of the phenomenon” (p.445). In other words, for observations to be complete, a combination of qualitative and quantitative data is needed to explain the totality of the phenomenon. An advantage of pre-test and post-test designs is that it can be conducted with a single group or with a control group. In the intended research topic, a pre-test and a post-test with one group was used to maximize internal validity. However, in the intended research topic, the experimental design is used to illustrate a cause and effect between two variables. The disadvantage is that external elements pose a threat to accuracy (Leedy & Ormrod, 2010, p..230).