The Relative Merits of Qualitative and Quantitative Research Approaches in Music Therapy‪.‬

Abstract: Recent music therapy research utilising qualitative paradigms has led some therapists to question the relative merits of the traditional quantitative and the newer qualitative research approaches. This article presents an historical account of the two research perspectives and then describes their differences. Three types of music therapy research now evident include measurement of responses to music therapy; experiential aspects of music therapy; and the analysis of products of music therapy. It is argued that both qualitative and quantitative research approaches have merit in music therapy, the one selected being that which best addresses the research question or purpose.