What is the specific type of the research method, qualitative or quantitative?

For the instructor assigned article this week, what research approach (basic vs. applied) is used in the study? What is the specific type of the research method, qualitative or quantitative? Why do you think the author(s) choose this method? What is the specific research design for this study? Give a rationale for why you think the author(s) chose this design. What other type of research design could be used for a study about this topic? Why would you choose to study the topic this way?