Principles of Quantitative Research in Counseling: A Humanistic Perspective

The nature of humanistic counseling research continues to be an ongoing ideological debate. The role of qualitative inquiry in humanistic counseling research is strongly established, but the manner in which quantitative research represents an appropriate milieu for humanistic counseling research is questionable. Specific principles for using quantitative research designs in humanistic counseling research are discussed. Keywords: humanistic, counseling, quantitative, research ********** The status and typology of counseling research is a recurring topic in a variety of specialty areas in counseling, and humanistic counseling in particular (e.g., Dollarhide, 2010; Erford, Erford, & Broglie, 2012; Hansen, 2012; Lemberger, 2012; McGowan & Scholl, 2004; Minor & Minor, 1981; Rogers, 1963; Scholl, 2008; Wilks & Ratheal, 2010). However, the manner in which research from a humanistic perspective, hereinafter referred to as humanistic counseling research, may be conducted is under debate. Hence, a presentation of various ideologies related to humanistic research is presented, followed by a synthesis of underlying premises to guide humanistic counseling research in general, and research for The Journal of Humanistic Counseling in particular. VIEWS OF HUMANISTIC COUNSELING RESEARCH In the recent special issue in The Journal of Humanistic Counseling (October 2012), several authors discussed the ideology of humanism in the counseling profession. This highlighted discourse generalizes to a larger debate about research in the counseling profession. Hansen (2012) asserted that the counseling profession should focus on qualitative research as a standard method of inquiry given (a) the ability of qualitative researchers to address human issues holistically and from multiple perspectives; (b) the preference toward an emphasis on a subjective understanding of the human condition, as opposed to an objective understanding given the complex nature of human issues; and (c) limitations of quantitative research, which reduce human issues to singular truths, as opposed to complex phenomena. Although Hansen (2012) supported the assertion that qualitative research should be a standard methodology for humanistic counseling research through references to seminal theorists/researchers consistent with the onset of the humanistic counseling movement (e.g., Maslow, 1968; Matson, 1971; Rogers, 1951), The Journal of Humanistic Counseling has had a long history of recognizing quantitative research as a pertinent component to humanistic counseling research. McGowan and Scholl (2004) referenced the American Counseling Association Publications Committee in their statement related to the equality of quantitative and qualitative research for publishing in The Journal of Humanistic Counseling, Education and Development. Scholl (2008) emphasized a need for humanistic counseling research to encompass humanistic themes, while not identifying a preference to any particular research methodology. Dollarhide (2010) expressed the desire to focus on the quality of research, be it quantitative or qualitative, related to topics at the forefront of humanistic counseling. Lemberger (2013) also did not express a preference for a research methodology, but did indicate a desire to review articles that focused on a "humanistic-related counseling outcome" (p. 4). Outside of the preference for qualitative inquiry expressed by Hansen (2012) and a focus upon humanistic ideals (e.g., Lemberger, 2013; Scholl, 2008), an explanation of components to humanistic counseling research is lacking. Minor and Minor (1981) proposed a model of humanistic counseling research in which counseling outcomes are investigated within the context of humanistic theoretical assumptions: (a) the counselor builds trust with the client, (b) the counselor communicates empathy, and (c) the client engages in meaningful self-disclosure. …