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Types of Research Design

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17 views4 pages

Types of Research Design

Notes on statistics

Uploaded by

sukirti
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Types of Research Design

Research design refers to the overall strategy and framework for


conducting research. It defines the methods and procedures for collecting,
analyzing, and interpreting data. A well-designed research study helps
ensure that the research questions are answered clearly, validly, and
reliably.

1. Experimental Research Design

Experimental research design is used to investigate cause-and-effect


relationships by manipulating one or more independent variables and
observing their effect on dependent variables. This design ensures control
over extraneous variables and allows for the establishment of causal
relationships.

Types of Experimental Designs:

 Pre-Experimental Design: Lacks randomization and control


groups. It is often used in pilot studies but is considered weak in
terms of establishing causality.

o Example: One-group pretest-posttest design.

 True Experimental Design: Involves random assignment of


participants to experimental and control groups, providing strong
internal validity.

o Example: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), where one


group receives treatment and another serves as a control.

 Quasi-Experimental Design: Similar to true experimental design


but lacks random assignment. Often used in social and educational
research where randomization is impractical.

o Example: Non-equivalent control group design.

2. Descriptive Research Design

Descriptive research is used to describe characteristics, behaviors, or


phenomena as they exist in their natural setting without manipulating
variables. This design is ideal for studying "what" is happening, rather
than "why" or "how" it happens.

Types of Descriptive Designs:

 Case Study: An in-depth analysis of a single subject or group. It


provides detailed insights but is limited in generalizability.
o Example: A detailed examination of a single patient’s
response to a specific rehabilitation intervention.

 Cross-Sectional Study: Collects data from a population at a single


point in time to assess the prevalence of certain characteristics or
behaviors.

o Example: A survey to measure the level of anxiety among


university students during exam season.

 Longitudinal Study: Follows the same group of individuals over


time to observe changes and developments.

o Example: A long-term study of cognitive decline in elderly


patients over 10 years.

3. Correlational Research Design

Correlational research is used to study the relationship between two or


more variables without manipulating them. This design does not establish
causation but can identify associations or trends.

Types of Correlational Designs:

 Positive Correlation: Both variables move in the same direction


(as one increases, the other increases).

o Example: The correlation between hours studied and exam


scores.

 Negative Correlation: As one variable increases, the other


decreases.

o Example: The correlation between levels of stress and quality


of sleep.

 Zero Correlation: No relationship between the variables.

o Example: The correlation between a person's shoe size and


intelligence.

4. Exploratory Research Design

Exploratory research is conducted when little is known about a


phenomenon and the researcher wants to explore it in greater depth. This
design is flexible, focusing on discovering new insights rather than testing
specific hypotheses.

Methods of Exploratory Research:


 Literature Review: Investigating existing research to identify gaps
or areas needing further exploration.

 Interviews and Focus Groups: Collecting qualitative data to gain


a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

 Pilot Study: Conducting small-scale studies to refine research


methods or explore new areas of interest.

5. Mixed-Methods Research Design

Mixed-methods research combines both quantitative and qualitative


approaches in a single study. This design allows researchers to explore
complex research questions by leveraging the strengths of both methods.

Types of Mixed-Methods Designs:

 Sequential Explanatory Design: The researcher first collects


quantitative data, then follows it up with qualitative data to explain
or elaborate on the findings.

 Concurrent Triangulation Design: Quantitative and qualitative


data are collected simultaneously, and the results are compared or
integrated.

 Embedded Design: One type of data (qualitative or quantitative)


plays a supporting role, while the other is the primary focus of the
study.

6. Action Research Design

Action research is a collaborative approach where researchers work


directly with participants to solve practical problems. This design is
particularly common in education, healthcare, and social work, where the
goal is to implement change or improve practices.

Key Features:

 Cyclical Process: Involves cycles of planning, action, observation,


and reflection.

 Collaborative: Engages participants as co-researchers to ensure


that the solutions are relevant and practical.

 Applied Focus: Aimed at solving real-world problems rather than


purely theoretical questions.

7. Explanatory Research Design

Explanatory research is conducted to clarify the cause-and-effect


relationships between variables. It goes beyond description to understand
why a certain phenomenon occurs. This type of design is commonly used
in experimental and correlational studies.

Conclusion

The choice of research design depends on the research question,


objectives, and available resources. Each type of research design has its
strengths and limitations, and selecting the appropriate design ensures
that the study yields valid and reliable results. Whether the goal is to
describe, explore, or establish causality, a well-thought-out research
design provides a solid foundation for meaningful inquiry

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