Research Design Fundamentals

Research Design

• A research design provides a framework for a study, outlining the strategy for data collection and analysis to address research questions.
• It considers variables, sampling, data collection methods, and analysis procedures.
• Different designs suit various research purposes and questions.

Types of Research Designs

• Exploratory Research: Aims to understand phenomena, often used for preliminary or pilot studies.
• Descriptive Research: Describes characteristics or patterns in a population, using methods like surveys and case studies.
• Correlational Research: Examines relationships between variables without manipulation, e.g., correlation between study hours and exam scores.
• Causal-Comparative Research: Investigates cause-and-effect by comparing groups with differing experiences or treatments, e.g., comparing student performance in different school districts.
• Experimental Research: Establishes cause-and-effect by manipulating independent variables and measuring dependent variables, such as testing a new drug.

Qualitative Research

• Qualitative research explores how individuals or groups understand their experiences and actions.
• Key methods include in-depth interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and document analysis.
• Data analysis identifies patterns and themes inductively.

Quantitative Research

• Quantitative research uses measurement and testing to establish relationships and generalize to larger populations.
• Numerical data is collected, and statistical methods are used in analysis.
• It involves structured approaches and objective measurements.

Sampling Techniques

• Probability Sampling: Each population member has a known chance of selection, like simple random sampling, stratified sampling, or cluster sampling.
• Non-probability Sampling: The probability of selection isn't known, such as convenience, purposive, or snowball sampling.

Data Collection Methods

• Surveys: Use questionnaires or interviews to collect data.
• Experiments: Manipulate independent variables to observe effects on dependent variables.
• Observations: Systematically record behaviors or events.
• Case Studies: In-depth investigations of individuals, groups, or phenomena.
• Focus Groups: Structured discussions with a group.

Data Analysis Techniques

• Descriptive Statistics: Summarize and describe data (mean, median, mode, standard deviation).
• Inferential Statistics: Draw conclusions about a population from sample data (t-tests, ANOVA, regression).
• Qualitative Data Analysis: Identify patterns, themes, and meanings in qualitative data (coding, thematic analysis).

Ethical Considerations in Research

• Protect participants' rights and well-being.
• Ensure informed consent.
• Maintain confidentiality and anonymity.
• Avoid harm and bias.
• Adhere to ethical guidelines.

Validity and Reliability

• Validity: Measures what it intends to.
• Reliability: Consistent results when repeated.

Variables

• Independent Variable: Manipulated by the researcher.
• Dependent Variable: Measured to observe the independent variable's effect.
• Control Variables: Kept constant to avoid confounding results.

Research Limitations

• Acknowledge study restrictions and potential weaknesses, like sample size, data quality, affecting generalizability.