Research Design Overview

Research Design

• Factorial Design:
  • Examines interaction effects between variables.
  • Allows for analyzing differences between treatments for each subject.
• Pre-Test and Post-Test Design:
  • A type of within-subjects design.
  • Pre-test before treatment and post-test after treatment to understand changes.
  • Provides high equivalence advantage as all subjects experience the same.
• Solomon Four Group Design:
  • Includes two control groups and two experimental groups.
  • Two groups take the pre-test, two do not.
  • Allows for analyzing the impact of the pre-test itself.
• Basic Research Design - Continued:
  • Quasi-Experiment:
    • Lacks one or more properties of a true experiment.
    • Not ideal for estimating causal relationships.
  • Pre-experimental Design:
    • Used to determine the efficacy and safety of an intervention.
    • Example: Pilot test of a new treatment (e.g., Phase II).
• Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT):
  • A key phase of clinical trials (e.g., Phase III)
  • Subjects are randomly assigned to control and experimental groups.
  • Used to compare interventions and determine effectiveness.

Qualitative Research Design

• Qualitative Research Design:
  • Focuses on quality criteria, ensuring the accuracy of study conclusions.
  • Emphasizes validity - is the method used really measurable?
  • Examines subjective experiences of a phenomenon.
• Common Qualitative Research Designs:
  • Phenomenology:
    • Understanding the lived experiences of individuals.
    • A philosophical discipline that delves into the lived experiences of humans.
    • Aims at understanding the meaning and essence of experiences.
  • Ethnographic Studies:
    • Data collection about lifestyle and daily activities of specific ethnic groups.
    • Focus on in-depth description and interpretation of cultural practices.
• Critical Theory:
  • Critiques societal norms and proposes new possibilities.
  • Action-oriented approach.
  • Integrative of theory and practice.
  • Embraces self-knowledge and socio-political action.
• Bricoleur:
  • Immersed in the study situation and possesses specialized knowledge.
  • Can synthesize diverse data from different sources.

Quantitative Research Design

• Quantitative Research Design:
  • Employs control, precise measurements, and numerical data.
  • Non-experimental designs to describe phenomena.
  • Non-experimental designs to determine the impact of interventions.
• Correlational Research Design:
  • Examines the relationship between two variables.
  • No assumptions are employed.
  • Aims to understand the co-occurrence of variables.
  • Example: Relationship between human adult height and weight.

Research Instruments

• Questionnaire:
  • Self-directed instrument with structured questions.
  • Facilitates data collection.
  • Allows for testing data reliability and validity.
• Scanning Questionnaires:
  • Used for questionnaires administered in face-to-face interviews, mail surveys, or telephone surveys.
• Interviews:
  • Provides broader and varied responses.
  • Allows for capturing complete answers and observing verbal and nonverbal behaviors.
• Self-Reports:
  • Individual reports on their own behaviors or mental contents.
  • Often inaccurate and unreliable, especially retrospective reports.
• Anecdotal Records and Documentary Materials:
  • Personal accounts of the researcher.
  • Examples: Researcher observations, diaries, or archival documents.
• Good Questions:
  • Focus on variables of the research problem.
  • Are clearly and concisely stated.
  • Are objective and unbiased.
  • Promote easy interpretation and data tabulation.
• Data Collection Process:
  • Precise and systematic: Ensuring accuracy and reliability of data collection.
• Evaluating research instrument:
  • Validation: Ensuring the instrument measures what it intends to measure.
  • Reliability: Ensuring consistent results with repeated use of the instrument.
• Cover Letter:
  • Accompanied by a questionnaire, outlining study purpose and benefits.