Research Design Types Quiz

Research Design Types

• Longitudinal Design: A design where data is collected from the same individuals over an extended period of time
• Experimental Design: A design that manipulates an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable
• Single-Subject Multiple Baseline Design: A design that uses multiple baseline measures for a single subject to establish causality
• Correlational Design: A design that examines the relationship between two or more variables
• Interaction Effect: Occurs when the effect of one independent variable is influenced by the level of another independent variable

Group Designs

• Developmental: Focuses on changes in a dependent variable over time, using attribute variables which are not manipulated

• Correlational: Examines relationships between variables through statistical analysis and visual representations

• Pre/Post: Compares data before and after a treatment but lacks a control group, making it difficult to establish causality

• Comparative: Compares two existing groups based on an attribute variable, but does not manipulate the attribute

• Quasi-Experimental: Combines features of experimental and descriptive designs

  • Non-Equivalent Control Groups: Uses pre-existing or sequentially formed groups without random assignment to control for extraneous variables
  • Within-Group Repeated Measures Design: All participants experience all treatment conditions, allowing for direct comparisons within individuals

Key Features of Within-Group Repeated Measures Design

• Reduced Variability: Minimizes individual differences, increasing statistical power
• Fewer Participants: Each participant contributes data for all treatment conditions, requiring fewer subjects
• Enhanced Sensitivity: Directly measures differences in responses for the same individuals, enhancing the ability to detect treatment effects
• Control Over Confounding Variables: Reduces the impact of individual differences, leading to clearer interpretations of treatment effects

Potential Problems with Within-Group Designs

• Treatment Order Effects: The order in which treatments are given can influence the outcome
• Controlling Treatment Order Effects: Randomize the order of treatments and use a washout period between treatments to minimize carryover effects

Single-Subject vs. Group Designs

• Data Points and Analysis: Single-subject designs use individual data points with visual analysis, while group designs rely on averages and statistical tests
• Data Graphs: Single-subject designs use visual graphs for data presentation, while group designs utilize statistical summaries
• Structure of Treatment and Control: Single-subject designs often involve clear delineations of treatment and baseline phases, while group designs have structured control groups
• Participant Assignment: Single-subject designs typically involve one participant or a small number, while group designs involve larger samples with randomization
• Generalizability: Single-subject designs may be harder to generalize to a wider population than group designs

Single-Subject Design Terminology

• Small N Designs: Single-subject designs are also known as "small N" designs because they focus on the individual responses of a limited number of participants
• Between-Group: Comparisons between different groups
• Within-Group: Comparisons within a single group or individual
• Retrospective: Examining past data
• Prospective: Planning a study with experimental control
• Longitudinal: Measuring one group repeatedly over time
• Cross-Sectional: Measuring different groups at different time points
• Relationships: Examining correlations or associations
• Differences: Identifying dissimilarities

Descriptive Research Designs

• Purpose: To describe a sample and potentially generalize findings to a larger population
• Characteristics: Systematic observation, limited manipulation, focus on sample size and detail
• Labels: Descriptive, observational, non-experimental, pre-experimental
• Types:
  • Relationship Descriptive Designs: Focus on the direction, strength, and nature of relationships between variables
  • Developmental Designs: Track changes in a dependent variable over time
  • Pre/Post Designs: Compare data before and after a treatment without a control group

Test your knowledge on various research design types, including longitudinal, experimental, and correlational designs. Understand the key characteristics and applications of each design. Challenge yourself and enhance your understanding of research methodologies.