Research Methods and Approaches

• Research concepts, methods, and approaches provide diverse tools for exploring and understanding phenomena.

Key Research Concepts and Definitions

• Experimental research manipulates one variable to determine its effect on another, establishing cause-and-effect relationships.
• Case study research involves an in-depth examination of an individual, group, or event in its real-life context.
• Correlational research studies the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them.
• Survey research collects data on opinions, behaviors, or characteristics of a population using questionnaires or interviews.
• Descriptive research describes characteristics of a phenomenon without determining cause-and-effect relationships.
• Longitudinal research studies the same group of individuals over an extended period to observe changes over time.
• Cross-sectional research examines multiple groups at a single point in time to compare differences and similarities.
• Observational research collects data without manipulating the environment or variables.
• Phenomenological research focuses on understanding individuals' lived experiences regarding a particular phenomenon.
• Ethnographic research explores cultural phenomena from the perspective of the subject population.

Key Research Methods and Approaches

• Mixed methods research combines both qualitative and quantitative research approaches.
• Qualitative research focuses on non-numerical data such as interviews and observations to understand concepts and experiences.
• Quantitative research involves the collection and analysis of numerical data to identify patterns and relationships.
• Historical research describes and analyzes past events to understand their impact on the present and future.
• Action research is conducted by educators or professionals to improve practices and solve practical problems.
• Meta-analysis combines results from multiple studies to identify overall trends and patterns.
• Grounded theory research develops theories based on systematically collected and analyzed data.

Important Research Designs

• Experimental research design is best suited for studying cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating variables.
• Correlational research design examines the statistical relationship between variables without manipulation.
• Descriptive research design focuses on describing characteristics and behaviors without establishing causality.
• Phenomenological research design explores how individuals experience and interpret phenomena.

Comparison of Research Types

• Experimental research focuses on establishing cause-and-effect relationships.
• Case study research involves in-depth study of a single case.
• Correlational research examines relationships between variables.
• Survey research gathers data via questionnaires/interviews.
• Longitudinal research studies changes over time.
• Cross-sectional research compares groups at a single point in time.
• Observational research studies behavior without intervention.
• Phenomenological research aims to understand lived experiences.
• Ethnographic research explores cultural phenomena.
• Historical research analyzes past events.