Research Designs [1]
The design is the structure of any scientific work. It gives direction and systematizes the research. Different types of research designs have different advantages and disadvantages.
The method you choose [3] will affect your results and how you conclude [4] the findings. Most scientists are interested in getting reliable [5] observations that can help the understanding of a phenomenon.
There are two main approaches to a research problem:
What are the difference between Qualitative and Quantitative Research [8]?
Different Research Methods
There are various designs [3] which are used in research, all with specific advantages and disadvantages. Which one the scientist uses, depends on the aims [9] of the study and the nature of the phenomenon:
Descriptive Designs
Aim: Observe and Describe
- Descriptive Research [10]
- Case Study [11]
- Naturalistic Observation [12]
- Survey [13], also see our Survey Guide [14]
Correlational Studies
Aim: Predict
- Case Control Study [15]
- Observational Study [16]
- Cohort Study [17]
- Longitudinal Study [18]
- Cross Sectional Study [19]
- Correlational Studies in general [20]
Semi-Experimental Designs
Aim: Determine Causes
- Field Experiment [21]
- Quasi-Experimental Design [22]
- Twin Studies [23]
Experimental Designs
Aim: Determine Causes
Reviewing Other Research
Aim: Explain
- Literature Review [26]
- Meta-analysis [27]
- Systematic Reviews [28]
Test Study Before Conducting a Full-Scale Study
Aim: Does the Design Work?
- Pilot Study [29]
Typical Experimental Designs
Simple Experimental Techniques
- Pretest-Posttest Design [30]
- Control Group [31]
- Randomization [32]
- Randomized Controlled Trials [33]
- Between Subjects Design [34]
- Within Subject Design [35]
Complex Experimental Designs
- Factorial Design [36]
- Solomon Four-Group Design [37]
- Repeated Measures Design [38]
- Counterbalanced Measures Design [39]
- Matched Subjects Design [40]
- Bayesian Probability [41]
Which Method to Choose?
What design you choose depends on different factors.
- What information do you want? The aims [9] of the study.
- The nature of the phenomenon - Is it feasible to collect the data, and if so, would it be valid/reliable [42]?
- How reliable [5] should the information be?
- Is it ethical [43] to conduct the study?
- The cost of the design
- Is there little or much current scientific theory and literature on the topic?
Survey Guide
The full guide - How to create a Survey / Questionnaire [14]
Introduction
- Research and Surveys [44]
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Surveys [45]
- Survey Design [46]
- Methods of Survey Sampling [47]
Planning a Survey
- Planning a Survey [48]
- Defining Survey Goals [49]
Questions and Answers
- Constructing Survey Questions [50]
- Questionnaire Layout [51]
- Types of Survey Questions [52]
- Survey Response Scales [53]
- Survey Response Formats [54]
Types of Surveys
- Selecting the Survey Method [55]
- Types of Survey [56]
- Paper-and-pencil Survey
- Personal Interview Survey [57]
- Telephone Survey [58]
- Online Surveys [59]
- Preparing an Online Survey [60]
- Web Survey Tools [61]
- Focus Groups - Pros and Cons [62]
- Panel Study [63]
Conducting the Survey
After the Survey
Resources
Further Reading
- "Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches" [72] by John W. Creswell
- "Essentials of Research Design and Methodology" [73] by Geoffrey R Marczyk