Research design

• The overall decision in research involves choosing the approach to study a topic based on philosophical assumptions, research designs, and specific research methods
• research approaches, research designs, and research methods terms present information from broad constructions of research to the narrow procedures of methods
• Three approaches to research are qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods
• Qualitative and quantitative approaches are not rigid categories but represent different ends on a continuum
• Mixed methods research integrates elements of both qualitative and quantitative approaches
• Qualitative research is for exploring and understanding the meaning individuals or groups ascribe to a social or human problem
• Qualitative research involves emerging questions, data collection in the participant's setting, inductive data analysis, and interpreting the meaning of data
• Quantitative research is for testing objective theories by examining the relationship among variables
• Quantitative research involves measuring variables, analyzing numbered data using statistical procedures, and having a set structure in the final report
• Mixed methods research involves collecting both quantitative and qualitative data, integrating them, and using distinct designs
• The integration of qualitative and quantitative data provides additional insight beyond using either type of data alone
• Researchers need to consider their philosophical worldview assumptions, research design related to the worldview, and specific research methods
• Four widely discussed philosophical worldviews in research are postpositivism, constructivism, transformative, and pragmatism
• Postpositivism focuses on careful observation, measurement, and testing of theories
• Constructivism emphasizes subjective meanings and interaction with the world
• Transformative research intertwines inquiry with politics and social change agendas
• Pragmatism focuses on actions, consequences, and solutions to problems
• Research designs provide specific direction for procedures in a research study
• Quantitative research designs include true experiments, quasi-experiments, causal-comparative research, and correlational designs
• Quantitative strategies have evolved to include techniques like structural equation modeling and logistic regression
• Research designs have expanded with advancements in computer technology and new procedures for social science research
• Quantitative strategies involve complex experiments with many variables and treatment designs
• Longitudinal data collection over time is used to examine the development of ideas and trends
• Elaborate structural equation models incorporate causal paths and identify the collective strength of multiple variables
• Survey research provides a quantitative description of trends, attitudes, or opinions of a population using questionnaires or structured interviews
• Experimental research determines if a specific treatment influences an outcome by providing it to one group and not to another
• Mixed methods designs involve combining qualitative and quantitative research and data in a research study
• Convergent mixed methods merge quantitative and qualitative data for a comprehensive analysis
• Criteria for selecting a research approach include the research problem, personal experiences, and the audience
• Research approaches can be quantitative, qualitative, or mixed, based on worldviews, designs, and methods
• Research methods involve data collection, analysis, and interpretation proposed for studies
• The choice of research approach is influenced by the research problem, personal experiences, and the audience
• Literature review helps determine if a topic is worth studying and provides insight into limiting the scope of inquiry
• The research topic is the subject matter of a study and should be practical and useful
• Developing a research topic involves framing it in straightforward language, creating a concise title, and posing it as a brief question
• A topic can be researched if there are willing participants and resources available for data collection and analysis
• Contributing to the literature involves examining existing research, addressing new topics, extending discussions, or providing new perspectives
• Factors to consider before proceeding with a proposal or study:

  • Whether the topic can and should be studied
  • Interest from individuals outside the researcher's institution or area
  • Personal goals of the researcher
  • Time commitment and payoff in enhancing career goals
• The Literature Review:

  • Shares results of related studies
  • Relates the study to the larger dialogue in the literature
  • Fills gaps and extends prior studies
  • Provides a framework for establishing study importance and comparing results with other findings
• Searching Computerized Databases:

  • Use both free online databases and those from academic libraries
  • Search multiple databases
  • Use guides to terms
  • Locate full-text copies of articles
  • Prioritize journal articles over dissertations