Research design

• Research design deals with the ways in which data are gathered from subjects.
• Why is research design important in a study?

  It provides a systematic approach that ensures the research is valid, reliable, and ethical.
• What is the purpose of quantitative research?

  To test hypotheses, look for patterns, and make predictions.
• What are the key features of descriptive research design?

  • No manipulation of variables
  • Observational
• What are examples of descriptive research design?

  Surveys and observational studies.
• What are the key features of correlational research design?

  • Measures strength and direction of relationships
  • Does not imply causation
• What are the key features of experimental research design?

  • Involves manipulating one variable
  • Random assignment
  • Control and experimental groups
• What distinguishes quasi-experimental research design from experimental design?

  • Lacks random assignment
  • Uses pre-existing groups
  • Less control over confounding variables
• What are the key features of cross-sectional research design?

  • Collects data at a single point in time
  • Snapshot of a population
  • Comparisons between different groups
• What are examples of cross-sectional research design?

  National health surveys and census studies.
• What are the key features of longitudinal research design?

  • Involves repeated observations over time
  • Tracks changes over time
  • Can study cause-and-effect relationships
• What are examples of longitudinal research design?

  Cohort studies and panel studies.
• cohort study


  • A type of epidemiological study
• panel study


  • A type of longitudinal research
  • Data collected from the same individuals repeatedly
  • Used to make inferences about trends and causal relationships
• What are the key features of comparative research design?

  • Compares two or more groups on a particular outcome
  • Can be descriptive, correlational, or experimental
  • Often used in social sciences
• Comparative research design compares two or more groups on a particular outcome.
• Longitudinal research design involves repeated observations of the same variables over a period of time.
• Experimental research design involves manipulating one variable to determine if changes in one variable cause changes in another.
• Correlational research design examines the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them.
• Descriptive research design describes characteristics of a population or phenomenon.
• Cross-sectional research design collects data at a single point in time.
• Quasi-experimental research design resembles an experimental design but lacks random assignment.