Research Design: Choosing a Type of Research Design | Scribbr 🎓

Summary

This video script outlines the process of selecting a research design, distinguishing between qualitative and quantitative approaches. It explains that quantitative designs, including descriptive, correlational, experimental, and quasi-experimental, are used to measure variables and test cause-and-effect relationships. Qualitative designs, such as case studies and ethnographies, aim for a deep understanding of specific contexts or phenomena, offering flexibility and creativity. The script also touches on other qualitative methods like phenomenological, narrative, and grounded theory research.

Takeaways

• 🔍 The decision between qualitative and quantitative research is the first step in determining the shape of your study.
• 📊 Quantitative research is divided into descriptive, correlational, experimental, and quasi-experimental designs, each with its own purpose and method.
• 📚 Descriptive designs focus on measuring variables without influencing them, while correlational designs examine relationships between variables.
• 🔗 Correlational designs can reveal associations, such as between online teaching and test scores, but do not establish causation.
• 🧪 Experimental designs manipulate an independent variable to measure the effect on a dependent variable, providing strong evidence of cause-and-effect.
• 🎲 Random assignment in experiments helps control for extraneous variables, but may not always reflect real-world conditions.
• 🏫 Quasi-experimental designs compare outcomes between pre-existing groups that differ on an independent variable, offering alternatives when random assignment is not feasible.
• 🌟 Qualitative research is less rigid, aiming for a rich understanding of specific contexts or phenomena through flexible and creative designs.
• 📖 Case study designs involve in-depth examination of a subject, allowing for detailed data collection and potential comparisons.
• 🌐 Ethnographic designs immerse the researcher in a social group to understand its culture, beliefs, and social dynamics.
• 📝 Other qualitative approaches include phenomenological, narrative, and grounded theory research, each with unique methods of data interpretation.

Q & A

What are the two main types of quantitative research designs mentioned in the script?

The two main types of quantitative research designs are descriptive and correlational designs, and experimental and quasi-experimental designs.

What is the primary goal of descriptive and correlational designs?

Descriptive and correlational designs aim to measure variables and understand the relationships between them without influencing them.

What is the difference between a descriptive design and a correlational design?

A descriptive design focuses on systematically measuring variables, while a correlational design tests whether variables are related to each other.

Can you give an example of how a correlational design might be used?

A correlational design could be used to find out if the rise in online teaching in the past year correlates with any change in test scores.

What is the main limitation of descriptive and correlational designs when it comes to establishing cause-and-effect relationships?

The main limitation is that other factors may influence the results, making it hard to draw conclusions about cause and effect.

How does an experimental design differ from a descriptive or correlational design?

An experimental design involves manipulating an independent variable and measuring the outcome of a dependent variable while controlling other factors.

What is the independent variable and dependent variable in the example of testing a new online teaching method?

The independent variable is the teaching method, and the dependent variable is the test score.

Why are experiments considered the strongest way to test cause-and-effect relationships?

Experiments are the strongest way because they control for other variables, reducing the risk of external influences on the results.

What is a quasi-experimental design and when might it be used?

A quasi-experimental design is used when it isn't possible to randomly assign subjects into groups, and it involves comparing the outcomes of pre-existing groups that differ on an independent variable.

What are the two common types of qualitative research designs mentioned in the script?

The two common types of qualitative research designs mentioned are case studies and ethnographies.

How does a case study design differ from an ethnographic design?

A case study design involves choosing a specific subject and gathering detailed data on it, while an ethnographic design involves immersing oneself in a social group or organization to understand its culture.

What is the aim of an ethnographic study in the context of the script?

The aim of an ethnographic study is to give a rich, full account of the beliefs, habits, and social dynamics of the chosen group.

What are some other types of qualitative research designs mentioned in the script?

Other types of qualitative research designs mentioned include phenomenological research, narrative research, and grounded theory.

What is the purpose of phenomenological research?

Phenomenological research aims to understand a phenomenon or event by describing participants’ lived experiences.

How does narrative research differ from other qualitative research designs?

Narrative research examines how stories are told to understand how people perceive and make sense of their experiences.

What is the approach of grounded theory in qualitative research?

Grounded theory takes a more systematic approach, using qualitative data to develop new theories and hypotheses.