Types of Quantitative Research Designs~GM Lectures

Summary

This script explores various quantitative research designs, distinguishing between experimental and non-experimental types. It delves into true and quasi-experimental research, emphasizing causality and variable manipulation, and contrasts these with descriptive, survey, and correlational research. The discussion also covers cross-sectional and longitudinal research, highlighting their time dimensions. The importance of selecting the appropriate research design based on objectives is underscored.

Takeaways

• 🔬 Quantitative research is divided into experimental and non-experimental designs, each with its own subcategories and purposes.
• 🧐 True experimental research aims to determine causal relationships and is considered the most accurate type of experimental design, involving control and test groups, variable manipulation, and random selection of participants.
• 🎵 An example of true experimental research is the study of the effect of classical music on students' academic performance, highlighting the use of intervention and variable manipulation.
• 📚 Quasi-experimental research is similar to true experimental research but differs in that participants are not randomly assigned and always involves pre- and post-tests.
• 📈 Survey research is a non-experimental design used to gather evidence on people's knowledge, opinions, attitudes, and values, without controlling or manipulating variables.
• 🤔 Correlational research seeks to interpret the degree of relationship between variables without determining cause and effect, using statistical data without intervention.
• 🕒 Cross-sectional research involves data collection at a single point in time, comparing variables of interest across different groups.
• 📉 Longitudinal research collects data at multiple points in time to compare changes within the same subjects or variables.
• ⏳ Longitudinal studies can take a long time to complete, unlike cross-sectional studies which are relatively quicker.
• 📊 Both experimental and non-experimental research designs involve numeric data and statistics, but experimental designs manipulate variables and include interventions, while non-experimental designs do not.
• 🔑 Understanding the different types of quantitative research designs is crucial for researchers to select the most appropriate design based on their research objectives.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of quantitative research?

Quantitative research aims to provide an overview and determine causal relationships among variables using numerical data and statistical analysis.

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

The two major types of quantitative research designs are experimental research and descriptive non-experimental research.

What are the characteristics of true experimental research design?

True experimental research design aims to determine causal relationships, relies on statistical analysis, involves variable manipulation, random selection of participants, and always includes a control group and a test group in a controlled setting with intervention.

Can you provide an example of true experimental research from the script?

An example of true experimental research is a study determining the effect of classical music on students' academic performance, with a control group having no music and an experimental group with classical music intervention.

How does quasi-experimental research differ from true experimental research?

Quasi-experimental research differs from true experimental research in that participants are not randomly assigned, and it involves pretests and posttests, but it does not necessarily have a control group.

What is the purpose of survey research in non-experimental designs?

Survey research aims to gather evidence on people's knowledge, opinions, attitudes, and values on various issues and concerns using questionnaires, interviews, and surveys.

How does correlational research differ from experimental research in terms of variable manipulation and intervention?

In correlational research, variables are not controlled or manipulated, and no intervention is applied, unlike experimental research where variables are manipulated and interventions are present.

What is the main focus of cross-sectional research?

Cross-sectional research focuses on gathering data at a single point in time and making comparisons across variables of interest.

How does longitudinal research differ from cross-sectional research in terms of data collection?

Longitudinal research collects data at multiple points in time, allowing for comparisons of the same variable and subjects over time, unlike cross-sectional research which collects data at a single point in time.

What are the key similarities and differences between experimental and non-experimental research designs?

Both experimental and non-experimental research designs involve numeric data and statistics. The key difference is that experimental research involves manipulation of variables and intervention, while non-experimental research does not.

Why is it important for researchers to understand different quantitative research designs?

Understanding different quantitative research designs is important for researchers to determine the best research design to use depending on their research objectives.