5. research design_1!23!12

8/2/2019 5. Research Design_1!23!12

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Research Design


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Research Design Typology

Quantitative

MixedQualitativ

e

Experimenta

l

Quasi-Experimenta

l

Non-Experimenta

l


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MixedQualitativ

e

Quantitative

Ethnography

GroundedTheory

HistoricalResearch

Phenomenology

Case Study


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4 important differences:

1. Philosophy

2. Objective

3. Assumptions

4. Strengths/Weaknesses

Quantitative

Mixed

Qualitative

VS.


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Primary form of research until the 1980s.

Takes the positivistapproach to researchoThe scientific method is the only valid approach

to solving problems and answering questions.Introspection/intuition is considered invalid.

Deductive (top-down) reasoning

Central belief:oPhenomena should be studied in controlled

settings, where extraneous variables can be

Philosophical Differences


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Slowly gained popularity over the past 20years.

Takes the constructivistapproach toresearch

There is no Truth. Rather, each individualconstructs their own reality.

Inductive (bottom-up) reasoning



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Became an accepted form of research overpast decade

Incompatibility Thesis Takes the pragmaticapproach to researchoPhilosophical preferences should not dictate

research design.

oFocus on what works.

Attempts to utilize the strengths of oneparadigm to account for the weaknesses of

the other.



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Quantitative Research1. Determine statistical relationships2. Generalize to a population of interest

3. Test theories

Qualitative Research1. Provide the emicperspectiveDescription of phenomenon by the actor, rather than

the observer(i.e., etic)

2. Build theoriesMixed Research

1. Flexible design

2. Corroboration

Research Objectives


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Quantitative Research1. Behavior is regular and predictive.

2. Reality is objective.

3. Inquiry is value-free.

Qualitative Research1. Behavior is fluid, dynamic, contextual, and

social.

2. Reality is subjective.

3. Inquiry is value-laden.Mixed Research

1. Behavior is somewhat predictable.

2. Makes no assumption regarding reality

3. Inquiry may not be value-free, therefore

Assumptions


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1. Testing Theory2. Generalization

3. Making quantitative predictions4. Eliminating Confounds

5. Relatively quick data collection andanalysis

6. Precise Measurements

Strengths


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1. Too rigid Lack of flexibility2. Lack of creativity

3. Confirmation bias

Weaknesses


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1. Theory Generation2. Findings represent the meanings of

participants

3. Appropriate (i.e., naturalistic) settings

4. Has the ability to study complex

phenomena

5. Can study dynamicprocesses (i.e.,

those that change due to various reasons)

Strengths


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1. Not generalizable2. Quantitative predictions are difficult

3. Results are vulnerable to researcherbias and idiosyncrasies

4. More time-consuming

5. Lower practitioner credibility

Weaknesses


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1. Has a mixture of the strengths ofquantitative and qualitative research

2. Answers a broad and complete range

of research questions

3. Utilizes convergence, corroboration,&

triangulation

Mixed Research: Strengths


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1. Often very complex2. Disapproved by methodological

purists

3. Few researchers are skilled in bothdesigns

4. Very time-consuming

Mixed Research: Weaknesses


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Quantitative Research


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Types of Quantitative Research

1. Experimental

2. Quasi-Experimental

3. Non-Experimental


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Experimental Research

Considered the most pureform of research

Conditions:1. Control

2. Random Assignment

3. Manipulation

Strength: Internal Validity

Weakness: External Validity


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Example

Research Question: How does alcohol influenceattentional processes?

Procedure

1. Sample 100 participants from your population

2. Randomlyassign 50 to an alcohol group and 50 toa placebo group

3. Ensure that there are no differences between theexperiences of the two groups, other than the

contents of their drink.


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Quasi-Experimental Research

Not ideal but often necessary

Only difference is a lackof randomassignment.

Difference between groups is pre-determined

Example: What is the influence of spanking

on childrens tendency toward aggressive

behavior?


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Non-Experimental Research

Lacks both random assignment and

manipulation.

Examples include:

Survey Research

Secondary Research

Causal-comparative Research

Example: Interested in the relationship between TV

watching and academic achievement. Children are

divided into 3 groups based on TV watching habits

(high, medium, low). Grades in school are compared.


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Qualitative Research

1. Phenomenology

2. Ethnography

3. Case Study4. Grounded Theory

5. Historical Research

-Interest is a phenomenon.

-Interest is a culture.

-Interest is a case.

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