Quantitative research

Experimental

 The researcher has complete control over the extraneous variables

 True experimental designs are characterized by the random selection of participants and the
random assignment of the participants to groups in the study
 It can be confidently determined that that effect on the dependent variable is directly due to the
manipulation of the independent variable

Sub-types of experimental research:

 Post-test Only Design – This type of design has two randomly assigned groups: an experimental
group and a control group. Neither group is pretested before the implementation of the
treatment. The treatment is applied to the experimental group and the post-test is carried out
on both groups to assess the effect of the treatment or manipulation. This type of design is
common when it is not possible to pretest the subjects.
 Pretest-Post-test Only Design - The subjects are again randomly assigned to either the
experimental or the control group. Both groups are pretested for the independent variable. The
experimental group receives the treatment and both groups are post-tested to examine the
effects of manipulating the independent variable on the dependent variable.
 Solomon Four Group Design – Subjects are randomly assigned into one of four groups. There
are two experimental groups and two control groups. Only two groups are pretested. One
pretested group and one unprotested group receive the treatment. All four groups will receive
the post-test. The effects of the dependent variable originally observed are then compared to
the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable as seen in the post-test
results. This method is really a combination of the previous two methods and is used to
eliminate potential sources of error.
 Factorial Design – The researcher manipulates two or more independent variables (factors)
simultaneously to observe their effects on the dependent variable. This design allows for the
testing of two or more hypotheses in a single project. One example would be a researcher who
wanted to test two different protocols for burn wounds with the frequency of the care being
administered in 2, 4, and 6 hour increments.
 Randomized Block Design – This design is used when there are inherent differences between
subjects and possible differences in experimental conditions. If there are a large number of
experimental groups, the randomized block design may be used to bring some homogeneity to
each group. For example, if a researcher wanted to examine the effects of three different kinds
of cough medications on children ages 2-16, the research may want to create age groups
(blocks) for the children, realizing that the effects of the medication may depend on age. This is
a simple method for reducing the variability among treatment groups.
 Crossover Design (also known as Repeat Measures Design) – Subjects in this design are
exposed to more than one treatment and the subjects are randomly assigned to different orders
of the treatment. The groups compared have an equal distribution of characteristics and there is
a high level of similarity among subjects that are exposed to different conditions. Crossover
designs are excellent research tools, however, there is some concern that the response to the
 second treatment or condition will be influenced by their experience with the first treatment. In
this type of design, the subjects serve as their own control groups.

Non-Experimental

 These designs are used in situations where manipulation of an independent variable, control or
randomization are not involved
 These designs are focused to describe and measure independent and dependent variables. They
are sometimes called descriptive research designs
 Nonexperimental research does not prove causality
 The goal is to describe phenomena and explore and explain relationships between variables.

Sub-types of non-experimental research:

1. Descriptive/Exploratory Survey Studies

 This is used to examine differences or similarities between variables.

 This is a comparatively weak quantitative design, often used when little is known about a topic
or to initially explore a research question.
 There is no random assignment or control.
 The design can be used with both quantitative and qualitative methods. Rember that because
of the differences between qualitative and quantitative research in philosophy, and the order in
which steps are taken, the two studies would be very different.
 Survey designs gather information from a segment of the population.
 Random selection of subjects for the survey can increase the ability to generalize information.
(Random selection is not the same as random assignment - assignment occurs before the
experimental condition is experienced.)
 Instruments commonly used for this type design include interviews (telephone and in person),
questionnaires (mailed or administered in person).

2. Correlational Studies

 A correlation is the examination the strength of the relationship(s) between 2 or more variables.
 If subjects were assigned to treatment and control groups, that group assignment and
manipulation of the independent variable would turn this into an experimental or quasi-
experimental study (depending on the level of control of extraneous variables).
 If there is no manipulation of the independent variable and there is no assignment of groups this
is a nonnexperimental design.
 Data can be collected through the use of a questionnaire, interviews, or it can be measured with
any of a variety of instruments.
 Advantage of nonexperimental correlational designs is they are straightforward, usually
inexpensive and quick. They may be used as preliminary research for future studies.
 Disadvantage is only the relationship between variables can be determined; not causation

3. Ex Post Facto Studies

 A form of correlational study where the event of interest has already occurred.
  There is no assignment of subjects to groups - the researcher is studying the groups after they
have already been formed.
 This design is used to describe existing relationships between variables and to determine if there
is a correlation between variables. Remember, correlation does not indicate causation.

4. Prediction Studies

 an exploration of relationships among independent variables to make predictions about the

dependent variable
 advantage - helps make intelligent decisions
 disadvantage - a relationship does not ensure cause-and-effect (see section on cause-and -
effect)

5. Cross-sectional Studies

 examine data across different groups at one point in time

 advantage - less time consuming or expensive
 disadvantage - less control of extraneous variables

6. Longitudinal Studies

 collect data from one group over different points in time

 advantage - a subject serves as his/her own control, which greatly controls extraneous variables
 disadvantage - costly and time consuming - may take decades to finish study, depending on the
study

References

Dr. Jayesh Patidar Research designs. Retrieved on July 13, 2017 from website

https://cirt.gcu.edu/research/developmentresources/research_ready/experimental/design_types

Bevins, T. (1999). Research designs. Retrieved on July 13, 2017 from website
http://ruby.fgcu.edu/courses/sbevins/50065/qtdesign.html