What research designs are there and how do you pick one?

To answer your research question, you use a certain research method. Think of surveys, interviews or an experiment. Once you have a clear idea of ​​your research method, take it a step further by designing how you will carry out your entire research project. You do this with a research design. 

For your research design you make choices about: 

● the research method;

● the target group; 

● the sampling strategy; 

● the data collection procedure; 

● the method for data analysis. 

In your method chapter, you always describe your research and justify your research choices. In it, you also explain what you have done to increase the validity and reliability of the research. 

The simplest research design means that you take one measurement at one time with one target group. But it is also possible that you measure several groups before and after, for example, and then compare the results. In that case, the research design is more complex.

The most important distinction to make in research designs is between quantitative and qualitative research. 

Quantitative research designs 

Quantitative research designs involve working with numerical information. You collect data that can be expressed in numbers, statistics, or percentages, and measure that information at certain times for certain groups. 

In a quantitative approach, the research design is more fixed. You can't just change something in the middle of the process, as it would affect your results. 

There are four different types of quantitative research designs:

1. Experimental research: manipulating an independent variable to measure the effect that manipulation has on a dependent variable in a group of participants that you randomly split in two (one group with and one without manipulation). 

2. Quasi-experimental research: an experiment in which you measure the results of manipulation in two non-randomly chosen target groups. You compare the results of existing groups that you have not classified yourself. 

3. Descriptive research: describing means, trends, or frequencies by measuring variables without influencing them.

4. Correlational research: measuring variables without influencing them to see to what extent variables correlate (note: a correlation does not necessarily indicate a causal relationship).

Quantitative research designs can, for example, look like this: 

● testing hypotheses about a possible relationship between variables; 

● measure variables by determining frequencies or averages; 

● compare groups that differ in one or more aspects; 

● measure and compare the results before and after a policy change to determine the effectiveness of the change. 

Qualitative research designs 

Qualitative research designs often allow more room for flexibility. You can often adjust a qualitative approach slightly during your research if the results require it. 

The best-known forms of qualitative research designs are:

1. Case study: examining one specific case (e.g. one person or one event) in detail to understand it as best as possible from all aspects. 

2. Ethnography: observing the culture of a community or group by becoming part of this group and collecting information in this way (= active observation). 

3. Passive observation: observing a phenomenon, group or culture without being part of it. 

4. Grounded theory: developing a theory based on qualitative information that you collect systematically. 

Examples of qualitative research designs are: 

● understanding the beliefs of a particular group by questioning them;

● understanding a specific culture by observing people within that culture; 

● obtaining opinions on a particular policy through a focus group. 

Mixed methods design 

In addition, a combination of a qualitative and quantitative approach is possible. This is called a mixed methods design. Such a combined approach often gives you an even better picture of your research topic. It also ensures that you can better substantiate your conclusions.

An example of a mixed methods design would be that you first set up a focus group (= qualitative research) to further explore a subject, and then decide based on the results how you are going to set up your experiment. You then use the results of the qualitative research to shape the quantitative research. 

Your research design must match your research question and the aim of your research. This is not all that matters. It is also important that your research design is practically feasible. So, you should also take the following into account: 

● Is this research design feasible given the time you have for data collection?

● Is your method of data collection feasible? For example, do you have to travel to people to collect data or can that be done digitally? 

● To what extent do you expect people to be willing to participate in your research? Is the number of participants required realistic?

● Do you have access to the information you need (for example if you want to analyze conversations)? What else do you need to arrange for that? 

● Do you have a good command of the necessary statistical tests to be able to do your research? 

● Is your research ethically responsible, or do you perhaps need permission from the ethics committee within your academic institute? 

Are you almost done choosing your research design or is your research finished? Then, the language experts at AthenaCheck are happy to help you filter the language errors out from your thesis and improve its structure and common thread. See how the AthenaCheck editors can help you.