Research designs, questions, analytical methods and findings


Related to the research questions and limitations on implications or findings (causal vs. relational):

What are the basic research designs?
What are the corresponding or additional questions used?
What analytical methods are used?

 

 

. Correlational/Relational Research Design

 

Correlational research aims to explore the nature of the relationship between two or more variables. It addresses whether two variables move together, but not if one causes the other.

FeatureDetails
Basic Research QuestionIs there a relationship between variable A and variable B? What is the strength and direction of that relationship?
Corresponding QuestionsDoes a change in study time relate to a change in test scores? Is there an association between diet and disease risk? Do social media usage and self-esteem covary?
Analytical MethodsPrimarily uses bivariate statistical analysis: * Correlation Coefficients (Pearson's $r$, Spearman's $\rho$). * Regression Analysis (Simple and Multiple Regression) to predict one variable from others. * Chi-Square Tests for associations between categorical variables.
Implication LimitFindings are relational. Correlation does not imply causation (due to potential third variables or the directionality problem).

 

3. Experimental/Causal Research Design

 

Experimental research is the only design that can determine a cause-and-effect relationship between variables. It involves manipulating one variable (the independent variable, or IV) and measuring its effect on another (the dependent variable, or DV), typically using control groups and random assignment.

Sample Answer

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are three basic categories of research designs, each answering different types of questions and utilizing corresponding analytical methods.

 

🔬 Basic Research Designs, Questions, and Analytical Methods

 

 

1. Descriptive Research Design

 

Descriptive research aims to define, describe, and quantify a phenomenon or population. It addresses what is happening without explaining why or how.

FeatureDetails
Basic Research QuestionWhat are the characteristics of a population or phenomenon? How often does an event occur? What is the magnitude of the problem?
Corresponding QuestionsHow many people hold a certain opinion? What is the prevalence of a disease? What are the features of a social group?
Analytical MethodsPrimarily uses univariate statistical analysis (statistics involving only one variable at a time): * Measures of Central Tendency (Mean, Median, Mode). * Measures of Dispersion (Standard Deviation, Range, Variance). * Frequencies and Percentages (e.g., surveys, census data). * Observational techniques (e.g., ethnography, case studies).