Research Design Overview Goal: To provide a brief overview of the types of research conducted in the fields of education and nursing as a review for students who have completed EDU 543.

Research Approaches Two frequently used research approaches: Quantitative –Quantitative researchers believe that a study of numbers can effectively describe a relationship or situation that can be generalized to a larger population. Qualitative –Qualitative researchers believe in probing deeply into the research setting to understanding the meaning of an issue from the perspective of the participants and are not concerned about generalizability.

Quantiative Research Approaches Quantitative designs: There are 4 primary types of quantitative designs (most structured to least structured) »Experimental »Causal-Comparative »Correlational »Survey/Descriptive

Experimental Designs Purpose – to determine an effect (the dependent variable) when a cause (the independent variable) is manipulated by the researcher. True experimental designs must use randomized sampling to ensure validity. At least one independent variable is manipulated, other relevant variables are controlled What happens when the string is pulled?

Causal Comparative Studies Purpose – to identify the cause or reasons for differences for existing differences in behavior or status of individuals or groups Researcher cannot change or manipulate the independent variables because the change has already occurred. “ex – post – facto” The basic design involves selecting 2 groups differing on some variable of interest and comparing them. Effect is known, what is the cause?

Correlational Studies Purpose – to determine IF and to what degree a relationship exists between two variables This is not a study of a cause/effect relationship, but instead correlation studies describe relationships that exist. Correlations of and represent the same strength, but in a different direction (positive/negative) The existence of a high correlation among variables permits prediction.

Survey Studies Purpose – to answer questions or test hypotheses of the current status of a subject under investigation Survey research requires the collection of standardized, quantifiable information, from all members of a population or sample. Questionnaires and interviews are common data collection methods. The sample selection is critical to ensure generalizability. Surveys and questionnaires are used in most studies

Data summary chart for quantitative studies Data CollectionData Analysis Experimental Standardized tests, Surveys, questionnaires Involves visual/graphical analysis primary criterion is the clinical significance of the results. Descriptive and inferential statistics Causal-comparative Non-participant observation, tests and questionnaires Can be descriptive and/or inferential statistics (chi-square, t- tests, ANOVA, etc.)

Data summary for quantitative studies Data CollectionData Analysis Correlational Standardized tests, such as SAT’s, direct observations, surveys, questionnaires Degrees of freedom, probability, Pearson’s r correlational coefficient, Chi square, etc. Descriptive Questionnaires, surveys, and/or interviews Self-reports, direct observation study, meta- analysis

Qualitative Study Designs Primary types of qualitative studies »Historical »Action Research »Grounded Theory »Ethnography »Field/Case Studies »Phenomenology

Qualitative Research Historical Studies Purpose – to evaluate past occurrences in order to describe causes, effects, or trends of those events May help to explain present events and anticipate future events Researching previous historical events is frequently used

Qualitative (Education) Research Action Research Purpose – teachers study their own problems or concerns in their own classrooms Used to reflect on events after they happen in order to provide a means for change How can I best help this child?

Qualitative Research Ethnographic Studies Purpose – to understand how behaviors reflect the culture of a group A specific field site is used where a group of people share a common culture Families share a common culture

Qualitative Research Field/Case Studies Purpose – to understand one person or situation in great depth Studying one case or a few cases in their natural settings “What are YOU doing?”

Qualitative Research Phenomenology Studies Purpose – to understand the meaning of an experience from the participants point of view Studying a particular phenomenon as it is lived and perceived by human beings “What do you think happened?”

Data collection for qualitative studies Researchers use a humanistic approach and do not attempt to generalize the results Participant and outside observations Structured and unstructured interviews Audiovisual materials Artifacts and document collection Purposeful sampling of small groups Field notes

Data analysis of qualitative studies The key to data analysis of qualitative studies is the researcher’s interpretation.The power of qualitative research is in the relevance of the findings to the researcher or a particular audience. Data is analyzed as the study progresses Interviews are coded by topics Triangulation is essential to avoid bias and to ensure transferability