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Types of Research

Types of Research

Survey Research

  • Survey Research: Non-experimental method to collect data via questions.

  • Steps:

    • Define problem.

    • Select population/sample.

    • Choose data tools.

    • Collect & analyze data.

  • Tools: Questionnaires, interviews, checklists.

  • Types:

    • Descriptive

    • Analytical

    • Cross-sectional

    • Longitudinal

  • Questions:

    • Structured: fixed answers.

    • Unstructured: open-ended.

  • Precautions: Avoid bias, ensure clarity, logical order.

  • Advantages: Cost-effective, wide reach, data-rich.

  • Disadvantages: Response bias, limited depth.

  • Issues: Sampling errors, misinterpretation, non-response.

Ex-Post Facto Research

  • Ex-Post Facto Research: Study of causes after effects have occurred.

  • Purpose: Find reasons for past outcomes (e.g., recession causes).

  • Design Types:

    • Exploratory

    • Descriptive

    • Analytical

  • Characteristics:

    • Non-manipulative

    • Based on observation

    • Uses existing data

  • Vs. Experimental:

    • No control over variables.

    • No random assignment.

  • Causality Conditions:

    • Cause precedes effect.

    • Strong correlation.

    • No alternative explanations.

  • Steps:

    • Identify problem.

    • Formulate hypothesis.

    • Select method & tools.

    • Analyze data.

  • Strengths: Ethical, practical, cost-effective.

  • Weaknesses: Limited control, risk of bias.

  • Post Hoc Fallacy: Mistaking correlation for causation.

Experimental Research (Field Experiment)

  • Experimental Research: Manipulate IV, observe effect on DV.

  • Field Experiments: Conducted in real-life settings.

  • Goal: Establish cause-effect relationship.

Types of Experimental Research

  • Single Case: Focus on one subject; used in clinical/behavioral studies.

  • Quasi-Experimental: No full control over variables; real-life settings.

  • Pure Experimental: Complete control; lab-based; uses randomization.

Field vs Lab Experiments

Field Experiment Lab (Experimental) Research
Natural setting, less control Controlled lab environment
Variables less controlled Variables tightly controlled
Two matched groups One group with manipulated variables
Results realistic but less precise Results precise, less generalizable
Mixed qualitative & quantitative Always quantitative

Strengths of Field Experiments

  • Real-life relevance

  • Useful in social sciences

  • Flexible & broadly applicable

  • Good for hypothesis testing

Weaknesses

  • Extraneous variables present

  • Requires consent/cooperation

  • Less precision than lab studies

  • Difficult control over error variance

Building the Field Experiment

  1. Planning: Define setting, tools, measurement

  2. Sampling: Probability (random, stratified) or non-probability

  3. Research Design: Blueprint for study

  4. Data Tools: Tests, questionnaires, etc.

  5. Procedure: Pre/post-tests with control & experimental groups

  6. Statistical Analysis: t-test, ANOVA

Research Design Goals

  • Answer research questions

  • Control and explain variance

Good Design Criteria

  • Answers research questions clearly

  • Controls extraneous variables

  • Ensures internal/external validity

  • Can be generalized and replicated

Advanced Designs

  • Classical Pretest-Posttest

  • Solomon Four-Group Design

  • Factorial Design

  • Between/Within/Mixed Designs

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