Understandi ng Research Design
Definition: Blueprint or detailed plan for conducting a study
Purpose, Review of Literature, & Framework Study Design
Maximizes control over factors to increase validity of the findings
Guides the researcher in planning & implementing a study
Not specific to a particular study but is linked to other steps of the research process
Descriptive
Correlational
Increased Control Quasi-experimental with Design Experimental
Causality: A Pressure
Multicausality Years Smoking High Fat Diet Heart Limited Exercise Disease
B Ulcer
Probability: likelihood of an outcome
Bias: slanting findings
Manipulation: Treatment
Control: all phases of design
Measure of truth or accuracy of a study examined with critique & controlled in conducting a study ◦ Statistical conclusion validity ◦ Internal validity ◦ Construct validity ◦ External validity
Controlling the Environment: selection of the study setting ◦ natural setting ◦ partially controlled setting: clinic ◦ highly controlled setting: lab
Controlling the Equivalence of Subjects & Groups ◦ Random subject selection ◦ Random assignment to groups
Controlling the Treatment (Tx) ◦ Tx based on research & practice ◦ Protocol developed for implementation ◦ Document Tx was implemented ◦ Check list to determine extent Tx was implemented if incomplete
Controlling Measurement ◦ Reliability ◦ Validity ◦ # Measurement methods ◦ Types of instruments
Controlling Extraneous Variables ◦ Identify & eliminate by sample criteria, setting, design ◦ Random sampling ◦ Sample: heterogenous, homogeneous, matching ◦ Statistical control
Inappropriate for purpose & framework
Poorly developed
Poorly implemented
Inadequate Tx, sample, measurement methods