Quantitative Research Design Tutorial

Introduction

• Instructor: Dr. Zapkew
• Duration: 20-30 minutes
• Purpose: Guide in choosing and justifying quantitative research designs
• Research Design Role: Guides data collection, specifies data, identifies analysis methods

Overview

• Quantitative Research Designs
  • Descriptive Studies
  • Correlational Studies
  • Group Comparison Studies
  • Instrument Development
  • Content/Document Analysis
  • Meta-Analysis
  • Single Subject Design

Mixed Design Studies

• Definition: Use of multiple research designs (e.g., causal comparative and correlational)
• Contrast: Different from mixed method (full quantitative + full qualitative)

Main Quantitative Research Designs

• Focus: Campbell & Stanley (1963), Krall (1993)
• Categories:
  • Descriptive Studies: Understand "what is"; not very rigorous
  • Correlational Studies: Explore relationships or predictions between variables
  • Group Comparison Studies: Involves manipulation/treatment; includes pre-experimental, quasi-experimental, true experimental

Descriptive Studies

• Aim: Understand current state/situation
• Types:
  • Survey Studies: Written, online, or interview-based; longitudinal or cross-sectional
  • Observational Studies: Observe and conclude from events
• Use: Often not rigorous enough for theses/dissertations

Causal Comparative Studies

• Aim: Examine cause-effect relationship between naturally occurring variables
• Characteristics: Control group; cannot prove causation due to threats to validity
• Use: When manipulation of the independent variable is unethical/impossible

Correlational Research Designs

• Aim: Determine if a relationship exists between variables
• Types: Relationship-focused and predictive-focused studies
• Limitations: Cannot determine causality

Experimental Designs

• Types:
  • Pre-Experimental: Preliminary studies; not rigorous
  • Quasi-Experimental: Manipulation of independent variable; control group present
  • True Experimental: Most rigorous; includes randomization

Pre-Experimental Designs

• Used for pilot or preliminary research
• Not suitable for rigorous academic research
• Common Types: One-shot case study, one-group pre-test post-test

Quasi-Experimental Designs

• Characteristics: Manipulation and control group
• Types:
  • Non-equivalent pre-test post-test control group
  • Interrupted time series
  • Counterbalance design

True Experimental Designs

• Characteristics: Manipulation, control group, randomization
• Types:
  • Post-test only
  • Pre-test post-test equivalent group
  • Solomon 4

Choosing a Design

• Considerations:
  • Relationship vs. difference between variables
  • Manipulation of independent variable
  • Use of control group
  • Random assignment
• Justification: Based on previous research and theoretical grounding

Conclusion

• Task: Identify and justify a design in your study using research literature and examples
• Resources: Provided handouts and further readings

This tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of choosing the appropriate quantitative research design, exploring the nuances of various methods, and understanding their applications and limitations.