Research Design
1. Research Design for Quantitative Research Method
In quantitative research method, various research designs can be employed to investigate specific research questions and achieve research objectives. Here are different research designs commonly used in quantitative research method and the guide on how and when to apply them:
1.1. Experimental Design:
Experimental designs involve manipulating an independent variable and randomly assigning participants to different groups or conditions.
Experimental designs are applicable when researchers want to establish cause-and-effect relationships and assess the impact of an intervention or treatment on educational outcomes. For example, if you want to investigate the effectiveness of a new teaching method on student achievement, you can randomly assign students to the experimental group (receiving the new method) and the control group (receiving the traditional method).
1.2. Quasi-Experimental Design:
Quasi-experimental designs resemble experimental designs but lack random assignment to groups.
Quasi-experimental designs are suitable when random assignment is not feasible or ethical. For example, if you want to examine the effects of a specific school policy on student behavior, you can select schools that have already implemented the policy (experimental group) and schools that have not (control group) and compare the outcomes between them.
1.3. Survey Design:
Survey designs involve collecting data through questionnaires or structured interviews.
Survey designs are appropriate when researchers aim to gather information on participants' attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, or perceptions related to education. They can be used to explore topics such as student satisfaction with a particular instructional approach or teachers' perceptions of professional development programs.
1.4. Correlational Design:
Correlational designs examine relationships between variables without manipulating them.
Correlational designs are applicable when researchers want to assess the degree and direction of relationships between variables in an educational context. For example, you can use a correlational design to examine the relationship between parental involvement and student academic achievement.
2. Research Design for Qualitative Research Method
In qualitative research method, there are various research designs that can be employed to explore phenomena, understand experiences, and generate in-depth insights. Here are different research designs commonly used in qualitative research method and guidance on how and when to apply them:
2.1. Phenomenological Design:
Phenomenological designs aim to understand and describe the lived experiences of individuals regarding a specific phenomenon.
Phenomenological designs are suitable when researchers want to explore the subjective experiences, perspectives, and meanings of educational phenomena. For example, if you want to investigate the experience of students with learning disabilities in inclusive classrooms, you can conduct in-depth interviews to capture their lived experiences and perspectives.
Here is a video of Dr. Bayron S. Barredo, Dean of the College of Education, Visayas State University, on his discussion about Qualitative Research Methodology Practical Research Discussion
2.2. Ethnographic Design:
Ethnographic designs involve immersing the researcher in the natural setting and culture of a specific group or community to understand their behaviors, beliefs, and practices.
Ethnographic designs are applicable when researchers want to gain a holistic understanding of the educational context, such as a school or a classroom. They are suitable when studying cultural practices, social interactions, and the influence of the educational environment. For instance, you can conduct participant observations and interviews in a culturally diverse school to examine how cultural differences influence classroom dynamics and teaching practices.
2.3. Grounded Theory Design:
Grounded theory designs aim to develop theories or concepts grounded in data collected during the research process.
Grounded theory designs are appropriate when researchers want to generate new theories or understand the underlying processes, relationships, or mechanisms related to an educational phenomenon. They are suitable when exploring complex and less understood phenomena in education. For example, if you want to understand the process of teacher professional development, you can conduct interviews and analyze the data iteratively to develop a theory that explains the stages, factors, and outcomes of the professional development process.
2.4. Case Study Design:
Case study designs involve in-depth exploration and analysis of a single case or a small number of cases.
Case study designs are suitable when researchers want to gain a detailed understanding of a specific educational context, program, or intervention. They are useful for examining unique or exceptional cases and exploring the complexities and nuances of educational phenomena. For example, if you want to study the implementation and outcomes of a school reform initiative, you can conduct interviews, observations, and document analysis in a specific school.
2.5. Narrative Design:
Narrative designs focus on collecting and analyzing individuals' personal stories and narratives.
Narrative designs are applicable when researchers want to explore individuals' experiences, perspectives, and identities related to education. They are suitable for studying personal journeys, educational trajectories, and life stories. For instance, you can conduct narrative interviews with teachers to understand their career development, challenges faced, and growth as educators.
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