The method you choose [3] will affect your results and how you conclude [4] the findings. Most scientists are interested in getting reliable [5] observations that can help the understanding of a phenomenon.

There are two main approaches to a research problem:

• Quantitative Research [6]
• Qualitative Research [7]

What are the difference between Qualitative and Quantitative Research [8]?

Different Research Methods

There are various designs [3] which are used in research, all with specific advantages and disadvantages. Which one the scientist uses, depends on the aims [9] of the study and the nature of the phenomenon:

Descriptive Designs

Aim: Observe and Describe

• Descriptive Research [10]
• Case Study [11]
• Naturalistic Observation [12]
• Survey [13], also see our Survey Guide [14]

Correlational Studies

Aim: Predict

• Case Control Study [15]
• Observational Study [16]
• Cohort Study [17]
• Longitudinal Study [18]
• Cross Sectional Study [19]
• Correlational Studies in general [20]

Semi-Experimental Designs

Aim: Determine Causes

• Field Experiment [21]
• Quasi-Experimental Design [22]
• Twin Studies [23]

Experimental Designs

Aim: Determine Causes

• True Experimental Design [24]
• Double-Blind Experiment [25]

Reviewing Other Research

Aim: Explain

• Literature Review [26]
• Meta-analysis [27]
• Systematic Reviews [28]

Test Study Before Conducting a Full-Scale Study

Aim: Does the Design Work?

• Pilot Study [29]

Typical Experimental Designs

Simple Experimental Techniques

• Pretest-Posttest Design [30]
• Control Group [31]
• Randomization [32]
• Randomized Controlled Trials [33]
• Between Subjects Design [34]
• Within Subject Design [35]

Complex Experimental Designs

• Factorial Design [36]
• Solomon Four-Group Design [37]
• Repeated Measures Design [38]
• Counterbalanced Measures Design [39]
• Matched Subjects Design [40]
• Bayesian Probability [41]

Which Method to Choose?

What design you choose depends on different factors.

• What information do you want? The aims [9] of the study.
• The nature of the phenomenon - Is it feasible to collect the data, and if so, would it be valid/reliable [42]?
• How reliable [5] should the information be?
• Is it ethical [43] to conduct the study?
• The cost of the design
• Is there little or much current scientific theory and literature on the topic?

Survey Guide

The full guide - How to create a Survey / Questionnaire [14]

Introduction

• Research and Surveys [44]
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Surveys [45]
• Survey Design [46]
• Methods of Survey Sampling [47]

Planning a Survey

• Planning a Survey [48]
• Defining Survey Goals [49]

Questions and Answers

• Constructing Survey Questions [50]
• Questionnaire Layout [51]
• Types of Survey Questions [52]
• Survey Response Scales [53]
• Survey Response Formats [54]

Types of Surveys

• Selecting the Survey Method [55]
• Types of Survey [56]
• Paper-and-pencil Survey
• Personal Interview Survey [57]
• Telephone Survey [58]
• Online Surveys [59]
• Preparing an Online Survey [60]
• Web Survey Tools [61]
• Focus Groups - Pros and Cons [62]
• Panel Study [63]

Conducting the Survey

• Pilot Survey [64]
• How to Conduct a Survey [65]
• Increasing Survey Response Rates [66]

After the Survey

• Analysis and Handling Survey Data [67]
• Conclusion of a Survey [68]
• Presenting Survey Results [69]

Resources

• Questionnaire Example [70]
• Questionnaire Checklist [71]

Further Reading

• "Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches" [72] by John W. Creswell
• "Essentials of Research Design and Methodology" [73] by Geoffrey R Marczyk