Research Designs

Learning Intention: You will learn about...

• the two types of data: Quantitative and Qualitative Data.

• the three research designs including their advantages and disadvantages.

Success Criteria: You will be able to...

• Identify and define Quantitative and Qualitative Data.

• Identify and define Within subjects design, Between subjects design and Mixed design

• Draw a flowchart for each of the research designs.

Key Terms:

• Within subjects design

• Between subjects design

• Mixed design

• Quantitative Data

• Qualitative Data

Application Task:

• Indicate whether each of the following research designs will obtain qualitative or quantitative data, or both. 

  1. Conducting an experiment to investigate whether having regular rest breaks during a prolonged study session improves performance on a test 

  2. Observing the social interactions of students in a study group using pre-determined items on an observation checklist 

  3. Organising a small number of participants into a discussion group to collect self-reports on the experience of sexual discrimination in the workplace 

  4. Using a written questionnaire with fixed response items (e.g. Yes/No) to survey a large number of bushfire victims who may be experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder 

  5. Observing the effects of using a treat as a reward to teach a dog to sit on command 

  6. Drawings made by patients with a brain injury

• Copy the research design flow charts for each of the three designs.

• Research designs Jigsaw using strengths and weaknesses (right)