The design is the structure of any scientific work. It gives direction and systematizes the research.

The method you choose will affect your results and how you conclude the findings. Most scientists are interested in getting reliable observations that can help the understanding of a phenomenon. There are two main approaches to a research problem: Quantitative Research Qualitative Research What are the difference between Qualitative and Quantitative Research?

DIFFERENT RESEARCH METHODS

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

Descriptive Designs
Aim: Observe and Describe Descriptive Research Descriptive research design is a scientific method which involves observing and describing the behavior of a subject without influencing it in any way.

Case Study The case study research design have evolved over the past few years as a useful tool for investigating trends and specific situations in many scientific disciplines.

Naturalistic Observation In many scientific disciplines, naturalistic observation is a useful tool for expanding knowledge about a specific phenomenon or species.

Survey (The Questionnaire is also a technique used in many types of research designs) The survey research design is often used because of the low cost and easy accessible information.

Correlational Studies

Aim: Predict Case Control Study A case control study is a method extensively used by the medical profession, as an easy and quick way of comparing treatments, or investigating the causes of disease.

Observational Study In the fields of social science, psychology and medicine, amongst others, observational study is an essential tool.

Cohort Study A cohort study is a research program investigating a particular group with a certain trait, and observes over a period of time.

Longitudinal Study A longitudinal study is observational research performed over a period of years or even decades.

Cross Sectional Study The cross sectional study looks at a different aspect than the standard longitudinal study.

Correlational Studies in general A correlational study determines whether or not two variables are correlated. This means to study whether an increase or decrease in one variable corresponds to an increase or decrease in the other variable.

Semi-Experimental Designs
Aim: Determine Causes Field Experiment For geologists, social scientists and environmental biologists, amongst others, field experiments are an integral part of the discipline.

Quasi-Experimental Design

Quasi-experimental design is a form of experimental research used extensively in the social sciences and psychology.

Twin Studies The identical twins study has been used for a long time, to study the effects of environment and genetics on human development.

Experimental Designs
Aim: Determine Causes True Experimental Design True experimental design is regarded as the most accurate form of experimental research, in that it tries to prove or disprove a hypothesis mathematically, with statistical analysis.

Double-Blind Experiment A double blind experiment is an experimental method used to ensure impartiality, and avoid errors arising from bias.

Reviewing Other Research

Aim: Explain Literature Review Many students are instructed, as part of their research program, to perform a literature review, without always understanding what a literature review is.

Meta-analysis Meta analysis is a statistical technique developed by social scientists, who are very limited in the type of experiments they can perform.

Systematic Reviews Heavily used by the healthcare sector, systematic reviews are a powerful way of isolating and critically evaluating previous research.

Test Study Before Conducting a Full-Scale Study

Aim: Does the Design Work? Pilot Study A pilot study is a standard scientific tool for 'soft' research, allowing scientists to conduct a preliminary analysis before committing to a full-blown study.

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Subject the thing which is being discussed, considered or studied

http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/subject_1