Basic Research Concepts: Qualitative, Descriptive, and Experimental Research Designs

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Question 1

According to Imed Bouchrika, a research design is a framework containing the methods and procedures for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. It outlines how an investigator would approach the main research question. Furthermore, a research design defines other elements of a study, including hypotheses, variables, statistical analysis, experiments, and methodology.

One characteristic of a good research design is that it is neutral. A research design must be neutral because it allows researchers to analyze and interpret data that are free from bias. Secondly, a good research design is valid. A valid research design is important because it ensures that the techniques and tools for measuring results are fit for the job and allow the correct measurement of the study results. The third characteristic of a good research design is that it is reliable. A research design should be reliable to create an opportunity to form a basis for collecting data and analyzing results. Lastly, a good research design can be generalized. Notably, a research design should be generalizable so that it allows the researcher to cover any part of the study with a similar measure of accuracy.

The main difference between research design and research methods is that a research design is logical while a research method is logistical. This means that a research design is a plan, while the method is the way to realize that plan.

Question 2

One of the three most important characteristics of a qualitative research approach is that it includes a small sample to allow the investigator to collect narratives, interview responses, texts, and stories and analyze these data to generate patterns, themes, or reasons why a problem or a phenomenon exists. Secondly, a qualitative research approach utilizes an inductive way, commonly known as a bottom-up approach, to reach a conclusion. Thirdly, in a qualitative research approach, data is recorded in textual format from interaction with and observation of subjects.

I can locate an example of qualitative research in my annotated bibliography. An example is:

Weinberg, I., & Ronningstam, E. (2020). Dos and don’ts in treatments of patients with a narcissistic personality disorder. Journal of personality disorders, 34(Supplement), 122-142.

In this qualitative study, the authors use secondary qualitative data to identify the guiding principles in effective psychotherapies of patients suffering from Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) and describe cautions against common pitfalls.

Question 3

One important characteristic of a quantitative research approach is that it uses numerical data or data that can be easily transformed into usable statistics. The second important characteristic of a quantitative research approach is that it utilizes a larger sample population. Thirdly, a quantitative research approach entails determining the strength of, or presence of, a relationship between variables of interest in a study.

An example of quantitative research from my annotated bibliography is Alexander, M. B., Gore, J., & Estep, C. (2021). How the need for power explains why narcissists are antisocial. Psychological reports, 124(3), 1335-1352.

In this quantitative study, the researchers examine the relationship between narcissism and antisocial behavior with the mediating role of the need for power. The authors use a large sample of 408 subjects.

Question 4

The three important characteristics of true experimental research are that they involve random selection of subjects, random assignment of participants to groups in the study, and the researcher’s complete control over the extraneous variables in the study.

An example of true experimental research is:

Gangadharanđ, S., & Venkatesanē, L. (2021). Effect of Yoga on Somato-Vegetative Symptoms of Menopausal Women and its Association with Demographic Variables among Yoga and Non-Yoga Groups. Nursing Journal of India, 112(5), 225-232.

In this true experimental research, the researchers sought to determine and compare the impact of yoga on somato-vegetative women’s menopausal symptoms before and after administering Yoga between Non-yoga and Yoga groups to compare the somato-vegetative menopausal symptoms after the test with the chosen demographic variables in two groups. The study was true experimental research comprising both control and treatment groups.

Question 5

A qualitative research design seems to best help address my currently proposed research question, which seeks to uncover how narcissism contributes to antisocial behavior in men. A qualitative research design is ideal for this study since it is utilized to comprehensively understand the underlying reasons for a problem. Thus, this research design will allow me to uncover the reasons for antisocial behaviors in narcissistic men.