ABSTRACT
Chapter 9 introduces the two major types of research designs: experimental and non-experimental designs. Experimental designs involve manipulation of an independent variable. Some of the most common experimental designs include one-group, pre-test/post-test, time series, experimental/control group, quasi-experimental, and ex post facto designs, but there are others. Non-experimental research does not involve manipulation of an independent variable and typically does not require random assignment of participants to particular groups. Non-experimental designs are most widely used in educational research, and may be quantitative or qualitative in nature. Some of the most common non-experimental designs include survey research, historical, descriptive, or correlational research, narrative inquiry, scholarly personal narrative, or causal-comparative research. Examples of some of the most used research designs are shared in this chapter. In addition, mixed-methods research is defined, and an example of a well-constructed mixed-methods study is presented. Finally, action research is introduced as a way for practitioners to engage in practical and applied research in the work setting. The chapter concludes with considerations for researchers who are in the planning phases of their research projects, as well as consumers of research who should view results in light of the method selected.
