ABSTRACT
Two primary quantitative methods are used to study people: surveys and experiments. Regarding survey research, this unit covers the many variations of survey research, including different survey forms (mail, online, telephone, and face to face) as well as distinguishing cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches such as cohort, trend, and panel designs. The merits of interview versus self-administered designs are also considered, providing readers with a thorough understanding of survey research, allowing them to design an approach that fits their needs. This unit also describes the central features, advantages, and disadvantages of experiments. The critical role of random assignment as well as the merits and limitations of control groups and pre-test/post-test designs are considered. Variations such as within-subjects and field experiments are explored, along with a discussion of multifactorial designs.
