What are Study Designs?

Introductory

In this lession you will learn:

  • What is a study design?​
  • Why use study designs?​
  • How to choose the right study design for your research study

 

This lesson will discuss quantitative and qualitative study designs. You might remember from the previous lesson that quantitative research seeks to create objective theories by gathering numerical data, emphasizing “how many,” “how often,” or “how large.” This approach centers on measurable data obtained through methods like direct measurements, surveys, questionnaires, or administrative data. In contrast, qualitative research aims to comprehend behaviours by exploring beliefs, motivations, or reasoning. It focuses on understanding life experiences, emphasizing “why” and “how” things occur.

What is a study design

What is a study design? Why use study designs? How to choose the right study design for your research study

Table of Contents

Resources on Study Designs

Intermediate

Study Design in quantitative research
The Centre for Society and Mental Health and the Bethlem Gallery have co-produced this online Research Methods Toolkit so you have access to high-quality, engaging sources which discuss research design, ethics, qualitative and quantitative methods, analysis, knowledge exchange and much more. They are a unique group of researchers made up of service users, survivors, academics, project co-ordinators and artists from the Centre for Society and Mental Health and the Bethlem Gallery. Please see their excellent information on study design in quantitative research.