Important Research Designs to Compose Your Dissertation

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5 Important Research Designs to Compose Your
Dissertation
Choosing the right research design is crucial for
a successful dissertation. Explore these five
designs to enhance your study.
By - Henery Hix
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1. Experimental Design
Definition
Advantages
Investigates cause-and-effect relationships by
manipulating variables and measuring their
effects.
Allows for control over variables and provides a
clear cause-and-effect relationship.
Applications
Limitations
Used in scientific and medical research to test
hypotheses and evaluate interventions.
Results may not always reflect real-world
conditions, and ethical concerns may arise.
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2. Survey Design
Collects data through questionnaires or
interviews to gain insights into opinions,
attitudes, and behaviors.
Definition
Efficient for gathering data from large
populations and providing a snapshot of current
opinions.
Advantages
Used in social sciences, market research, and
public opinion polls to understand people's
perspectives.
Applications
Responses may be biased or affected by social
desirability, and it can be challenging to
generalize findings.
Limitations
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3. Case Study Design
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Definition
Examines a specific individual, group, or event
in-depth to gain a comprehensive understanding of
a phenomenon.
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Advantages
Provides rich and detailed insights, allowing for
contextual analysis and exploration of unique
cases.
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Applications
Utilized in psychology, sociology, and business
disciplines to explore complex real-life
situations.
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4. Action Research Design
Definition
Advantages
Applications
Involves collaborating with practitioners to
solve real-world problems through systematic
inquiry and reflection.
Promotes social change, empowers stakeholders,
and allows for practical applications of research
findings.
Commonly used in education, healthcare, and
organizational contexts to improve practices and
enhance outcomes.
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5. Historical Research Design
Definition
Advantages
Applications
Examines past events, documents, and records to
reconstruct and interpret historical phenomena.
Offers insights into historical contexts,
societal changes, and the evolution of ideas over
time.
Commonly used in history, anthropology, and
humanities disciplines to study the past and gain
historical perspectives.
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Conclusion
This article discusses various research designs
for obtaining data in informative documents,
addressing the misconception that traditional
methods are more appropriate. It encourages
applying these designs in your project and
seeking dissertation help if needed.