RDP Library: Research Common: Research Design

Research Design

Research design refers to the process of developing a research question and then selecting the most appropriate methodology and theory to answer that question. Read more...

Here are some resources to get you started thinking about research design:

Basic Research Designs
From Grand Canyon University Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching
National Centre for Research Methods Podcasts
10-15 minute interviews that "share the latest methodological developments, research findings and ideas and discuss their potential and actual impact."
Sage MethodSpace
Research methods blog from Sage Publishing.

Research Design by John W. Creswell
Call Number: H 62 C747 2009
Since 1998 this practical volume has helped thousands of students and researchers plan and prepare a wide range of papers, scholarly articles, dissertations and other research-related writings.
Research Methods: The Basics (Third Edition) by Nicholas Walliman
Call Number: H 62 W354 2022
An accessible, user-friendly introduction to the different aspects of research theory, methods and practice.
When to Use What Research Design by W. Paul Vogt; Dianne C. Gardner; Lynne M. Haeffele
Call Number: H 62 V623 2012
Thoughtful guidelines are provided for weighing the advantages and disadvantages of various methods, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods designs.

Qualitative Research Methods

Qualitative research uses a variety of methods to gather accounts and observations of the human experience. Learn more...

Here are some resources to get you started with qualitative research:

Research Rundowns: Qualitative Research Design
Provides an overview of several common qualitative research methods.

Fundamentals of Qualitative Research by Johnny Saldana
This book presents a concise yet rigorous description of how to design and conduct fieldwork projects in the social sciences and healthcare and how to examine data in multiple ways for interpretive insight.
Qualitative Research Practice by Clive Seale, et al.
This comprehensive collection of almost 40 chapters - each written by a leading expert in the field - is the essential reference for anyone undertaking or studying qualitative research.
Qualitative Research from Start to Finish by Robert K. Yin
Call Number: H 62 Y57 2011
The book offers a unique balance of theory and clear-cut choices for customizing every phase of a qualitative study.

Quantitative Research Methods

Quantitative research uses statistical methodology and the collection of numerical data to answer research questions and test hypotheses. Learn more...

Here are some resources to get you started with quantitative research:

Quantitative Approaches
From Grand Canyon University Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching.

Quantitative and Statistical Research Methods by William E. Martin; Krista D. Bridgmon
Designed so students will know how to plan research and conduct statistical analyses using several different procedures.
The SAGE Handbook of Quantitative Methodology for the Social Sciences by David Kaplan (Editor)
Call Number: H 62 S244 2004
Discusses important methodological tools and topics in quantitative methodology in easy to understand language.

MIxed Methods Research

Mixed methods research uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Learn more...

Here are some resources to get you started with mixed methods research:

Research Rundowns: Mixed Methods Research Designs
Provides an overview of mixed methods research.

Mixed Methods Research by Sharlene Nagy Hesse-Biber
Shows how mixed methods designs can fruitfully address different types of research questions.
Methods That Matter: Integrating Mixed Methods for More Effective Social Science Research by M. Cameron Hay (editor)
Call Number: H 61 M484 2016
Discussing their own endeavors to combine the quantitative with the qualitative, the authors invite readers into a conversation about the best designs and practices of mixed methodologies to stimulate creative ideas and find new pathways of insight.