Module 2: Study designs

Question 1

Data collection: qualitative

Answer 1

interviews, focus groups

Question 2

Data collection: quantitative

Answer 2

surveys, experiments

Question 3

Which type of study has more control over thee variables?

Answer 3

Experimental- control/manipulate variables
-help understand relationship between variables
-potential cause:effect relationships

Question 4

What are observational studies good for?

Answer 4

-observe/measure natural variability, attributes, traits w/out direct manipulation

Question 5

Which study is “the gold standard” for determining the effectiveness of interventions

Answer 5

Randomized control trials (RCT)
-incorporate randomness in selection of subjects
-blind researchers/participants

Question 6

What does randomness increase?

Answer 6

Generalizability (making predictions based on observations)

Question 7

What does randomness in sampling increase?

Answer 7

Applicability (extent to which results will affect common practice)

Question 8

Limitation: correlational study

Answer 8

-correlation does not imply causation

Question 9

Limitation: pre-experimental study

Answer 9

-explore relationships btwn variables
-lack control group

Question 10

Limitation: quasi-experimental study

Answer 10

-potential selection biases

Question 11

Limitation: RCT

Answer 11

-sample size
-abstraction from reality (lab environment/not)
-level of blinding imposed