The Study of Research Choices and Dilemmas Free Essay Example, 2500 words

Research design provides a formal structure for a research study. A three-fold classification is often used to define a research design: randomized or true experiment, quasi-experiment, and non-experiment (Trochim, 2007). A classification of this type helps in describing the internal validity of the design. The distinguishing feature of a research design is the aspect of random assignment. When a random assignment is used in the design, it leads to a randomized or true experiment scenario. Such a design is useful in studying the cause-effect relationship. A robust experimental design would seek to answer the cause-effect propositions: If a program is administered, then the outcome occurs. If a program is not administered, then the outcome does not occur. True experimental design is versatile, controllable, has higher internal validity, often costlier, and at times, the interventions used may border around being labeled as unethical. When a random assignment is not used in the design , then the distinguishing question to ask is: whether a multiple group or multiple waves, in measurement, is used? If affirmative, it leads to a quasi-experimental design, else, it is a non-experimental design. We will write a custom essay sample on The Study of Research Choices and Dilemmas or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page