Assignment 2: LASA: Research Proposal Project

Running head: QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH DESIGNS 1

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH DESIGNS 5

Quantitative Research Designs

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PART 1: Research Methods

Conducting a successful research study requires knowledge in various aspects of research. However, using an effective research method provides the best and desired results from a study. A research method refers to a systematic plan used in conducting a study. Sociologists and other scholars draw on a variety of both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Experiments, participant observation, survey research, secondary data and correlation are among the outstanding research methods. This section intends to compare and contrast two research methods. Experimental and survey methods with thus be compared with both differences and similarities between the methods highlighted.

Experimental research is a commonly used method in studies in the field of science such as sociology, physics, chemistry, psychology, medicine and biology. In this method, the researcher manipulates one variable while randomizes or controls other variables (Rosenthal & Rosnow, 1991). This method requires the researcher to have a control group, subjects that have been randomly assigned between the groups. The researcher can however test only one effect at a time (Rosenthal & Rosnow, 1991). Experimental deploys the use of a collection of research designs that use manipulation and controlled testing to understand causal processes. This method is mostly used in cases where; there is time priority in causal relationships, the magnitude of the correlation is great and where is consistency in the causal relationship (Rosenthal & Rosnow, 1991). Experimental design can be used in forensic counseling to explain the relationship between substance abuse and criminal acts.

Survey method is another design used in research. This method plays an imperative role in research and outcomes. This method encompasses the sampling of units from a population and deploys the use of survey data collection methods such as construction of questionnaires and interviews (Rosenthal & Rosnow, 1991). Survey uses questionnaires and interviews in sourcing for data from the sample group. Identification of the audience, finding a survey provider, conduction of the survey, creation of the survey context and evaluation of the research are the main processes of a survey research method (Rosenthal & Rosnow, 1991). Survey research method can effectively be used in forensic counseling explaining forensic mental health problems.

A number of differences exist between experimental and survey research methods. Firstly, survey method is used with descriptive research studies while experimental method is used when the study is experimental in nature. Secondly, experimental methods are used with relatively small sample groups unlike survey that are suitably used with large samples (Keppel, & Wickens, 2004). In experimental research method, data is collected through several readings of experiments while in surveys data is collected through interviews, observations, questionnaires and case study. Surveys are commonly used in social and behavioral sciences while experiments are suitable with natural and physical sciences (Keppel, & Wickens, 2004). Lastly, surveys are examples of field research studies while experiments are examples of laboratory research studies.

PART II

All research methods have goals and objectives. The main goal of survey research methods is to secure information relating to the variable under study from a specified number of respondents. Through the interviews and questionnaires use in surveys, this objective is effectively met. The sample group is thus asked about their attitude, behavior, motivation and demographic characteristics among others.

Different research studies deploy the use of various sampling methods depending on the nature and objective of a study. The main sampling methods however include; single-random sampling, stratified sampling, single-stage cluster, two-stage cluster, systematic clustering and multi-stage sampling among others (Hastings, 1970). However, for forensic counseling, single-random sampling is appropriate because; the sampling method represents the desired population while eliminating sampling bias (Hastings, 1970).

Survey research method is most appropriate for this study. This method provides a high level of representativeness thus good to be used in studies involving large population hence its appropriateness (Rosenthal & Rosnow, 1991).Secondly, survey method is cost effective hence can easily be afforded. The method attracts low costs in data sourcing hence appropriate for the study. Other benefits of survey method include’ convenience data gathering, good statistical significance, little observer subjectivity and provision of precise results (Rosenthal & Rosnow, 1991).

For the proposed study on forensic counseling, the following question will be used in providing a hypothesis. Why do people with criminal history prone to substance abuse? Hypothesis: People with criminal history are prone to substance abuse because of the fear of being haunted by their past history. They therefore resort to drug abuse to wash away the memory of past history.

In conclusion, research methods provide an imperative model through which research studies are conducted. Different research methods can be used in different research studies. Decision of the method to be used is prompted by the nature of the study, its objective, costs involved among other reasons.

References

Keppel, G., & Wickens, T. D. (2004). Simultaneous comparisons and the control of type I errors. Design and analysis: A researcher’s handbook. 4th ed. Upper Saddle River (NJ): Pearson Prentice Hall. p, 111-130.

Hastings, W. K. (1970). Monte Carlo sampling methods using Markov chains and their applications.

Rosenthal, R., & Rosnow, R. L. (1991). Essentials of behavioral research: Methods and data analysis. Boston, MA.