Introduction
Research designs refer to the general approaches used in the collection, measurement, and analysis of data of subject under study (Nestor & Schutt, 2015). The procedure chosen is dependent mainly on the type of research problem under investigation. There are different classes of designs available for data collection, which include experimental designs, non-experimental designs, survey designs, and single-subject designs. In education, research designs help to evaluate issues, measure variables, develop hypotheses, and make a conclusion in essential issues. The research seeks to descriptively evaluate the efficacy of implementing and adopting experimental designs, non-experimental designs, survey designs, and single-subject designs in education
Background Information
Experimental designs involve methods following a laid out procedure in an attempt to prove a suggested hypothesis. Experiments are usually conducted in lieu to fulfill an expectation of how and why a particular matter of interest behaves. Different fields use different kinds of experimental designs suited for their study, and it is for this reason that there are varied designs in experiments. Ronald Fisher proposed the first technique for designing these experiments in his book (Arrangement of Field Experiments 1926). Fisher's principles involved different types of operations for varied fields. For instance, in a study involving measurements of variables with no systematic standard, the comparison analogy is put to the test. Comparing two different subjects is preferred to comparing against an established standardized analysis with a base.
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Discussion
Experimental Surveys
Other different kinds of experimental designs include, randomization, statistical replication, blocking and factorial experiments. Randomization comprises assigning groups without following a marked out plan to avoid bias during acquisition of results (McNeill & Chapman, 2009). Using this method is however limited in that imbalances or inaccurate facts and figures about a study can be collected. Statistical replication involves attempts to correct already established measurements due to variations that may have occurred during experimentation. Blocking is a non- random experiment where different variables with similar traits are grouped to avoid fluctuations. Factorial experiments on the other hand attempt to indicate the outcome of different variables. Setting up of an experimental design heavily rely on among others, factors included in the study, control conditions required, sample size and manipulation checks if need be. One significant advantage with experimental research designs is that they can be used for concluding a case study due to its emphasis on controlled research. It is also limited in that artificial situations can be created to fit a researcher’s phenomenon.
Non-Experimental Designs
Non-experimental designs involve processes where a researcher does not have the power to alter or establish control variables under study. Instead, observation and description of behavior are used to create a hypothesis. Non-experimental designs differ with experimental designs in that no manipulation of predictor variables to achieve the desired outcome. This design is often more appropriate in a situation where a researcher has a specific hypothesis between two variables with a prospect to randomly assign the variables with a set of conditions. Non-experimental designs can be categorized into four groups namely single-variable designs, qualitative, correlational designs and quasi-experimental research ( Maxwell, 2012). Single-variable designs are themed so as they only focus on a single variable rather than a comparison of two or more, Milgram study of obedience where his interest vested on an individual's ability to obey the researcher is an appropriate example. Single variable designs, limited to a single variable, cannot be used in the comparison of different subjects where relationships have to be established. Correlational research designs are used in this stance. It involves the measurement of two random variables with minimal manipulation in a bid to develop relationships between them. In quasi-experimental research, however, an independent subject is manipulated, but no set of special conditions is assigned. Qualitative research designs, data analyzed is not quantified concerning numbers hence non-statistical methods are employed to formulate the hypothesis.
Survey Design
Survey research designs involve information and data collection through asking questions via telephones or questionnaires. In other instances, face to face interviews is conducted whereas in other cases mail is sent to subjects under for them to fill and mail it back. The structure of a survey design usually has a cover letter describing the survey, an informed consent to show agreement to participate, ethics complaints, sections containing the survey questions, and a debrief information ( Vogt, Gardner, & Haeffele, 2012) . There are different kinds of survey designs, some of the factors influencing the choice of the most appropriate to use include, the study base or the subjects under study. Different groups require different tactics in handling the questions. The researcher should also take into account the period he is collecting information for the study. The research design can also be measured concerning reliability if when repeated similar results can be obtained. Lastly, the researcher should check the model and establish whether it is qualitative or quantitative and whether statistical variations will have to be compared.
Designing Surveys
There are factors to consider in designing surveys that ensures quality data is obtained. First, the mode of data collection is a top priority, when gathering data through interviews with the simplicity of wordings and actions ease the process of selection (Campbell & Stanley, 2011). Impact of survey fatigue should also be considered when handing questionnaires. Lengthy questions place a heavy burden on respondents who may abandon the survey midway hindering data collection. Avoiding personal issues with the respondent builds trust and reduces the likelihood of irritating them to bailing out of the survey also essential questions ought to come early in the questionnaire.
Single Subject Designs
Single-subject designs are quantitative research that involves studying in detail the behavior of a subject or a group of variables in one setting. They are usually applied in the psychology, human behavior and education sector. The question often functions as his control and does not use another person or group. Single-subject designs are typically denoted by small ‘ n’ as the mathematical symbol for sample size. The basis for single-subject surveys uses several assumptions. The first assumption is the importance to focus intensively on an individual as opposed to group research where individual differences can easily be bypassed hence generating false results about the group. Second, the importance to discover relationship in a variable through manipulation and control of an independent variable. Third the importance to observe effects that have of biological significance toward the society, researchers are usually keen on this matter as the forces that have a significant influence on human behavior can be applied in the real world.
Some of the advantages of using single-subject research include emphasis and exclusiveness in studying an individual reaction to an experimental factor and unique characteristics as compared to the comparison of percentages of variables where such behaviors can be distinguished. The method is also cheap as it requires the study of only one individual. One major disadvantage with the single-spaced research design is the inability to generalize the results with other subjects since it’s just a small number of variables that are being considered for the study. The process of observing an individual using this method is also time-consuming and may end up expensive.
Conclusion
The Efficacy of Using experimental designs, non-experimental designs, survey designs, and single-subject designs in education is ascertained by the very nature of education. Education seeks to evaluate, access, inform, and challenge issues in the society. The aforementioned research design offers a detailed and reliable platform that helps to restructure questions and concerns and evaluate them aiming at finding an assuring solution.
References
Campbell, D. T., & Stanley, J. C. (2011). Experimental and quasi-experimental designs for research . Belomt: Wadsworth.
Maxwell, J. A. (2012). Qualitative research design: An interactive approach . Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications, Inc.
McNeill, P., & Chapman, S. (2009). Research methods . London: Routledge.
Nestor, P., & Schutt, R. K. (2015). Research methods in psychology: Investigating human behavior . University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing. Minneapolis, MN.
Vogt, W. P., Gardner, D. C., & Haeffele, L. M. (2012). When to use what research design . New York: Guilford Press.
