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Research Designs

Name

Institution
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Research Designs

Research design refers to the strategy that is used in the process of integrating various

components of a study in a coherent way which ensures effective handling of research questions.

This aspect as such makes research design to be an integral component in the completion of the

study. This discussion is focused on some of the most common research designs that can be

applied in healthcare.

Experimental design

Experimental design often encompasses the use of controls in order to establish a clear

picture of the findings. According to Wilson (2016), the use of controls in an experimental

design enables the researcher to determine the reasons behind certain occurrences. The design is

however hampered by numerous ethical issues. From the authors perspective, ethical issues, in

this case, tend to appear in the form of risks associated with a study.

Cohort design

According to Hemming, Haines, Chilton, Girling, & Lilford, (2015) cohort research

design often involves participants who hold certain similarities. The use of a cohort research

design is relatively ethical and as such, is often used instead of randomized studies. The major

advantages of a cohort research design are that it allows for the determination of potential

outcomes prior to the occurrence of the outcome. In essence, cohort design allows for the

prediction of trends and the initiation of respective measures. In addition to that, the approach

reduces instances of bias by ensuring that all targeted individuals are involved in the study.

Conclusion
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In summary, a research design has an impact on whether the research will be able to

adhere to ethical standards put in place. As shown above, cohort design is relatively ethical as

compared to experimental design as attributed to their approach to the selection of respondents.

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References

Hemming, K., Haines, T. P., Chilton, P. J., Girling, A. J., & Lilford, R. J. (2015). The stepped

wedge cluster randomised trial: rationale, design, analysis, and reporting. Bmj, 350, h391.

Wilson, V. (2016). Research Methods: Design, Methods, Case Study… oh my!. Evidence Based

Library and Information Practice, 11(1 (S)), 39-40.