Understanding Data and

Ways to Systematically
Collect Data
Arcie Alican, LPT, MST
METHODOLOGY

Research Quantitative
Sampling Instruments
Design Analysis
 RESEARCH DESIGN
 Overall plan and scheme for conducting the study.

 Examples:
1. Descriptive Research Design
2. Experimental Research Design
3. Historical Research Design
 Descriptive Research Design
 The purpose of this design is to describe the status of an
identified variable such as events, people or subjects as they
exist.
 Usually makes some type of comparison contrast and
correlation and sometimes, in carefully planned and
orchestrated descriptive researches, cause-effect relationships
may be established to some extent.
Methods: survey research, case study, qualitative,
developmental (natural history of something,
patterns of growth and change), normative,
evaluation
Experimental Research Design
Also known as longitudinal or repeated-measures studies, for
obvious reasons. They also referred to as interventions,
because you do more than just observe the subjects.
Uses scientific method to establish the cause-effect
relationship among a group of variables that make up a study.
The TRUE EXPERIMENT is often thought of as a laboratory
study.
 True experimental design: Subjects are randomly assigned to at least 2
comparison groups
 Purpose is to compare 2 or more groups that are formed by random
assignment
 The groups differ solely on the basis of what occurs between measurements (ie,
intervention)
 Changes from the pretest to the posttest can be reasonably attributed to the
intervention
 Most basic is the pretest-posttest control group design (randomized controlled
trial, RCT)
 Example:
 Researchers conducted an RCT to study the effect of progressive resistance
exercises in depressed elders. They studied 35 volunteers who had depression.
 Participants were randomly assigned to an exercise group, which met three
times per week for 10 weeks, or a control group which met 2 times per week
for an interactive health education program.
 The outcome variables were: level of depression, functional status, and quality
of life, using standardized instruments.
 Pretest and posttest measures were taken for both groups and differences were
compared.
QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Quasi-Experimental designs do not

use randomized assignments for
comparisons
 Example:
A study was designed to examine the effect of electrical
stimulation on passive range of motion of wrist
extension in 16 patients who suffered a stroke.
Outcomes: effects of treatment on sensation, range of
motion, & hand strength.
Patients were given pretest and posttest measurements
before and after a 4-week intervention program.
Note: No randomization, and no comparison group
FACTORS AFFECTING THE EXPERIMENTAL PLAN

1.History
2.Mortality
3.Interaction Effects
4.Measuring Instruments
factors affecting the experimental plan
 History: Specific events which occur between the first and second measurement
in addition to the experimental variable may affect the result of the experiment.
 Mortality: Subjects may drop out of the experimental plan either voluntarily or
involuntarily. The loss of subjects from comparison of unique characteristics of
those subjects. Groups to be compared need to be the same before and after the
experiment.
 Interaction effects: The interaction of the experimental variable and extraneous
factors such as setting, time, and conditions of the experimental set up.
 Measuring Instruments: Changes in instruments calibration instruments,
observers, or scorers may cause changes in the measurement.
 Historical Research Designs
The purpose of this study is to collect, verify and synthesize
evidence from the past to establish facts that defend or
refute your hypothesis.
It uses secondary sources and a variety of primary
documentary evidence, such as, logs, diaries, official records,
reports, archives, and non-textual information like maps,
pictures, audio and visual recordings. The limitation must be
both authentic and valid.