As a future professional in the social and education landscape, research design is one of the most critical strategies that you will master to identify challenges, ask questions and form data-driven solutions to address problems specific to your industry.
Many approaches to research design exist, and not all work in every circumstance. While all data-focused research methods are valid in their own right, certain research design methods are more appropriate for specific study objectives.
Unlock our resource to learn more about jump-starting a career in research design: Research Design and Data Analysis for the Social Good.
We will discuss the differences between quantitative (numerical and statistics-focused) and qualitative (non-numerical and human-focused) research design methods so that you can determine which approach is most strategic given your specific area of graduate-level study.
Qualitative research focuses on understanding a phenomenon based on human experience and individual perception. It is a non-numerical methodology relying on interpreting a process or result. Qualitative research also paves the way for uncovering other hypotheses related to social issues.
In its most basic form, qualitative research is exploratory in nature and seeks to understand the subjective experience of individuals based on social reality.
Qualitative data is
You want to use a qualitative data research design if
Researchers can utilize a number of methods to gather qualitative data. Here are a few types of designs for qualitative research.
1. In-Depth Interviews
In-depth interviews involve one-on-one conversations with individuals who have direct experience or insight into a specific educational issue. For example, former educators may be interviewed to explore the reasons behind a school’s high teacher turnover rate. This method helps researchers gather detailed narratives that reveal the personal and systemic factors affecting teacher retention, ultimately informing strategies for support and improvement.
2. Focus Groups
Focus groups bring together small groups of participants to discuss shared experiences or perceptions related to education. For instance, a focus group composed of neurodivergent students, parents, and educators can uncover common classroom challenges these students face. Through open discussion, schools gain a deeper understanding of how to design inclusive practices and supportive learning environments that enhance student outcomes.
3. Case Studies
Case study research involves an in-depth examination of a single case or a small number of cases within a real-world educational context. A case study might explore how a change in policy, such as reducing the number of teacher aides in special needs classrooms, impacts student learning. This method allows researchers and policymakers to evaluate the specific consequences of interventions, offering insights that inform future decisions.
Quantitative research is a strategic method of research designed to test hypotheses and measure connections between variables. It develops insights derived from numbers—countable, measurable and statistically sound data.
Quantitative research may support or discount a theory or hypothesis.
Quantitative data is
You want to use a quantitative data research design if
1. Correlational Research
Correlational research examines the statistical relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them. For example, researchers may analyze data to determine whether there is a link between class size and standardized test scores. By identifying patterns across large data sets, this method can help educators and administrators understand how smaller class sizes might contribute to improved academic performance in grade-school students.
2. Experimental Research
Experimental research involves the controlled manipulation of variables to assess cause-and-effect relationships. In one scenario, researchers might compare two groups of high school students—one required to complete a set number of community service hours before graduation, and one without such a requirement. Statistical analysis can highlight whether the community service requirement influences college acceptance rates, providing evidence for or against such policies.
3. Survey Research
Survey research collects quantifiable information from participants to measure opinions, attitudes, or behaviors. For instance, teachers may be surveyed about an education policy that limits the number of extracurricular activities offered at their school. Analyzing the results helps researchers evaluate how access to extracurricular programs may affect students' academic performance, offering a broader view of policy implications.
Vanderbilt University Peabody College of education and human development offers a variety of respected, nationally recognized graduate programs designed with future agents of social change in mind. We foster a culture of excellence and compassion and guide you to become the best you can be—both in the classroom and beyond.
At Peabody College, you will experience
Our graduate degrees leverage data analysis and a variety of research design methods to form researchers, educators, and professionals equipped to drive innovation in their field:
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At Peabody College, we equip you with the marketable, transferable skills needed to secure a valuable career in education and beyond. You will emerge from the graduate program of your choice ready to enhance humankind in more meaningful ways than you could have imagined.
If you want to develop the sought-after skills needed to be a force for change in the social and educational spaces, you are in the right place.
We invite you to request more information; we will connect you with an admissions professional who can answer all your questions about choosing one of these transformative professional degrees at Peabody College. You may also take this opportunity to review our application checklist or start your online application today.