Discussion: Study Approaches

Week 3: Research Approach
In many pursuits, success often depends on having the right tool for the right job. That’s certainly true in health research, but perhaps even more important is knowing which tool is right. This week, you will build on your previous knowledge of epidemiological study design to include additional research approaches. You will review a host of research approaches and the salient characteristics of each, along with their strengths and weaknesses and the circumstances under which each is appropriate. You will also consider the important distinction between quantitative and qualitative research.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
Evaluate major types of study designs as they apply to a particular research topic
Identify key terms and concepts relating to study design

Learning Resources
Required Readings
Jacobsen, K.H. (2017). Introduction to health research methods. (2nd ed.). Burlington: Jones and Bartlett Learning.
Chapter 7, “Overview of Study Designs,” pp. 37–40
Chapter 8, “Case Series,” pp. 41–44
Chapter 9, “Cross-Sectional Surveys,” pp. 45–48
Chapter 10, “Case-Control Studies,” pp. 49–58
Chapter 11, “Cohort Studies,” pp. 59–70
Chapter 12, “Experimental Studies,” pp. 71–86
Chapter 13, “Qualitative Studies,” pp. 87–94
Chapter 14, “Correlational Studies,” pp. 95–102

Walden University Center for Research Quality. (n.d.-b). Research resources: Research design & analysis. Retrieved January 16, 2019, from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/researchcenter/resources/Design

Discussion: Study Approaches
Researchers use many different approaches to find the answers to their study questions. Study approaches include case series, cross-sectional, case-control, cohort, experimental, qualitative, and correlational. Each approach has its advantages and challenges.
For this Discussion, you will consider the many ways in which you could answer your research question. If you are considering an experimental method, consider the types of experiments. You may want to consider administering a survey, but you need to also consider the type of survey. One key element to valid research is the selection of the study approach.
To prepare for this Discussion:
Consider your research topic and the results of your literature review
Review the different study designs presented in the textbook (Chapters 7–14)
By Day 4
Post a comprehensive response to the following:
What type of study design would you use for your proposed study (case series, cross-sectional, case-control, cohort, experimental, qualitative, or correlational)?
Why is the approach you selected the most suitable to support your study question?
Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings.