Research Design and Measurement

This unit develops practical skills in selecting samples, choosing and creating measurement instruments, and matching research designs (experimental, quasi-experimental, and qualitative) to testable hypotheses. It also covers data-quality practices (effect size estimation, covariates, reliability/validity), ethical considerations with human participants, and communicating results through abstracts and posters to prepare students for applied research work in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze sampling strategies (probability, non‑probability, and qualitative sampling) and justify an appropriate sampling plan for a given research question, including steps to prevent sample loss and bias.
• Evaluate and compare empirical designs—including basic experimental designs, factorial designs, interrupted time series, and repeated measures with covariates—and select the design that best addresses realistic hypotheses while considering feasibility and effect size estimation.
• Design or select measurement instruments by choosing existing questionnaires or creating new items, and demonstrate methods to assess and improve reliability and validity while maintaining naturalistic conditions where appropriate.
• Apply ethical standards and scholarly communication practices by conducting literature searches, citing sources correctly, preparing a concise abstract, and creating a poster presentation suitable for a plenary session.