For this activity you will work on a part of your final research proposal by choosing a research design. Choosing a research design involves careful consideration of various factors related to the research question, goals, and the nature of the phenomenon under investigation. Here are guidelines to help you choose a research design:

1. Define the Research Question:
   • Clearly articulate the research question. Is the goal to describe a phenomenon, establish causation, explore relationships, or examine the impact of an intervention?
2. Examine Feasibility:
   • Consider the feasibility of implementing different designs. Experimental designs, while powerful, might not always be feasible or ethical in certain contexts.
3. Determine Generalizability Needs:
   • Consider the level of generalizability needed for the study. Experimental designs with randomization enhance generalizability, while correlational and descriptive designs may be more context-specific.
4. Identify the Type of Relationship:
   • If the goal is to examine relationships between variables, consider whether the relationship is correlational or if there is a need to manipulate variables to establish causation.
5. Think About Practical Application:
   • Consider the practical application of the research. If the goal is to test the effectiveness of an intervention in a real-world setting, quasi-experimental or experimental designs may be appropriate.
6. Balance Internal and External Validity:
   • Strive for a balance between internal validity (the ability to establish causation) and external validity (the generalizability of findings to other contexts).
7. Review Existing Literature:
   • Examine existing literature to see how similar research questions have been approached. This can provide insights into the most suitable design for your study.