\n\n| Survey research<\/td>\n | Structured questionnaires with closed-ended questions administered to a sample<\/td>\n | You need scalable data from a large population<\/td>\n | Customer satisfaction survey using a 5-point Likert scale<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| Experimental research<\/td>\n | Manipulation of one or more independent variables to measure effects on dependent variables; uses random assignment<\/td>\n | You need to establish cause and effect under controlled conditions<\/td>\n | Testing a new drug vs. placebo in a clinical trial<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| Quasi-experimental research<\/td>\n | Similar to experiments but without full random assignment; uses pre-existing groups<\/td>\n | Random assignment is not feasible<\/td>\n | Comparing test scores of students in two schools with different teaching methods<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| Correlational research<\/a><\/td>\n | Examines the relationship between two or more variables without manipulation<\/td>\n | You want to identify associations, not causation<\/td>\n | Studying the correlation between exercise frequency and BMI<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| Descriptive research<\/td>\n | Measures and describes variables at a single point in time; no hypothesis required at outset<\/td>\n | You want to characterize a population or phenomenon<\/td>\n | Measuring prevalence of hypertension in adults aged 40\u201360<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| Causal-comparative (ex post facto)<\/td>\n | Compares groups that differ on a variable that already occurred; no manipulation<\/td>\n | The independent variable cannot be manipulated for ethical or practical reasons<\/td>\n | Comparing career outcomes of graduates from different degree programs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n |