Behavioral science research methods

Abstract

This chapter reviews foundational descriptive, quasi-experimental, and experimental research design strategies, while highlighting each of their strengths and weaknesses. Clinical applications of each design are presented, and their unique vulnerabilities to validity threats are discussed. After reading this chapter, the reader will have a firm grasp of the various foundational research design strategies and will have the skills to develop a strong study that is resistant to internal validity threats. Perhaps more importantly, information presented in this chapter should alert the reader to various flaws that are inherent in research, boosting the reader’s critical thinking skills that are necessary to function effectively in nearly any field of study.