RESEARCH DESIGNS AND METHODS

The goal of this section is to show the reviewers that you are using solid scientific techniques. By being as detailed as possible, you will minimize the number of assumptions the reviewers have to make about your project.

That being said, there is much to cover in this section. Subsections could include:

• Overview of design
• Diagram or table may be helpful
• Study subjects/Participants
• Selection criteria
• Sampling design
• Recruitment
• Measurements
• Variables - predictor, outcome, potential confounders
• Instruments - include reliability
• Data collection - procedures and protocol
• Data entry methods
• Statistical analysis
• Hypotheses
• Power analysis
• Threats to internal and external validity

• The study you describe should correspond with your specific aims.
• Provide explanations of all decisions - why are choosing to do your study "this way" instead of doing it "that way"? This will show you've considered the alternatives and selected the best options.
• Indicate gender and minority representation in your sample, or provide justification why this is not possible or applicable.

Experimental Design spreadsheet
Threats to Internal Validity
Threats to External Validity
Timeline
Overview - Qualitative Research

The Research Assistant