An Applied Reference Guide to Research Designs: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods

Students often struggle with conceptualizing the most appropriate research design before they begin collecting data and answering their research questions. This book presents quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research designs in education and the social and behavioral sciences using consistent terminology in a way that students can understand and apply in their own investigations. The book helps students conceptualize, construct, test, problem solve, and acquire knowledge, through a wealth of visual aids and real-world examples.

W. Alex Edmonds, PhD, BCB, is currently an associate professor of research at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida. He graduated from Florida State University and received his doctoral degree in Educational Psychology with a minor in Statistics and Measurement. Over the years, Dr. Edmonds has applied his knowledge of research design, measurement, and assessment in both field and laboratory examinations. He has published extensively in a variety of areas such as psychophysiology and educational psychology. His primary interest revolves around applying unique methodological and statistical techniques as a means to exploring the relationship between emotions, physiology and performance in a variety of domains. He also has over 10 years of experience in applying biofeedback in field and research applications. While in graduate school, he conducted his field work with the track and field team at Florida State and started using biofeedback for research and practice during this time. He has utilized biofeedback extensively with various types of athletes for performance enhancement, as well as stress-regulation techniques for individuals with type 2 diabetes and pain management for patients suffering from chronic pain. Dr. Edmonds is certified through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance in general biofeedback.

Tom D. Kennedy, PhD, BCB, is currently an associate professor of research at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida. He received his PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Miami and his MA in Clinical Psychology from Southern Methodist University. He has been a faculty member at NSU for five years where he has developed and taught research and statistics courses. He is the Institutional Review Board representative for the School of Education. His clinical experience consists of providing neuropsychological assessments, behavioral medicine interventions, and group therapy in inpatient and outpatient settings, including the following: the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, University of Miami Mailman Center for Child Development, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami Institute for Individual and Family Therapy, and the Dallas County Jail. His research interests include two convergent tracks, one focusing on at-risk children and adolescents and the other exploring biofeedback and other complementary and alternative medicine interventions. He has been the recipient of multiple grants and provides evaluation and grant writing services for various organizations in south Florida. He has published and presented in the areas of juvenile crime, psychophysiology, and research methodology. Dr. Kennedy is a licensed psychologist PY 8307 and is certified through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance in general biofeedback and maintains a small private practice for children and adolescence.