Part 1.Explain how sampling design, inferential statistics, and generalization work together to form the foundation of quantitative research. 

Your response must be at least 250 words in length.

Part 2. Discuss the advantages, limitations, and researcher considerations when using a qualitative methodological research strategy.

Your response must be at least 250 words in length.

Part 3. 

Compare and contrast the four levels of scale measurement.

Your response must be at least 250 words in length.

Discuss the three primary research designs highlighted in the Unit I Lesson and potential shortcomings of each.

Your response must be at least 250 words in length.

Research Designs

Research design refers to the research study blueprint. One’s choice of research methodology, quantitative or qualitative, dictates the type of research design. There are three primary design types: descriptive, causal (explanatory), and exploratory.

Descriptive designs are aligned with the quantitative methodology. Descriptive designs are highly structured using statistical analysis to test hypotheses to determine if relationships or differences exist between variables. Descriptive designs are non-experimental and do not use control groups; therefore, descriptive designs cannot make any claims about causality. Although claims of causality cannot be made, the use of inferential statistics enable results from descriptive studies to be generalized to populations of interest. Descriptive designs should not be confused with descriptive statistics, which is an analytical approach to research. Descriptive statistics is depicted in the charts below and will be explained in more detail in a later unit.

Causal (explanatory) designs are also aligned with the quantitative methodology. Causal designs test hypotheses to determine if independent variables cause a change in dependent variables or if independent variables cause differences between group means or percentages. These types of designs use extraordinarily controlled experiments and are not typically conducted in general business research given the required investment of time, money, and expertise; however, since causal designs control variables, claims of causality can be made. Additionally, the use of inferential statistics enables results from causal studies to be generalized to populations of interest.

Exploratory designs are aligned with the qualitative methodology. Exploratory designs are subjective in nature versus causal and descriptive designs, which are quantitative. Inferential statistics are not used with exploratory studies, and results cannot be generalized to populations. Although results are not generalizable, they normally provide a much deeper and richer understanding of the groups or phenomena under study.