What is the difference between Study design and approach?

The difference between research approach and study design lies in their scope and focus within the research process:

1. Research Approach: This refers to the overall plan or strategy for conducting the research. It defines the broad methodology or direction the research will take. The two main types of research approaches are:

Quantitative Approach: Involves the collection and analysis of numerical data to identify patterns, test hypotheses, and make predictions.

Qualitative Approach: Involves gathering non-numerical data, such as interviews, observations, or texts, to understand concepts, experiences, or social contexts.

Mixed Methods: Combines both qualitative and quantitative approaches to benefit from the strengths of both.

2. Study Design: This refers to the specific framework or blueprint for conducting the research within the chosen approach. It focuses on the detailed structure and methods used in the study to ensure it addresses the research questions or objectives effectively. Study designs are more specific and can include types like:

Descriptive Designs: Used to describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon.

Experimental Designs: Involves manipulation of variables to determine cause-and-effect relationships.

Case Studies, Cohort Studies, Surveys, and so on.

In short, the research approach provides the general direction (e.g., qualitative or quantitative), while the study design outlines the specific methods and procedures to be followed to execute the research.