Obesity and Healthy Eating
Three types of Research Design and Methods of Data collection
The research design refers to a set of methods and processes utilized in the collection and analysis of variables specified in the research problem. There are various types of research design, including experimental, comparative, observational, survey and case study. The three main models relevant to the study of obesity and healthy eating are case study, comparative and observational research designs. A case study refers to a research strategy, and an empirical inquiry applied to investigate a phenomenon within a real-life context. Case studies consider an in-depth investigation of a particular individual, group or an event in exploring the causes of underlying principles (Hopwood, 2004). Comparative research, on the other hand, refers to a design utilized primarily in the social sciences to make comparisons of an issue across various nations or cultures. An observational study is a research technique that entails the direct examination of phenomena in their natural setting. The research will use a mixed method of data collection (Hopwood, 2004). Obesity and healthy habits is a sensitive and essential topic that requires both the statistical data and opinions of people on the causes of the condition and perspectives of individuals on what some have done to help address the situation.
The reason for Choosing the Approach
The mixed method of data collection is vital since it will help in the collection of both the numerical data and people’s opinions. The quantitative techniques offer objective measurements, statistical, mathematical, and numerical analysis of the information obtained, and this will involve data collection using questionnaires, and surveys or through various computational techniques. On the other hand, the qualitative methods such as interviews, focus groups and visual analysis will get used to collect opinions of individuals. The technique is essential to understand the underlying reasons and views. Thus, in addition to the statistical and numerical illustrations, the method will offer insights into the problems and aid in developing ideas or hypothesis for potential quantitative research. This is the reason mixed research would be vital in this study.
The tool used in Data Collection and why it will get used
Since the research entails using a mixed method of data collection, it will also use various tools to collect data. The various tools will include the surveys, questionnaires to collect the quantitative data and interviews and visual analysis to gather qualitative analysis. The interviews help best understand and explore the research subjects, experiences and opinions, and aid retrieves in-depth information (Gill, Stewart, Treasure, & Chadwick, 2008). Surveys, on the other hand, will be integral to reach out to a large population and this will ensure a more accurate sample to collect targeted results to help draw conclusions and make vital decisions on the research subjects.
How to ensure internal and external validity in the Research Project
Internal and external validity represents the concepts that offer a reflection of whether or not the results of a research project are trustworthy and meaningful or not. The internal validity relates to the manner or how well a study has been conducted while the external validity refers to how applicable the findings are to the real world (McDermott, 2011). The two concepts can be ensured through a focus on the accuracy and string research methods, control of the extraneous variables, elimination of the alternative explanations and also ensuring that the conclusions are warranted.