The expert this week, Marquetta Flaugher, ARNP-BC, DSN, is an advanced nurse practitioner who is ANCC-certified family nurse practitioner who works in subacute geriatric services.

Research design is the framework for describing how to conduct research that is meant to answer a clinical question. The design should describe how to carry out the research in a way that will best obtain the appropriate answers. It includes details on sample selection, how data will be collected and analyzed, use of specific tools, and a time frame for completion. Planning a research design is based on a series of selections that helps the researchers decide on either a quantitative or qualitative design.

When reviewing methodology to determine a design, the researcher should decide:

1. What information will be gathered
2. Whether the problem being studied affects a large number of people
3. How the data will be analyzed
4. What additional resources are needed to conduct the research

When determining a research design, consider the following elements:

• Environment or setting
• Population or subjects
• Randomization
• Intervention or treatment
• Tools to be used
• Statistical analysis
• Communication of findings

When planning a research design, the investigator should also consider other important factors, including time, subject availability, facility resources, money, research experience, and ethics.

Marquetta Flaugher, ARNP-BC, DSN

(April 2010)