Research Design Approaches in Medical and Clinical Sciences: Assumptions, Strength, and Weakness

Basic research is appropriate for finding overarching principles of human behavior and biophysiological processes, whereas applied research is intended to demonstrate how these principles can be used to solve problems in a healthcare setting. Hence, this review paper examined the research design approaches in medical and clinical sciences, considering its strengths and weaknesses. Research process consists of the necessary steps or series of actions required to conduct a scientific research effectively and the desired sequencing of these steps. Research methods are classified into various types, which majorly include qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. Qualitative research could be phenomenological, grounded theory, ethnographic, or exploratory-descriptive in nature. Quantitative research uses numerical data to obtain knowledge about the world. Quantitative research conducted in medical and clinical sciences could involve; descriptive research, correlational research, quasi-experimental research, or experimental research in nature. However, qualitative research can also be helpful in examining subjects about which there is little information and in understanding subjective data. Mixed research methods combine quantitative and qualitative research methods in a single study. In general, the knowledge of research design can help researcher better plan the project utilizing the most appropriate methodologies and techniques.