A decision tree that guides you from your research goals to the specific design type that fits.
If you're nodding along to any of these, this tool was made for you.
Confused by the many design options (experimental, correlational, phenomenology, case study...)
Not sure if your design matches your research question type
Worried you'll choose a design that can't answer your RQ
Committee questioning your design choice
A clear decision tree starting with your main research goal, guiding you through qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods options to your specific design type.
Everything you need to make confident decisions
Start with "What is the MAIN GOAL of your research?" and follow the path to your methodology
Compare phenomenology, grounded theory, case study, ethnography, and narrative with decision questions
Navigate experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational, cross-sectional, and longitudinal options
Choose between sequential explanatory, sequential exploratory, convergent parallel, and embedded designs
Common mismatches to avoid for each design type
Simple steps to transform your research process
Answer the primary question: Explore, Measure, or Both?
Follow clarifying questions to your recommended methodology
Use the specific selector (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed) to identify your exact design
Check red flags to avoid common mismatches
Document your justification using the provided framework
Choose appropriate designs confidently
Understand design limitations
Match designs to research contexts
Choose a design that actually fits your research question. No more mismatch anxiety.
Get instant access to Research Design Type Selector and start seeing results today.
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