Identifying Appropriate Quantitative Study Designs for Library Research

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the identification of quantitative study designs suitable for library research. Identifying a researchable question and selecting a research method best suited to it are key to the successful design and execution of any research project. Each research situation is unique, and each researcher must find the method that best suits both their situation and the question at hand. Following a brief discussion of issues related to question development, the author outlines a checklist that may assist the process of selecting study designs for quantitative research projects. When faced with options in terms of study design selection, pragmatic issues such as expertise, funding, time, and access to participants may influence this decision-making process.