There are a number of different research methods which can be used depending on the type of question being researched.
Qualitative methods
Answers a question about people’s opinions, perceptions, experiences.
There are a number of different qualitative research methods. These can include interviews, surveys, focus groups. Many qualitative methods have theoretical approaches, such as ‘grounded theory’, ‘pragmatism’.
Clinical trials
Answers a question about the effectiveness of an intervention.
There a number of different methods used to test the effectiveness of an intervention. The best method is a randomised control trial (RCT). Other methods include controlled clinical trial (also sometimes known as a case-control study).
Observational studies
Answers a question about prognosis, prevalence, association (relationships), outcome measures.
There are a number of different observational studies. These studies measure outcomes but do not change the treatment a patient gets. Methods include cohort studies.
Case study
Answers a question about the effectiveness of an intervention in an individual patient.
These can have a number of different methods. They test the response of an individual patient to one or more treatments. Often a study will include a number (or ‘series’) of cases.
Page last reviewed: 14 May 2020
