The discussion below is intended to offer a brief overview of some of the designs which may be chosen when conducting a research study. Such experiments generally take place in either the field or laboratory. The purpose of survey research is to investigate different relationships between variables found in the instruments. In contrast to experimental designs, the researcher does not intervene in the organization to study the effects of the intervention. Common methods used from this approach include unstructured interviews and questionnaires.
Research tends to be from the perspective of the participants rather the researcher.
This design is often considered to be analogous with the qualitative approach. Common methods from this approach include ethnographic approaches, and archival sources of data collection. The researcher typically becomes involved with organizational members to help them deal with a specific problem. The researcher implements programs and observes the impact or influence on the perceived problem.