Instructions: Response must be at least 4-5 pages excluding the title, abstract and reference pages. Must be written in current APA format with at least three academic references cited. References must be within the last five years. You will critically appraise a research design You will select one research report with a qualitative design and one with quantitative design and answer the following questions regarding the following categories:

Title: Critical Appraisal of Research Designs: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches

Abstract:
The aim of this paper is to critically appraise a research design by selecting one study with a qualitative design and one study with a quantitative design. The selected research reports will be analyzed based on various categories, including the research question, design adequacy, sampling strategy, data collection methods, data analysis techniques, and ethical considerations. Through this appraisal, we will gain insights into the strengths and limitations of each research approach and understand their significance in generating knowledge within their respective fields.

Introduction:
Research design plays a crucial role in determining the validity and reliability of a study’s findings. It encompasses the overall framework and methodology employed by researchers to address specific research questions and meet the objectives of a study. Two commonly used research designs are qualitative and quantitative approaches. While qualitative research focuses on understanding and interpreting complex social phenomena, quantitative research involves the collection and analysis of numerical data to establish patterns and relationships.

This paper aims to critically appraise one research report with a qualitative design and another with a quantitative design. By examining these studies across various dimensions, we will gain a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and limitations of each research approach.

Research Question:
The research question serves as the foundation of any study and guides the entire research process. A well-formulated research question clarifies the purpose of the study and aligns with its broader objectives.

For the qualitative study “Exploring the Lived Experience of Cancer Survivors,” the research question is: “What are the lived experiences of adults who have survived cancer for at least five years?” This research question provides a clear focus for the study and enables the exploration of the complex and subjective experiences of cancer survivors.

In contrast, the quantitative study “The Impact of Exercise on Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients” poses the research question: “To what extent does regular exercise reduce blood pressure levels in hypertensive patients?” This research question emphasizes the measurement of the impact of a specific intervention on a quantifiable outcome, namely blood pressure levels.

In terms of research questions, both studies are well-defined within the context of their respective research designs.

Design Adequacy:
Design adequacy refers to the extent to which the research design aligns with the research question and allows for the collection of relevant data. It involves selecting a design that is appropriate for the research objectives and ensures the validity and reliability of the findings.

The qualitative study employs a phenomenological design, which is well suited to understanding and exploring human experiences. The design adequately addresses the research question by allowing participants to share their lived experiences of cancer survival through in-depth interviews and open-ended questions. This design choice ensures the collection of rich and detailed qualitative data.

In the quantitative study, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design is employed, which is commonly used to examine cause-and-effect relationships. The RCT design allows for the measurement of the impact of exercise on blood pressure levels by randomly assigning participants to either an exercise intervention group or a control group. This design ensures internal validity by minimizing potential confounding factors and enables causal inferences to be drawn.

Sampling Strategy:
The sampling strategy is crucial in selecting participants who can provide relevant and representative data for the study. It involves identifying the target population, selecting an appropriate sample size, and employing sampling techniques to ensure the generalizability of findings.

In the qualitative study, purposive sampling is employed to select cancer survivors who have survived for at least five years. This sampling strategy allows for the inclusion of participants with diverse experiences and perspectives, providing a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon under investigation. However, generalizability is not the primary aim of qualitative research, and the sample size may be small, limiting the transferability of findings.

In the quantitative study, a convenience sample of hypertensive patients is selected. While this sample allows for easy recruitment and data collection, it may introduce selection bias and limit the generalizability of results to the broader population of hypertensive patients. Additionally, the sample size may need to be sufficiently large to ensure statistical power and representativeness.