Mindset XR Module 14: Research design
Welcome to the Mindset Extended Reality (XR) Innovation Support Programme learning resources, which include three series delivered in conjunction with our expert Mindset-XR programme partners:
• Medical regulation
• Clinical evidence
• Lived experience involvement
Mindset-XR is helping to catalyse the growth of immersive digital mental health solutions in the UK, through funding, tailored support and training. It is delivered by Innovate UK and the Health Innovation Network South London (HIN).
This series focuses on research and clinical evidence, with key insights from King's College London's Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience. Across a number of modules, these resources will guide you through your research journey, from establishing what you plan to investigate, to conducting research and disseminating your findings.
Outline
What makes good research design?
Things to consider before delving into research design.
Design options in research
Understanding the different research design methods available.
Common pitfalls
A list of common pitfalls to be aware of when designing your research project.
Welcome to Module 14: Research design. In this section, we're focusing on:
What makes good research design?
All good research design follows from the research question.
Before considering your design, you must consider if your research question is:
-
- • Well defined
- • Useful
- • Possible to answer within the context of the research
In Module 13, we covered how to settle on the right question (or questions) to shape your research.
Design options in research
Common pitfalls
Moving too fast
Not taking sufficient time to plan can be detrimental to your research. Allocating sufficient time at the start to carefully design the research will ensure the efforts you put in will lead to meaningful outcomes.
Being too ambitious
Attempting too many things, or answering too many questions within a single piece of research is another common pitfall. The risk is you fail to address the main aim or research question you had at the start.
- It is helpful to consider how the current project you are designing is going to fit into a bigger programme of research.
Losing sight of the human angle
Focusing so much on the research design element sometimes makes it easy to forget human beings are the ones involved in the XR research.
This can often be seen when researchers are developing their battery of outcome measures. There can be a tendency to keep adding ‘just one more’ measure – and end up with a battery of measures that is too long. You are then likely to face issues in terms of higher drop out and poorer data quality.
- Careful consideration of the research question and the involvement of experts by experience throughout the study are key ways to mitigate this risk.
Summary
Making sure your research question is well defined and useful lays the groundwork for successful research design.
Different research designs are equipped to address different research questions. A blend of research design methods can be beneficial for the evaluation of XR interventions.
Taking the time to acknowledge and work through common pitfalls in the design process will help you avoid them in your own research journey.
Resources
