Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A study design refers to the specific plan or framework that researchers use to collect and analyze data in order to answer a research question. It outlines the methods, procedures, and variables involved in a study.
In an experiment, the control group is not exposed to the independent variable being tested. It serves as a baseline against which changes are compared.
Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT): An RCT is an experimental study design where participants are randomly assigned either to receive an intervention or not. It allows researchers to determine cause-and-effect relationships between variables.
Cross-sectional Study: This type of study design collects data from different groups at one point in time. It provides information about prevalence or associations but does not establish causality.