The number of subjects in a study increased between the time the study was begun and the date the researcher concluded the data collection. Which is the most likely research design for this study?

Qualitative research is the most likely research design for this study. Qualitative research is a type of research that explores and describes the meanings, experiences, and perspectives of human phenomena. Qualitative research does not aim to test hypotheses or measure variables, but rather to generate rich and in-depth data that can be analyzed using various methods, such as thematic analysis, content analysis, or grounded theory. Qualitative research often uses purposive or convenience sampling, which means that the researcher selects participants who can provide relevant and diverse information about the phenomenon of interest. Qualitative research also often uses an iterative or emergent design, which means that the researcher adjusts the research questions, methods, and sampling strategies as the data collection and analysis progress. Therefore, it is possible that the number of subjects in a qualitative study increased between the time the study was begun and the date the researcher concluded the data collection, as the researcher may have identified new or additional participants who could contribute to the understanding of the phenomenon.

Quasi-experimental research is a type of research that examines the effects of an intervention or treatment on an outcome variable using a non-randomized or pre-existing group design. Quasi- experimental research aims to test hypotheses and measure variables using statistical analysis, such as analysis of variance or regression. Quasi-experimental research usually uses fixed or predetermined sampling and design strategies, which means that the researcher decides the number and characteristics of participants and groups before starting the data collection. Therefore, it is unlikely that the number of subjects in a quasi-experimental study increased between the time the study was begun and the date the researcher concluded the data collection, as this would compromise the validity and reliability of the study.

Experimental research is a type of research that examines the effects of an intervention or treatment on an outcome variable using a randomized controlled trial design. Experimental research aims to test hypotheses and measure variables using statistical analysis, such as analysis of variance or regression. Experimental research usually uses fixed or predetermined sampling and design strategies, which means that the researcher decides the number and characteristics of participants and groups before starting the data collection. Therefore, it is unlikely that the number of subjects in an experimental study increased

between the time the study was begun and the date the researcher concluded the data collection, as this would compromise the validity and reliability of the study.

Quantitative research is a broad term that encompasses both quasi-experimental and experimental research, as well as other types of research that use numerical data and statistical analysis to answer research questions. Quantitative research usually uses fixed or predetermined sampling and design strategies, which means that the researcher decides the number and characteristics of participants and groups before starting the data collection. Therefore, it is unlikely that the number of subjects in a quantitative study increased between the time the study was begun and the date the researcher concluded the data collection, as this would compromise the validity and reliability of the study.