What is a major class of research design that involves multiple subjects rather than focusing on individual cases?

Group design is a significant class of research methodology that centers on studying multiple subjects simultaneously rather than isolating individual cases. This approach allows researchers to analyze data from a larger sample size which can enhance the generalizability of the findings. By utilizing group design, researchers can evaluate the effects of an intervention or treatment across different participants, providing a broader understanding of how the intervention works in a variety of scenarios.

In group designs, statistical techniques can be applied to determine the significance of the results, enabling researchers to draw conclusions about the efficacy of treatments or conditions across the population as a whole. This contrasts with designs that focus narrowly on single subjects or individual cases, which can yield valuable insights but may lack the comprehensive perspective offered by analyzing multiple subjects together.

In summary, understanding group design is crucial for recognizing how research findings can apply to larger populations, making it an essential aspect of empirical studies.