Research Design

Module 8
Research design
• The function of a research design is to ensure that the evidence obtained
enables you to effectively address the research problem logically and as
unambiguously as possible.
• A research design is the plan of a research study.
• “A research design is the arrangement of conditions for collection and
analysis of data in a manner that aims to combine relevance to the research
purpose with economy in procedure.
• The design of a study defines the study type (descriptive, correlational,
semi-experimental, experimental, review, meta-analytic) and sub-type and,
if applicable, data collection methods and a statistical analysis plan.
• The length and complexity of describing research designs vary
considerably
• The research design is the conceptual structure within which research is
conducted; it constitutes the blueprint for the collection, measurement and
analysis of data
Research design
What, Why, Where will the study be carried out?
• type of data is required, source of required data, What periods of time
will the study include, sample design, techniques of data collection, How
will the data be analysed, In what style will the report be prepared?
• Addressing above mentioned questions , overall research design into the
following parts:
• (a) the sampling design which deals with the method of selecting items to
be observed for the given study.
• (b) the observational design which relates to the conditions under which
the observations are to be made;
• (c) the statistical design which concerns with the question of how many
items are to be observed and how the information and data gathered are
to be analyzed; and
• (d) the operational design which deals with the techniques by which the
procedures specified in the sampling, statistical and observational designs
can be carried out.
Significance and need of Research design
• A research design appropriate for a particular research problem, usually involves the consideration of the following
factors:
• (i) the means of obtaining information; (ii) the availability and skills of the researcher and his staff, if any; (iii) the
objective of the problem to be studied; (iv) the nature of the problem to be studied; and (v) the availability of time
and money for the research work.
• Neutrality: The results projected in the research should be free from bias and neutral.
• Reliability: With regularly conducted research, the researcher involved expects similar results every time. Research
design should indicate how to form research questions to ensure the standard of results. Expected results can be
obtained only if design is reliable.
• Validity: There are multiple measuring tools available. However, the only correct measuring tools are those which
help a researcher in gauging results according to the objective of the research. The questionnaire developed from
this design will then be valid.
• Generalization: The outcome of your design should apply to a population and not just a restricted sample. A
generalized design implies that your survey can be conducted on any part of a population with similar accuracy.
• Clarity of Objectives: A well-defined research design helps to clearly outline the objectives and research questions
of the study.
• Efficiency: An effective research design optimizes the use of resources, including time, funding, and personnel.
• Ethical Considerations: Research design incorporates ethical principles and guidelines to ensure the protection of
participants' rights, minimize risks, and uphold standards of integrity and transparency.
Methodology Versus Design
• Research methodology focuses on the systematic approach, theoretical
framework, and specific methods used to carry out the research within the
chosen research paradigm (e.g., positivism, interpretivism).
• Research design focuses on the blueprint or framework of the study,
providing a roadmap for how the research will be carried out, including
decisions about the type of study, selection of participants or cases,
methods of data collection and analysis, and timeline for the research.
• Research design provides the blueprint, while research methodology
outlines the tools and techniques used to implement that blueprint.
• Research methodology guides researchers in making decisions about the
philosophical assumptions underlying the research, the chosen research
paradigms.
• Research design provides the structure and organization for implementing
the chosen research methodology.
Functions of Research Design
• Identification and development of procedures and logical
arrangements required to undertake a study.
• To emphasize the importance of quality in these procedures to
ensure their validity.
• Clearly specifies what procedure to follow and how to follow them.
Types of research designs
• Experimental research design:
• Assumes that there is a causal relationship between variables.
• Assumes that variables can be manipulated and controlled to test
hypotheses.
• Involves manipulation of an independent variable and observation
of its effects on a dependent variable.
• Employs random assignment of participants to experimental and
control groups to control for confounding variables.
• Typically utilizes quantitative data collection and analysis
techniques, such as statistical tests (e.g., t-tests, ANOVA).
• Useful for testing causal relationships and establishing cause-and-
effect.
Correlational design
• Assumes that there is an association or relationship between variables.
• Does not imply causation; correlations do not necessarily indicate causality.
• Involves measuring and assessing the relationship between two or more
variables without manipulating them.
• Uses correlational analysis techniques (e.g., Pearson correlation coefficient)
to quantify the strength and direction of relationships.
• Allows for the identification of patterns and associations in data
• Useful for exploring relationships between variables and generating
hypotheses for further research.
• Provides insights into natural relationships without experimental
manipulation.
Qualitative research design
• Assumes that reality is socially constructed and context-dependent.
• Values subjective experiences, meanings, and perspectives.
• Involves collecting rich, in-depth data through methods such as
interviews, observations, and document analysis.
• Focuses on understanding the complexities and nuances of human
behavior and experiences.
• Utilizes qualitative data analysis techniques (e.g., thematic analysis,
content analysis) to identify patterns and themes in data.
• Useful for exploring complex phenomena, contexts, and social
processes.
• Provides rich, detailed insights into participants' perspectives and
experiences.
Longitudinal study design
• A longitudinal study design is a research method used in various
fields, including psychology, sociology, and medicine, to observe and
analyze changes in variables over an extended period.
• In a longitudinal study, researchers collect data from the same
subjects repeatedly over time, allowing them to track individual
development, behavior, or other phenomena across different stages
of life or under different conditions.
• This approach provides valuable insights into how variables evolve
over time and enables researchers to identify patterns, trends, and
causal relationships.
• Longitudinal studies are particularly useful for investigating the
effects of interventions, tracking the progression of diseases, and
understanding developmental trajectories.
example of a longitudinal study in sociology
• Topic: The Effects of Socioeconomic Status on Academic Achievement
• Study Design:
• Researchers select a group of elementary school students from diverse
socioeconomic backgrounds.
• They administer standardized tests to assess the students' academic achievement
levels.
• Over the course of 10 years, the researchers periodically collect data on the
students' family income, parents' education level, access to resources (such as
tutoring or educational materials), and other relevant socioeconomic factors.
• At the end of the 10-year period, the researchers analyze the data to determine
how changes in socioeconomic status over time have influenced the students'
academic achievement.
• By following the same group of students over an extended period, this
longitudinal study can provide insights into the long-term effects of
socioeconomic status on academic success.
cross-sectional study design
• A cross-sectional study design is a type of observational research
method that involves collecting data from a population at a single
point in time.
• In cross-sectional studies, researchers gather information on
exposure to certain factors and outcomes of interest simultaneously,
without following participants over time.
• This design allows researchers to assess the relationship between
variables at a specific moment, providing a snapshot of the
population's characteristics and behaviors.
• Cross-sectional studies are commonly used to estimate prevalence,
explore associations between variables, and generate hypotheses.
• However, they cannot establish causality or determine the temporal
sequence of events because they do not track individuals over time.
example of a cross-sectional design study in
sociology:
• Topic: Attitudes Towards Climate Change Among Different Age Groups
• Study Design:
• Researchers select participants from various age groups, such as teenagers,
young adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults.
• They administer a survey questionnaire that assesses attitudes, beliefs, and
behaviors related to climate change.
• Data is collected from each age group at a single point in time.
• The researchers analyze the survey responses to identify any differences or
similarities in attitudes towards climate change among the different age
groups.
• This cross-sectional study provides a snapshot of attitudes towards climate
change across different age groups at a specific moment in time, allowing
researchers to compare and contrast perspectives without following
individuals over time.