What is research design?

While research design is a fundamental aspect of research methods. It focuses on the planning and structuring of an investigation to answer a specific research question effectively.

What are the main features of research design?

• Purposeful Approach: Choosing the most appropriate design (e.g., experiment, survey, case study) to address the research question.
• Control and Bias: Designing a study that minimizes bias and allows for drawing valid conclusions.
• Ethical Considerations: Ensuring the research design adheres to ethical guidelines for participant selection and data collection.

What are important sub-areas in research design?

• Quantitative Designs:

  • Experimental Design: Manipulating variables to observe cause-and-effect relationships.
  • Survey Research: Collecting data from a large sample through questionnaires or interviews.
  • Quasi-Experimental Design: Similar to experiments but with less control over variables.

• Qualitative Designs:

  • Case Studies: In-depth exploration of a single individual, group, or event.
  • Ethnography: Immersive study of a culture or social group through observation and participation.
  • Phenomenological Research: Understanding the lived experiences of individuals from their perspective.

• Mixed Methods Design: Combining quantitative and qualitative approaches for a more holistic understanding.

What are key concepts in research design?

• Research Question: The specific question the study aims to answer.
• Variables: The elements you're measuring or analyzing in your research (e.g., age, income, satisfaction level).
• Independent and Dependent Variables: In experiments, the independent variable is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable.
• Validity: The extent to which a research design measures what it intends to measure.
• Reliability: The consistency of the research design if the study were repeated under similar conditions.
• Sample and Population: The sample is the group you're studying, representing the larger population you're interested in.

Who are influential figures in research design?

• Sir Ronald Fisher: A pioneer of experimental design and statistical analysis.
• Donald Campbell: Developed influential frameworks for evaluating research designs.
• John W. Creswell: A prominent researcher known for his work on mixed methods research design.
• Robert K. Yin: A leading figure in case study research methodology.
• Anselm Strauss: A sociologist who contributed significantly to qualitative research design, particularly grounded theory.

Why is research design important?

• Foundation for Reliable Findings: A well-designed research study ensures the data collected is relevant and leads to trustworthy conclusions.
• Optimizing Resource Allocation: Designing an efficient study helps manage resources (time, money, personnel) effectively.
• Addressing Bias: A strong research design minimizes bias and allows for more objective conclusions.
• Replication and Generalizability: A solid design facilitates the replication of the study by others and the generalizability of findings to a wider population.

How is research design applied in practice?

• All Research Fields: Research design is crucial for any study, from scientific research and social science investigations to business research and educational research.
• Public Policy Development: Informing policy decisions by designing studies that evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies or potential interventions.
• Program Evaluation: Research design plays a key role in assessing the impact of programs and interventions in various domains.
• Marketing and Product Development: Designing studies to understand consumer preferences and optimize marketing strategies and product development.
• Clinical Trials: Developing research designs for testing the efficacy and safety of new drugs and treatments.