SAMARA UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

COURSE TITLE: Basic Research Method

COURSE CODE: ITEC4162

Individual Assignment

NAME

Genet Bazie ID

1002486

SUBMISSION DATE

05/08/2013 E.C
 1. Research design

Research design is the framework of research methods and techniques chosen by a researcher.
The design allows researchers to hone in on research methods that are suitable for the subject
matter and set up their studies up for success.

The design of a research topic explains the type of research (experimental, survey, correlational,

semi-experimental, review) and also its sub-type (experimental design, research problem,
descriptive case-study). 

There are three main types of research design: Data collection, measurement, and analysis.

The type of research problem an organization is facing will determine the research design and
not vice-versa. The design phase of a study determines which tools to use and how they are used.

An impactful research design usually creates a minimum bias in data and increases trust in the
accuracy of collected data. A design that produces the least margin of error in experimental
research is generally considered the desired outcome. The essential elements of the research
design are

1. Accurate purpose statement

2. Techniques to be implemented for collecting and analyzing research
3. The method applied for analyzing collected details
4. Type of research methodology
5. Probable objections for research
6. Settings for the research study
7. Timeline
8. Measurement of analysis
Proper research design sets your study up for success. Successful research studies provide
insights that are accurate and unbiased. You’ll need to create a survey that meets all of the main
characteristics of a design. There are four key characteristics of research design:
Neutrality: When you set up your study, you may have to make assumptions about the data you
expect to collect. The results projected in the research design should be free from bias and
neutral. Understand opinions about the final evaluated scores and conclusions from multiple
individuals and consider those who agree with the derived results.

Reliability: With regularly conducted research, the researcher involved expects similar results
every time. Your design should indicate how to form research questions to ensure the standard of
results. You’ll only be able to reach the expected results if your 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.

The above factors affect the way respondents answer the research questions and so all the above
characteristics should be balanced in a good design.

A researcher must have a clear understanding of the various types of research design to select
which model to implement for a study. Like research itself, the design of your study can be
broadly classified into quantitative and qualitative.

a.Qualitative research design

Qualitative research determines relationships between collected data and observations based on

mathematical calculations. Theories related to a naturally existing phenomenon can be proved or
disproved using statistical methods. Researchers rely on qualitative research design methods that
conclude “why” a particular theory exists along with “what” respondents have to say about it.

b.Quantitative research design

Quantitative research is for cases where statistical conclusions to collect actionable insights are
essential. Numbers provide a better perspective to make critical business decisions. Quantitative
research design methods are necessary for the growth of any organization. Insights drawn from
hard numerical data and analysis prove to be highly effective when making decisions related to
the future of the business.

You can further break down the types of research design into five categories:

1. Descriptive research design: In a descriptive design, a researcher is solely interested in

describing the situation or case under their research study. It is a theory-based design method
which is created by gathering, analyzing, and presenting collected data. This allows a researcher
to provide insights into the why and how of research. Descriptive design helps others better
understand the need for the research. If the problem statement is not clear, you can conduct
exploratory research. 

2. Experimental research design: Experimental research design establishes a relationship

between the cause and effect of a situation. It is a causal design where one observes the impact
caused by the independent variable on the dependent variable. For example, one monitors the
influence of an independent variable such as a price on a dependent variable such as customer
satisfaction or brand loyalty. It is a highly practical research design method as it contributes to
solving a problem at hand. The independent variables are manipulated to monitor the change it
has on the dependent variable. It is often used in social sciences to observe human behavior by
analyzing two groups. Researchers can have participants change their actions and study how the
people around them react to gain a better understanding of social psychology.

3. Correlational research design: Correlational research is a non-experimental research design

technique that helps researchers establish a relationship between two closely connected variables.
This type of research requires two different groups. There is no assumption while evaluating a
relationship between two different variables, and statistical analysis techniques calculate the
relationship between them.
A correlation coefficient determines the correlation between two variables, whose value ranges
between -1 and +1. If the correlation coefficient is towards +1, it indicates a positive relationship
between the variables and -1 means a negative relationship between the two variables. 

4. Diagnostic research design: In diagnostic design, the researcher is looking to evaluate the
underlying cause of a specific topic or phenomenon. This method helps one learn more about the
factors that create troublesome situations. 

This design has three parts of the research:

This design has three parts of the research:

· Inception of the issue

· Diagnosis of the issue

· Solution for the issue

5. Explanatory research design: Explanatory design uses a researcher’s ideas and thoughts on a
subject to further explore their theories. The research explains unexplored aspects of a subject
and details about what, how, and why of research questions.

2. Sampling Methods

What is sampling?

Sampling is a method that allows us to get information about the population based on the
statistics from a subset of the population (sample), without having to investigate every
individual.
Different Types of Sampling methods

Here comes another diagrammatic illustration! This one talks about the different types of
sampling techniques available to us:

 Probability Sampling: In probability sampling, every element of the population has an

equal chance of being selected. Probability sampling gives us the best chance to create a
sample that is truly representative of the population
 Non-Probability Sampling: In non-probability sampling, all elements do not have an
equal chance of being selected. Consequently, there is a significant risk of ending up with
a non-representative sample which does not produce generalizable results

Types of Probability Sampling

Simple Random Sampling

This is a type of sampling technique you must have come across at some point. Here, every
individual is chosen entirely by chance and each member of the population has an equal chance
of being selected.
 Cluster sampling: Cluster sampling is a method where the researchers divide the entire
population into sections or clusters that represent a population. Clusters are identified and
included in a sample based on demographic parameters like age, sex, location, etc.

Systematic sampling: Researchers use the systematic sampling method to choose the sample
members of a population at regular intervals. It requires the selection of a starting point for the
sample and sample size that can be repeated at regular intervals.

Stratified random sampling: Stratified random sampling is a method in which the researcher
divides the population into smaller groups that don’t overlap but represent the entire population.

Types of non-probability sampling with examples

The non-probability method is a sampling method that involves a collection of feedback based
on a researcher or statistician’s sample selection capabilities and not on a fixed selection process.

Convenience sampling: This method is dependent on the ease of access to subjects such as
surveying customers at a mall or passers-by on a busy street

Judgmental or purposive sampling: Judgemental or purposive samples are formed by the

discretion of the researcher. Researchers purely consider the purpose of the study, along with the
understanding of the target audience

Snowball sampling: Snowball sampling is a sampling method that researchers apply when the
subjects are difficult to trace. For example, it will be extremely challenging to survey shelterless
people or illegal immigrants. In such cases, using the snowball theory, researchers can track a
few categories to interview and derive results.

 Quota sampling:  In Quota sampling, the selection of members in this sampling

technique happens based on a pre-set standard. In this case, as a sample is formed based on
specific attributes, the created sample will have the same qualities found in the total
population.
A.Steps in Sampling Process
1. Defining the target population.
2. Specifying the sampling frame.
3. Specifying the sampling unit.
4. Selection of the sampling method.
5. Determination of sample size.
6. Specifying the sampling plan.
7. Selecting the sample.

3. Data collection Techniques/Tools

What is Data Collection?

Data collection is a methodical process of gathering and analyzing specific information to proffer
solutions to relevant questions and evaluate the results. It focuses on finding out all there is to a
particular subject matter. Data is collected to be further subjected to hypothesis testing which
seeks to explain a phenomenon.

Types of Data Collection 

Before broaching the subject of the various types of data collection. It is pertinent to note that
data collection in itself falls under two broad categories; Primary data collection and secondary
data collection.

Primary Data Collection

Primary data collection by definition is the gathering of raw data collected at the source. It is a
process of collecting the original data collected by a researcher for a specific research purpose. It
could be further analyzed into two segments; qualitative research and quantitative data collection
methods. 

 Qualitative Research Method 

The qualitative research methods of data collection does not involve the collection of data that
involves numbers or a need to be deduced through a mathematical calculation, rather it is based
on the non-quantifiable elements like the feeling or emotion of the researcher.
  Quantitative Method

Quantitative methods are presented in numbers and require a mathematical calculation to deduce.
An example would be the use of a questionnaire with close-ended questions to arrive at figures to
be calculated Mathematically. Also, methods of correlation and regression, mean, mode and
median.

Secondary Data Collection

Secondary data collection, on the other hand, is referred to as the gathering of second-hand data
collected by an individual who is not the original user. It is the process of collecting data that is
already existing, be it already published books, journals and/or online portals. In terms of ease, it
is much less expensive and easier.

Data Collection Techniques/Tools

Observation
Making direct observations is a simple and unobtrusive way of collecting data. Gathering
firsthand information in the field gives the observer a holistic perspective exists.

The observations are recorded in field notes or on a mobile device if the observer is collecting
data electronically (like with Fulcrum).

Some examples of observational data collection are building inspections, safety checklists,
agricultural surveys, and damage assessments.

Observation is an effective method because it is straightforward and efficient: I

Surveys / Questionnaires

Questionnaires are a popular means of data collection because they are inexpensive and can
provide a broad perspective. They can be conducted face-to-face, by mail, telephone, or Internet
(in which case, they can include respondents from anywhere in the world).
Interviews

Interviews can be conducted in person or by phone, and can be structured (using survey forms)
or unstructured.

The downsides are that interviews require time and money to plan and execute — including
interviewer training — and they require more cooperation on the part of the interviewee, who
may be uncomfortable sharing personal information.

But there are also many benefits to interviews: They don’t require the literacy on the part of the
respondents, for one thing. For another, they allow the interviewer (especially a well-trained one)
to uncover deep insight by clarifying and deep-diving into the respondent’s answers, as well as
by collecting nonverbal data.

Focus Group

A focus group is simply a group interview of people who all have something in common. They
provide the same type of data as in-person interviews, but add a social element and offer a
broader understanding of why a group thinks or behaves in a particular way.

Focus groups are useful when examining cultural values or other complex issues, but also have
their drawbacks. Lack of privacy or anonymity can present a major obstacle, as can “group
think,” or the potential for the group to be dominated by one or two participants.‍

4. Documentary analysis
Documentary analysis Document analysis is a form of qualitative research that uses a
systematic procedure to analyze documentary evidence and answer specific research questions.
Similar to other methods of analysis in qualitative research, document analysis requires repeated
review, examination, and interpretation of the data in order to gain meaning and empirical
knowledge of the construct being studied. Document analysis can be conducted as a stand-alone
study or as a component of a larger qualitative or mixed methods study, where it is often used to
triangulate findings gathered from another data source (e.g., interview or focus group transcripts,
observation, surveys). When used in triangulation, documents can corroborate or refute,
elucidate, or expand on findings across other data sources, which help to guard against like how
focus group or interview transcripts are investigated. There are three primary types of
documents.

 Public Records: The official, ongoing records of an organization’s activities. Examples

include student transcripts, mission statements, annual reports, policy manuals, student
handbooks, strategic plans, and syllabi.
 Personal Documents: First-person accounts of an individual’s actions, experiences, and
beliefs. Examples include calendars, e-mails, scrapbooks, blogs, Facebook posts, duty logs,
incident reports, reflections/journals, and newspapers.
 Physical Evidence: Physical objects found within the study setting (often called artifacts).
Examples include flyers, posters, agendas, handbooks, and training materials..

The Advantages of Document Analysis

There are many reasons why researchers choose to use document analysis. Firstly, document
analysis is an efficient and effective way of gathering data because documents are manageable
and practical resources. Documents are commonplace and come in a variety of forms, making
documents a very accessible and reliable source of data. Obtaining and analysing documents is
often far more cost efficient and time efficient than conducting your own research or experiments
(Bowen, 2009). Also, documents are stable, “non-reactive” data sources, meaning that they can
be read and reviewed multiple times and remain unchanged by the researcher’s influence or
research process.
References:
1. Bowen, G. A. (2009). Document analysis as a qualitative research method. 2. Qualitative
Research Journal, 9(2), 27-40. Dion: 10.3316/QRJ0902027
3.O’Leary, Z. (2014). The essential guide to doing your research project (2nd Ed.).
4 Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.