RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

LECTURE NOTES III

RESEARCH DESIGN

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.
Reliable observation is basic to understanding of a phenomenon and scientists depend on
the attributes of experimental or quantitative research design to achieve this.
True experimental design
This is regarded as the most accurate form of experimental research and is based on
mathematics with statistical analysis. Results from true experimental design don’t
generally generate arguments. And can be replicated by other researchers for validation.
Quantitative research design
This is the standard experimental method of most scientific disciplines. By this method
traditional and statistical means are used to measure results conclusively. If properly
designed, quantitative experiments filter out external factors and can provide real and
unbiased results.
Quantitative experiments can be difficult and expensive and require a lot of time to
perform. They must be carefully planned to ensure that there is complete randomization
and correct designation of control groups.
Generally the investigator should design the study to answer the question they think is
important and primarily address the following issues:
i. Pose significant questions that can be investigated empirically.
ii. Link research to relevant theory.
iii. Use methods that permit direct investigation of question.
iv. Provide a coherent, explicit chain of reasoning to rule out counter interpretations.
v. Replicate and generalize findings across studies.
vi. Disclose research to encourage professional scrutiny and critique.
Classification of research planning
i. Research in which the apparatus and the technique of observations and
experiments can be predicted with a high degree of precision e.g. astronomical
observations, determination of crystal structure of substances and investigations
 into electrical and magnetic properties of substances at very low temperatures.
While the results cannot be predicted and may be unpredictable ,the methods of
investigation can be confidently based, sometimes without modifications
whatever, upon the work of previous investigators.
ii. Research in which results may be forecast to a considerable extent, provided a
suitable method is applied, but where details of technique and of the apparatus
are themselves matters of experimental determination. e.g powder metallurgy and
mass separation of isotopes. In all such cases it is known fairly well what results
to expect, if it were known how to get them. And the work of previous
investigators is an invaluable guide, but modifications of known apparatus and of
technique are indispensable to success.
iii. Research in which the results maybe forecast in the form of possible alternatives,
but where new technique have to be devised to make the investigation possible.
E.g. Thomson’s determination of the mass and charge of the electron.
iv. Research in which no accurate initial forecast is possible, either with regard to
the final results or to apparatus and techniques which would ultimately be found
suitable for successful prosecution of the investigation. As was for research in
production and separation of artificial radioactive elements with atomic numbers
greater than that of uranium.
In every type of research, the investigator must expect to find that all apparatus required
is not ready at hand and not obtainable by simple purchase and that certain items must be
specially constructed. The preparation of these becomes an integral part of the research.
With formulation of the initial plan complete, the researcher turns his attention to
method.The design of the method involves a choice of perception basis to be used and
consideration of:
i. The relationship between the phenomenon investigated and the sence
perceptions engendered by them.
ii. Examination of possibilities of amplification of the sense stimuli.
iii. The problem of the observation over any desired time interval.
iv. The problem of production and control of desired factors.
v. The problem of combination of accuracy with minimum effort.
vi. The problem of the minimum number of essential observations.
Research Design as a scheme or a plan functions like the architectural plan. In that it
facilitates a mental image of the anticipated product. And its integrity and credibility is
enhanced if it has the following features:

a) Universality.
Universality ensures that the research project can be carried out by any competent person
other than the researcher himself.
Thus the research design should ensure that a competent person taking the place of the
researcher can carry out the project to completion with essentially the same results
without prejudice to the project or the validity of the research.

b) Replication.
The research should be repeatable.
A research design ensures that, any other competent researcher is able to take the problem;
collect data under the same circumstances, and within the same identical parameters as
observed by the researcher, achieve results comparable to ones of the researcher.

c) Control.
The design should show how those parameters that can influence research will be put
under control. For example if it is an experiment where temperature is an important
variable, say in an engine, the researcher should be able to show how it will be controlled
to simulate the conditions required by the engine.

d) Measurement.
The data to be used in solving the problem should be susceptible to measurement. The
factors in the research design should be easy to quantify, measure, or evaluate.
Measurement is easily accomplished in the physical sciences than in humanistic and social
research.
e) Reliability of measure.
The concept of reliability refers to the tools being used to observe, measure, and examine
the variable understudy.
For example, if the tool is machine productivity, then will the productivity be the same
when the machine is run by different operators, in different locations when producing the
same type of products?
The research design should emphasize on the reliability of the results that will be obtained
from the research.
Reliability of measure ensures that the same results could be achieved if the research were
repeated elsewhere, under the same conditions with the same population.

f) Stability of measures.
Stability of measures as a function of research design is taken to mean that the tool to be
used has been pre-tested to ensure that it produces the same actions or answers. For
example, if a questionnaire was the tool, each question in it would produce the same
answer from different respondents. Eg.calibration of measuring instruments.

g) Validity.
Internal Validity
Internal validity means that the research design must ensure that there is control of all
external and internal influences that may interfere and affect the variables being studied.
The external influences are threats to the internal validity e.g, use of untrained research
assistants to collect data, and faulty field data collection methods. In field data collection
methods, threats to internal validity include passage of time, fatigue and boredom, and
interventions as research is being carried out. Hence, for internal validity to be achieved
the research design must provide means of overcoming threats to internal validity of the
research results.
External validity
External validity refers to the representation of the entire population by the selected
sample that is the selected sample can be generalized to the entire population. To achieve
external validity, the researcher must study the characteristics of the real population so
that he can ensure that the key elements or variables of the entire population are
represented in the study sample. Thus, for external validity, the research design should
ensure the use of correct sampling procedures to avoid bias in the selection of samples.
External validity is not possible when a study is based on small populations.

h) Feasibility of the research project.

Planning the research enables the researcher to consider the nature of the data which the
investigation of the problem will demand and the feasible means of collecting and
interpreting those data. One should not go ahead when the research entails to a problem
as to data availability, collection and interpretation.

i) Scope of the research.

A research problem may lead to other related problems whose knowledge should be
sought. Hence, a researcher may stray far and wide from his area of research in pursuit of
a solution to a problem which arises out of his field of specialization.
For instant, an Engineer trying to study the nature of combustion a a certain fuel, may be
forced to go beyond the bounds of combustion into Chemistry and Biology and even to
other related fields in order to understand the ramifications of the problem or to secure
data for its resolution.
Thus a research design will enable the researcher to the type of additional knowledge he
may require in his work and where he can get the information. In this way, a research
design indicates the relationship between the problem under study and other fields of
knowledge.

j) Identification of variables.
The research design must be such that the dependent variable is attributed entirely to the
independent variable(s), and not to some extraneous variable or variables. (An extraneous
variable is one which is not related to the purpose of the study, but may affect the
dependent variable).
k) Research Hypothesis.
A good research design must have a predictive statement that relates an independent
variable to a dependent variable. Such a research hypothesis must contain, at least, one
independent and one dependent variable.
 Decisions made during research design must address:
i. What the study is about?
ii. Why the study is being made?
iii. Where the study will be carried out?
iv. What type of data is required?
v. How will the data be acquired?
vi. How long the study will take?
vii. What technique will be used for data collection?
viii. How the data will be analyzed?
ix. What style the report will take?
Conclusion

Most successful researches have been planned. Through thorough research design:
i. The researcher can anticipate potential problems in the implementation of the study
and provide means to address these as they occur.
ii. The researcher has a blue print for reference during execution of a project.
iii. The researcher can focus on specifics because the boundaries of the research
activity are defined.