Grant Joseph Sarmiento Course: CE Project I

BSCE-IV Activity: Research Work II

A. Research Design, Methods, and Procedure

a. Research Design
Research design serves as a framework that researchers use to plan the methods and
techniques they will employ in their studies. This framework is essential for refining the
research methods to suit the specific subject matter and for ensuring the study's success. A
well-structured research design accomplishes several crucial functions:
1. Clarifying Objectives: It assists researchers in defining the study's purpose and
objectives, providing a clear understanding of what they aim to achieve.

2. Method Selection: It guides the selection of the most appropriate research methods and
techniques that align with the research questions or hypotheses.

3. Resource Management: It aids in the efficient allocation of resources, including time,

budget, and personnel, by outlining the necessary steps and procedures.

4. Data Collection and Analysis: It specifies the procedures for collecting, processing, and
analyzing data, ensuring a systematic and rigorous research process.

5. Ensuring Validity and Reliability: A thoughtfully designed research study is more likely
to produce trustworthy and accurate results by reducing bias and errors.

6. Addressing Ethical Concerns: It helps researchers address ethical considerations, such

as obtaining informed consent and safeguarding participant confidentiality.

7. Flexibility: While providing structure, a well-designed research plan should also allow
for adaptability in response to unexpected challenges or opportunities that may arise
during the research process.

There exist various types of research designs, including experimental, correlational,

descriptive, and qualitative designs, among others. The selection of a particular design
hinges on factors such as the research questions, data characteristics, available
resources, and overall research objectives.

In summary, research design plays a pivotal role in research, as it establishes how

a study will be conducted and ensures that research methods are in harmony with the
 study's goals. Crafting a sound research design is fundamental to the success and
credibility of any research endeavor.

b. Methods

Research methods encompass the instruments and techniques employed in the

research process. They can be categorized as either qualitative, quantitative, or a
combination of both (mixed methods). Here's a breakdown of these approaches:

1. Quantitative Methods: These methods revolve around the examination of numerical

data. Researchers employing quantitative methods often gather data through
structured surveys, experiments, or observations, and then use statistical tools and
techniques to analyze the collected data. Quantitative research allows for the
measurement of variables and the establishment of relationships between them. The
results of quantitative research can be presented using graphs, charts, and tables,
making it easier to visualize patterns and trends in the data.

2. Qualitative Methods: In contrast to quantitative methods, qualitative research

focuses on non-numerical data. Qualitative researchers delve into the exploration
of subjective experiences, meanings, and behaviors of individuals or groups. They
typically collect data through open-ended interviews, observations, or the analysis
of textual or visual materials. Qualitative research aims to uncover and understand
patterns, themes, and narratives within the data. Findings are often presented as
textual descriptions or thematic analyses rather than numerical figures.

3. Mixed Methods: Mixed methods research integrates both qualitative and

quantitative research techniques within a single study. This approach offers the
flexibility to explore research questions from multiple angles. Researchers may
start with one method (qualitative or quantitative) and then follow up with the other
to gain a deeper understanding of the research topic. Mixed methods can help
explain unexpected or contradictory results by providing a more comprehensive
view of the subject under investigation. It allows researchers to triangulate their
findings, enhancing the overall validity and reliability of the research.

In summary, research methods are the tools and strategies researchers use to gather,
analyze, and interpret data. The choice between qualitative, quantitative, or mixed
methods depends on the nature of the research questions, the type of data needed, and
the research objectives. Each approach has its strengths and limitations, and the
selection of the appropriate method is a critical decision in the research design process.
c. Procedure
A research procedure refers to the step-by-step process that researchers follow to
conduct a research study. It outlines the systematic and organized approach to
gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to answer research questions or test
hypotheses. While specific research procedures can vary depending on the nature of
the study and the research methods employed, here is a general overview of a typical
research procedure:
a. Identifying the Research Problem: The research procedure begins with the
identification of a research problem or question. This step involves defining the
scope of the study and clarifying what the research aims to investigate or
accomplish.

b. Review of Literature: Researchers conduct a thorough review of existing literature

and studies related to the research topic. This helps in understanding what is already
known, identifying gaps in knowledge, and building a theoretical foundation for the
study.

c. Formulating Research Questions or Hypotheses: Based on the literature review,

researchers formulate specific research questions or hypotheses that will guide the
study. These research questions or hypotheses serve as the focal points of the
research.

d. Research Design: Researchers select an appropriate research design, which

includes choosing between qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods, and
deciding on data collection techniques and procedures. The research design should
align with the research questions and objectives.

e. Data Collection: This step involves collecting data according to the chosen research
design. Data collection methods may include surveys, experiments, interviews,
observations, or the analysis of existing datasets. Researchers must ensure that data
collection is conducted systematically and ethically.

f. Data Analysis: Once data is collected, researchers proceed with data analysis. In
quantitative research, this often involves statistical analysis to test hypotheses and
identify patterns or relationships in the data. In qualitative research, data analysis
may involve coding, thematic analysis, or narrative interpretation.

g. Interpretation of Results: Researchers interpret the findings in the context of the

research questions or hypotheses. They assess the significance of the results and
draw conclusions based on the data analysis.
 h. Discussion and Implications: Researchers discuss the implications of their findings,
both in relation to the existing literature and in practical terms. They may also
identify limitations of the study and suggest areas for future research.

i. Report Writing: Researchers document their research procedure, findings, and

conclusions in a formal research report or paper. The report typically follows a
structured format, including an introduction, literature review, methodology,
results, discussion, and conclusion.

j. Peer Review and Publication: In academic or scientific research, the research paper
may undergo peer review before publication in a scholarly journal. This process
involves experts in the field evaluating the quality and validity of the research.

k. Dissemination: Researchers may present their findings at conferences, seminars, or

other academic gatherings to share their work with the research community and the
broader public.

l. Application and Further Research: Depending on the nature of the research, the
findings may have practical applications or may lead to further research inquiries.

It's important to note that the specific steps and details of the research
procedure can vary widely depending on the research discipline, methodology, and
objectives. Researchers must carefully plan and execute each phase of the research
procedure to ensure the validity and reliability of their findings.

B. Stages of Research Design

Research design is a crucial aspect of the research process, and it involves several
stages or steps that researchers follow to plan and structure their studies effectively. These
stages help ensure that the research is well-organized and capable of producing meaningful
and reliable results. Here are the typical stages of research design:

a. Identifying the Research Problem: The first stage involves identifying and defining the
research problem or question. Researchers need to specify what they want to study,
why it's important, and what they hope to achieve through their research.

b. Review of Literature: Before diving into the design, researchers conduct a thorough
literature review to understand the existing body of knowledge on the topic. This helps
in identifying gaps in the literature and informs the research design.

c. Formulating Research Questions or Hypotheses: Based on the research problem and

the insights gained from the literature review, researchers formulate specific research
 questions or hypotheses. These questions or hypotheses serve as the foundation for the
entire research design.

d. Choosing the Research Approach: Researchers decide whether to adopt a qualitative,

quantitative, or mixed methods approach, depending on the nature of the research
questions and the type of data required. This decision sets the overall direction for the
research.

e. Selecting the Research Methods: Within the chosen research approach, researchers
select the specific research methods and techniques they will use. For example, if they
choose a quantitative approach, they may opt for surveys, experiments, or statistical
analysis.

f. Sampling Design: Researchers determine how they will select their sample or
participants. This includes specifying the target population, selecting a sampling
method (e.g., random sampling or purposive sampling), and determining the sample
size.

g. Data Collection Plan: Researchers create a detailed plan for data collection, outlining
the procedures, instruments, and tools they will use to gather data. This includes
designing surveys, preparing interview protocols, or setting up experimental
conditions.

h. Data Analysis Plan: Researchers develop a plan for analyzing the collected data. This
includes specifying the statistical techniques or qualitative analysis methods that will
be applied to answer the research questions or test hypotheses.

i. Ethical Considerations: Researchers address ethical considerations, such as obtaining

informed consent from participants, ensuring participant privacy and confidentiality,
and following ethical guidelines and regulations relevant to their research.

j. Pilot Testing: Before conducting the main study, researchers may pilot test their
research instruments or procedures to identify and rectify any issues or shortcomings.

k. Data Collection: Researchers carry out the data collection phase according to their plan,
ensuring that data is collected systematically and, in a manner, consistent with the
chosen research methods.

l. Data Analysis: Researchers analyze the collected data, applying the chosen statistical
or qualitative analysis techniques to derive meaningful insights and conclusions.
 m. Interpretation of Results: Researchers interpret the findings, draw conclusions, and
relate them back to the research questions or hypotheses. They assess the implications
of their results and discuss their significance.

n. Report Writing: The final stage involves documenting the entire research design,
methodology, findings, and conclusions in a research report or paper. This report is
typically structured with sections such as an introduction, literature review,
methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.

These stages of research design are iterative and interconnected. Researchers may need
to revisit and refine their design as they progress through the research process, ensuring
that the study remains focused, valid, and reliable.

Reference
https://www.questionpro.com/blog/research-design/#what_is_research_design?
Method Vs Methodology | How to write and Differences (enago.com)

Research Methods - Research Guide - Subject Guides at University of Pretoria (up.ac.za)