RESEARCH DESIGN

Research Design
• A research design is the plan or framework used to conduct a research study.

• It involves outlining the overall approach and methods that will be used to collect and analyze data
in order to answer research questions or test hypotheses.
 Research Design Elements
• Clear Purpose

• Sampling

• Data Collection

• Data Analysis

• Types of Research Methodology

• Time frame

• Ethical Considerations

• Resources
• Clear Purpose
The research question or hypothesis must be clearly defined and focused.

• Data Collection

(a) process of gathering data or

(b) information from the study participants or sources.

It includes decisions about what data to collect, how to collect it, and the tools or instruments that will
be used.

• Sampling

Includes decisions about

(a) sample size,

(b) sampling method, and

(c) criteria for inclusion or exclusion.

Approach varies for different research design types.

• Data analysis
a) analysis and interpretation of the data collected
b) includes decisions about the statistical tests or methods that will be used to analyze the data
c) potential confounding variables or biases that may need to be addressed.

• Time frame

includes decisions about the duration of the study. The timeline for data collection and analysis,
and follow-up periods.

• Ethical considerations

include decisions about ethical considerations such as informed consent, confidentiality, and
participant protection.

• Resources
A good research design takes into account decisions about the budget, staffing, and other
resources needed to carry out the study
 Characteristics of research design

• Neutrality
• Reliability
• Validity
• Generalization
• Flexibility
• Neutrality
• a neutral stance must be maintained

• free of pre-conceived notions

• The researcher’s expectations or beliefs should not color the findings or interpretation of the
findings
• Accordingly, a good research design should address potential sources of bias and confounding
factors to be able to yield unbiased and neutral results

• Reliability
• refers to consistency in measurement over repeated measures and fewer random errors

• A reliable research design must allow for results to be consistent, with few errors due to
chance
• Validity

• Validity refers to the minimization of nonrandom (systematic) errors.

• A good research design must employ measurement tools that ensure validity of the results.

• Generalizability:

• The outcome of the research design should be applicable to a larger population and not just a small sample.

• A generalized method means the study can be conducted on any part of a population with similar accuracy.

• Flexibility:

• A research design should allow for changes to be made to the research plan as needed, based on the data

collected and the outcomes of the study