Research Design Definition, Functions;

Study Designs Based on Number of Contacts, Based On

Reference Period, Experimental, Non-Experimental And Quasi-
Experimental Study Designs,
Cross- Over Comparative Experimental Design, Replicated
Cross-Sectional Design, Action Research.
Methods of Data Collection Primary and Secondary Sources;
Primary Data Collection Instruments; Attitudinal Scales Likert,
Thurstone, Guttman Scales;
Validity of Research Instruments Face And
Content, Concurrent And Predictive, Construct Validity;
Reliability of Research Instruments External And Internal
Consistency Procedures.

Before beginning your paper, you need to decide
how you plan to design the study
The research design refers to the overall strategy that
you choose to integrate the different components of the
study in a coherent and logical way, thereby, ensuring
you will effectively address the research problem; it
constitutes the blueprint for the collection
measurement, and analysis of data. Note that your
research problem determines the type of design you
can use, not the other way around!

RESEARCH DESIGN- FEATURES
Specifies the
source and type
of information
relevant to the
research
problem
PLAN
Specifies which
approach will be
used to gather
and analyse the
data
STRATEGY
Specifies cost
and budget and
the constraints
under which the
study will be
carried out
Research
Design
DEFINITION OF RESEACH DESIGN
A traditional design is a blue print or detailed plan
for how a research study is to be completed-
operationalizing variables so they can be measured,
selecting a sample of interest to study, collecting data
to be used as a basis for testing hypothesis, and
analyzing the results.
(Thyer)
FUNCTIONS OF RESEARCH DESIGN
Research design has two main functions:-
Identification and or/development of procedures
and logistical arrangements required to undertake a
study
The second emphasizes the importance of quality in
these procedures to ensure their validity, objectivity
and accuracy.
Could be understood with an example of IV, DV and
Extraneous variables.
INDEPENDENT & DEPENDENT VARIABLE

Any variable that is responsible for bringing about a
change is Independent variable

Any variable in which a change is cause due to
independent variable is a dependent variable.
EXTRANEOUS VARIABLE
All other factors which affect the relationship
between independent and Dependent variable are
called extraneous variables. These variables exists in
every study cannot be eliminated however they can
be controlled to some extent.
TYPES OF RESEARCH DESIGN
Research
Design
Qualitative
Descripti
ve
Phenomenology
Grounded
Theory
Case
Report
Quantitative
Analytica
l
Experimen
tal
Randomized
Clinical Trial
Non-
Randomized
Clinical Trials
Non
Experimen
tal
Cohort
Case -
control
Cross
sectional
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
A systematic, subjective approach and is used to
describe life experiences as it is.

It is used in social and behavioural sciences.

A descriptive study is one in which information is
collected without changing the environment (i.e.,
nothing is manipulated). Sometimes these are
referred to as correlational or observational
studies
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
It is used to:
1. Describe variables
2. Examine relationships among variables
3. Determine cause and effect interactions between
variables
4. Used pre-dominantly for scientific investigation

TIMEFRAME OF STUDIES
Prospective Study
Looks forward, looks to the future, examines future
events, follows a condition, concern or disease into
the future
time
Study begins here
TIMEFRAME OF STUDIES
Retrospective Study
To look back, looks back in time to study events
that have already occurred
time
Study begins here
FUNCTIONS OF RESEARCH
DESIGNS
Research design helps to conceptualize an
operational plan to undertake the various
procedure and tasks required to complete the
research study.
It ensures that the procedures being adopted are
adequate to obtain valid, reliable and accurate
answers to research problems. Kerlinger calls this
function the control of variance.
IMPORTANCE / UTILITY OF
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research design is important as it prepares proper
framework within which the research work/activity
will be actually carried out Research design acts as a
blue print for the conduct of the whole research project.
It introduces efficiency in investigation and generates
confidence in the final outcome of the study. Research
design gives proper direction and time-table to
research activity. It keeps adequate check on the
research work and ensures its completion within
certain time limit. It keeps the whole research project
on the right track.
Research design avoids possible errors as regards
research problem, information requirement and so
on. It gives practical orientation to the whole
research work and makes it relevant to the
marketing problems faced by the sponsoring
organisation. Finally, it makes the whole research
process compact and result-oriented. A researcher
should not go ahead with his research project
unless the research design is planned properly
Features of a good research design
A research design appropriate for a particular research
problem, usually involves the following features.
The mean of obtaining information.
The availability and skills of the researcher and his staff, if
any.
The objective of the problem to be studied.
The nature of the problem to be studied .
The availability of time and money for the research work.


Example Outcomes of a Research Design
(i) What is the study about?
(ii) Why is the study being made?
(iii) Where will the study be carried out?
(iv) What type of data is required?
(v) Where can the required data be found?
(vi) What periods of time will the study include?
(vii) What will be the sample design?
(viii) What techniques of data collection will be used?
(ix) How will the data be analysed?
(x) In what style will the report be prepared?
Types of Research Designs
Based on the nature of investigation
Experimental
Non-experimental
Quasi-experimental
type of experiment design in which one has little or
no control over the allocation of the treatments or
other factors being studied.
Types of Research Designs
Based on the number of contacts
Longitudinal designs
Track participants over an extended amount of
time
Same people are studied at more than one time to
record changes over time
Cross-sectional designs
Involves different people at the same point of
time
Types of Research Designs
Based on the reference period
Historical research designs
Involve analysis of events which occurred during a
certain period in history