Chapter-3: Research Design and Proposal

Meaning of Research Design

The formidable problem that follows the task of defining the research problem is the preparation
of the design of the research project, popularly known as the “research design”. Decisions
regarding what, where, when, how much, by what means concerning an inquiry or a research study
constitute a research design. “A 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.”

In fact, the research design is the conceptual structure within which research is conducted; it
constitutes the blueprint for the collection, measurement and analysis of data. As such the design
includes an outline of what the researcher will do from writing the hypothesis and its operational
implications to the final analysis of data. More explicitly, the design decisions happen to be in
respect of:

(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 analyzed?

(x) In what style will the report be prepared?

Keeping in view the above stated design decisions; one may split the overall research design into
the following parts:

(a) The sampling design which deals with the method of selecting items to be observed for the
given study;

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 Chapter-3: Research Design and Proposal

(b) The observational design which relates to the conditions under which the observations are to
be made;

(c) The statistical design which concerns with the question of how many items are to be observed
and how the information and data gathered are to be analyzed; and

(d) The operational design which deals with the techniques by which the procedures specified in
the sampling, statistical and observational designs can be carried out.

From what has been stated above, we can state the important features of a research design as
under:

(i) It is a plan that specifies the sources and types of information relevant to the research problem.

(ii) It is a strategy specifying which approach will be used for gathering and analyzing the data.

(iii) It also includes the time and cost budgets since most studies are done under these two
constraints.

In brief, research design must, at least, contain—

(a) A clear statement of the research problem;

(b) Procedures and techniques to be used for gathering information;

(c) The population to be studied; and

(d) Methods to be used in processing and analyzing data.

The choice of a suitable problem is one of the most challenging tasks facing a beginning researcher.
A good research problem has the qualities of significance, originality and feasibility. The
researcher should evaluate the proposed problem in the light of his competence, the availability of
data, the financial demands of the project, the limitations of time, and the possible difficulties and
social hazards.

Need for Research Design

Research design is needed because it facilitates the smooth sailing of the various research
operations, thereby making research as efficient as possible yielding maximal information with
minimal expenditure of effort, time and money.

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 Chapter-3: Research Design and Proposal

Just as for better, economical and attractive construction of a house, we need a blueprint (or what
is commonly called the map of the house) well thought out and prepared by an expert architect,
similarly we need a research design or a plan in advance of data collection and analysis for our
research project.

Research design stands for advance planning of the methods to be adopted for collecting the
relevant data and the techniques to be used in their analysis, keeping in view the objective of the
research and the availability of staff, time and money.

Preparation of the research design should be done with great care as any error in it may upset the
entire project. Research design, in fact, has a great bearing on the reliability of the results arrived
at and as such constitutes the firm foundation of the entire edifice of the research work.

In fact, they may even give misleading conclusions. Thoughtlessness in designing the research
project may result in rendering the research exercise futile. It is, therefore, imperative that an
efficient and appropriate design must be prepared before starting research operations.

The design helps the researcher to organize his ideas in a form whereby it will be possible for him
to look for flaws and inadequacies. Such a design can even be given to others for their comments
and critical evaluation. In the absence of such a course of action, it will be difficult for the critic to
provide a comprehensive review of the proposed study.

Characteristics of research design

A good research design should satisfy the following four conditions namely objectivity, reliability,
validity and generalization of the findings.

1. Objectivity

2. Reliability

3. Validity

4. Generalization

1. Objectivity: It refers to the findings related to the method of data collection and scoring of the
responses. The research design should permit the measuring instrument which is fairly objective
in which every observer or judge scoring the performance must precisely give the same report. In

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other words, the objectivity of the procedure may be judged by the degree of agreement between
the final scores assigned to different individuals by more than one independent observer. This
ensures the objectivity/impartially of the collected data which shall be capable of analysis and
drawing generalizations.

2. Reliability: Reliability refers to consistency/uniformity throughout a series of

measurements. For e.g.: if a respondent gives out a response to a particular item, he is expected
to give the same response to that item even if he is asked repeatedly. If he is changing his response
to the same item, the consistency will be lost. So the researcher should frame the items in a
questionnaire in such a way that it provides consistency or reliability.

3. Validity: Any measuring device or instrument is said to be valid when it measures what it is
expected to measure. For e.g.: an intelligence test conducted for measuring the I.Q should measure
only the intelligence and nothing else, and the questionnaire shall be framed accordingly.

4. Generalization: It means how best the data collected from the samples can be utilized for
drawing certain generalizations applicable to a large group from which sample is drawn. Thus a
research design helps an investigator to generalize his findings provided he has taken due care in
defining the population, selecting the sample, deriving appropriate statistical analysis etc. while
preparing the research design. Thus a good research design is one which is methodologically
prepared and should ensure that:

a) The measuring instrument can yield objective, reliable and valid data.
b) The population is clearly defined.
c) Most appropriate techniques of sample selection is used to form an appropriate sample.
d) Appropriate statically analysis has been carried out, and
e) the findings of the study is capable of generalizations.

Features of a good research

A good design is often characterized by adjectives like flexible, appropriate, efficient, economical
and so on. Generally, the design which minimizes bias and maximizes the reliability of the data
collected and analyzed is considered a good design. The design which gives the smallest
experimental error is supposed to be the best design in many investigations. Similarly, a design
which yields maximal information and provides an opportunity for considering many different

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aspects of a problem is considered most appropriate and efficient design in respect of many
research problems.

Thus, the question of good design is related to the purpose or objective of the research problem
and also with the nature of the problem to be studied. A design may be quite suitable in one case,
but may be found wanting in one respect or the other in the context of some other research problem.
One single design cannot serve the purpose of all types of research problems.

A research design appropriate for a particular research problem, usually involves the consideration
of the following factors:

(i) The means of obtaining information;

(ii) The availability and skills of the researcher and his staff, if any;

(iii) The objective of the problem to be studied;

(iv) The nature of the problem to be studied; and

(v) The availability of time and money for the research work.

Introduction to research proposal

Research is an organized endeavour/attempt. Like any other organized work, research requires
proper planning. Planning means decide in advance. Planning of research means deciding the
question or issue to be studied, setting the objectives of the study and determining the means of
achieving those objectives. It is an intellectual process. It requires intellectual curiosity,
intelligence, imagination and vision, and knowledge of methodology of research. Planning
systematizes the research work. It eliminates aimless intellectual wandering. It gives direction to
the work.

A research proposal is a logical and systematic plan prepared for directing a research study. It
specifies the objectives of the study, the methodology and techniques to be adopted for achieving
the objectives. It constitutes the blueprint for the collection, measurement and analysis of data. A
research design is the program that guides the investigator in the process of collecting, analysing
and interpreting observations. It “provides a systematic plan of procedure for the researcher to
follow the research work."

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 Chapter-3: Research Design and Proposal

The preparation of a research proposal is an important step in the research process. The proposal
is comparable to the blue print that an architect prepares before the bids are let and building
commences. While developing a proposal, the researcher must see the research process in its
totality. The researcher's most important task is to convince that his proposal is worth supporting.
The initial draft proposal is subject to modifications by peers and grantors. Since good research
must carefully be planned and systematically carried out, a well-designed proposal is indeed a
prerequisite in order to apply to funding organizations and donor agencies. Only, well-conceived
and well-packaged research proposals are likely to be successful.

Meaning

Since good research must carefully be planned and systematically carried out, a well-designed
proposal is a prerequisite in order to apply to fellowships, funding organizations and donor
agencies.

It is considered as a blue print of research

Well-conceived and well-packaged research proposals are likely to be successful.

The purposes of writing a research proposal

1. To convince others that the proposed research is worth undertaking.

2. To enable the researcher to demonstrate his expertise and competency in the particular
area of study.

3. To serve as a planning tool for the researcher.

Key questions:

Who are the potential stakeholders?

What could they benefit from the research project?

What criteria do they use to evaluate the value of the research project?

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Importance of Research Proposal

The preparation of a research plan for a study aids in establishing direction to the study and in
knowing exactly what has to be done and how and when it has to be done at every stage. It enables
the researcher to consider beforehand the various decisions to be made:

What are the objectives of the study?

What are the investigative questions?

What are the sources of data?

What is the universe of the study?

What sampling method is appropriate? and so on.

Without a plan, research work becomes unfocussed and aimless empirical wandering, the
researcher would find it difficult, he may not be able to decide which is relevant and which is not,
and may get lost in a welter of irrelevancies.

The use of a research design guides to proceed in the right direction.

1. A research plan prescribes the boundaries of research activities and enables the researcher
to channel his energies in the right work.

2. With clear research objectives in view, the researcher can proceed systematically toward
their achievement.

3. The design also enables the researcher to anticipate potential problems of data gathering,
operationalization of concepts, measurement, etc.

Outline of a Research Proposal

I. The title of the proposal

II. Abstract (Optional)

III. Introduction

Background and statement of the problem

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Need for the study/Justification

Objectives of the study

Hypothesis (Optional)

IV. Literature Review

V. Materials and Methods/Procedures

1. Description of the study and target population

2. Research Design and Rationale

3. Data collection methods

4. Data analysis procedures

VI. Logistics

1. Time Schedule/ Work plan /Phases

2. Personnel

3. Facilities

- Equipment

- Supplies

4. Travel

- Transportation

- Per Diem

VII. References/bibliography

VIII. Miscellaneous/Appendices

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I. Proposal Title

I. The title should tell what the proposal is about.

II. Clearly indicate the key variables in the study
III. Clearly indicate the types of relationship between the variables
IV. Clearly indicate the population to which the results may be applied
V. Should include key terms that readily identify the scope and nature of the study.
VI. It should be informative, specific and concise to the area of study
VII. Should be professional
VIII. Should be as brief as possible
IX. The title is usually written in capital letters without the use of abbreviations.

II. Abstract (optional)

1. The abstract is a brief summary of the area of investigation and expected outcome.

2. It should reflect familiarity with current issues in the field

3. It should raise research questions or hypotheses suggested by findings in the current

literature.

4. The proposed methods and expected conclusions should be briefly described.

5. Abstract is optional for a research proposal

III. Introduction

 Briefly discuss the historical developments of events regarding the topic.

 Describe basic assumptions/concerns that led to study the topic.

 Justify why there is still a need to further study on the topic.

 Briefly describe how the study is going to be conducted

 Provide the structure to be followed in conducting the study.

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Objective of the Study:

The specific objectives of the study should be stated clearly. These refer to the questions to which
the researcher proposes to seek answers through the study.

Although there is no limit to the number of research objectives, it is desirable to limit the objectives
to a reasonable number. What is reasonable depends upon the time limitations, resource
constraints, capability etc. It is wise to pick objectives that are challenging but not impossible to
achieve.

The objectives may be stated as under:

to study the extent of…

to identify the factors which influence …

to examine the nature of relation between … and

to investigate the impact of …

to identify the causes of…
The statement of objective may be followed by a statement of the investigative questions relating
to each of the research objectives.

Hypotheses: These are logically assumed from the theoretical framework above. These refer to
the anticipated outcome or possible answers to the research questions. They should be conceptually
clear and specific.

The Significance of the Study: It is important to point out the relevance and significance of the
investigation. What would be' the value of the findings of the study for policy formulation, theory
or practice? Can the findings contribute to the enrichment of theory and/or to the solution of some
practical problems?

IV. Review of Literature

 Literature review is a continuous process that cuts across all the stages of the research
process.

 Its functions are to

 Clarify, strengthen and to reveal what is known about the subject,

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 To get acquainted/familiar with different concepts

 To identify the gap in knowledge (research gap) and the current trends.

 To compare the present and previous findings in the area of study

V. Materials and Methods

This section shows

 How the research objectives/hypotheses will be answered / tested

 It describes in detail the specific methods and the materials needed to accomplish the
research. It explains the procedures to be followed.

 It provides clear and complete descriptions for all experimental, analytical, and statistical
procedures.

a) Description of the study area

 Location and physiographic

 Climate

 Geology and soils

 Production systems

b) Target population

 The population from which the sample will be drawn

 The method of sampling and the rationale for the sampling method

c) Research design and rationale

 Research design is the conceptual structure with in which research is conducted

 The design element of a proposal should indicate how the research setting will be arranged
in order to yield the desired data with the least possible contamination by irrelevant
variables.

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 Chapter-3: Research Design and Proposal

The design decision happen to be in respect of;

What is the study about?

What are the studies being made?

Where will the study be carried out?

What type of data is required?

Where can the required data be found?

What will be the sample design?

How will the data be analyzed?

In what style will the report be prepared?

Time Budget: The time period required for each stage of work and the total time duration of the
study are specified. This budget may be presented in the following format:

Financial Budget: This should include as estimate of the expected costs of the project under
various major categories like salary (if any), printing and stationery, postage, travel expenses,
computation, secretarial and typing etc.

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