Research design definition

Research design is the framework of research methods and techniques chosen by a researcher. The
design allows researchers to hone in on research methods that are suitable for the subject matter and
set up their studies up for success.

The design of a research topic explains the type of research (experimental, survey, correlational, semi-
experimental, review) and also its sub-type (experimental design, research problem, descriptive case-
study).

There are three main types of research design: Data collection, measurement, and analysis.

The type of research problem an organization is facing will determine the research design and not vice-
versa. The design phase of a study determines which tools to use and how they are used.

An impactful research design usually creates a minimum bias in data and increases trust in the accuracy
of collected data. A design that produces the least margin of error in experimental research is generally
considered the desired outcome. The essential elements of the research design are:

• Accurate purpose statement

• Techniques to be implemented for collecting and analyzing research

• The method applied for analyzing collected details

• Type of research methodology

• Probable objections for research

• Settings for the research study

• Timeline

• Measurement of analysis

Proper research design sets your study up for success. Successful research studies provide insights that
are accurate and unbiased. You’ll need to create a survey that meets all of the main characteristics of a
design. There are four key characteristics of research design:

Neutrality: When you set up your study, you may have to make assumptions about the data you expect
to collect. The results projected in the research design should be free from bias and neutral. Understand
opinions about the final evaluated scores and conclusion from multiple individuals and consider those
who agree with the derived results.
Reliability: With regularly conducted research, the researcher involved expects similar results every
time. Your design should indicate how to form research questions to ensure the standard of results.
You’ll only be able to reach the expected results if your design is reliable.

Validity: There are multiple measuring tools available. However, the only correct measuring tools are
those which help a researcher in gauging results according to the objective of the research. The
questionnaire developed from this design will then be valid.

Generalization: The outcome of your design should apply to a population and not just a restricted
sample. A generalized design implies that your survey can be conducted on any part of a population with
similar accuracy.

The above factors affect the way respondents answer the research questions and so all the above
characteristics should be balanced in a good design.

A researcher must have a clear understanding of the various types of research design to select which
model to implement for a study. Like research itself, the design of your study can be broadly classified
into quantitative and qualitative.

Qualitative research design: Qualitative research determines relationships between collected data and
observations based on mathematical calculations. Theories related to a naturally existing phenomenon
can be proved or disproved using statistical methods. Researchers rely on qualitative research design
methods that conclude “why” a particular theory exists along with “what” respondents have to say
about it.

Quantitative research design: Quantitative research is for cases where statistical conclusions to collect
actionable insights are essential. Numbers provide a better perspective to make critical business
decisions. Quantitative research design methods are necessary for the growth of any organization.
Insights drawn from hard numerical data and analysis prove to be highly effective when making
decisions related to the future of the business.

You can further break down the types of research design into five categories:

1. Descriptive research design: In a descriptive design, a researcher is solely interested in describing the
situation or case under their research study. It is a theory-based design method which is created by
gathering, analyzing, and presenting collected data. This allows a researcher to provide insights into the
why and how of research. Descriptive design helps others better understand the need for the research.
If the problem statement is not clear, you can conduct exploratory research.

2. Experimental research design: Experimental research design establishes a relationship between the
cause and effect of a situation. It is a causal design where one observes the impact caused by the
independent variable on the dependent variable. For example, one monitors the influence of an
independent variable such as a price on a dependent variable such as customer satisfaction or brand
loyalty. It is a highly practical research design method as it contributes to solving a problem at hand. The
independent variables are manipulated to monitor the change it has on the dependent variable. It is
often used in social sciences to observe human behavior by analyzing two groups. Researchers can have
participants change their actions and study how the people around them react to gain a better
understanding of social psychology.

3. Correlational research design: Correlational research is a non-experimental research design technique

A correlation coefficient determines the correlation between two variables, whose value ranges
between -1 and +1. If the correlation coefficient is towards +1, it indicates a positive relationship
between the variables and -1 means a negative relationship between the two variables.

4. Diagnostic research design: In diagnostic design, the researcher is looking to evaluate the underlying
cause of a specific topic or phenomenon. This method helps one learn more about the factors that
create troublesome situations.

This design has three parts of the research:

• Inception of the issue

• Diagnosis of the issue

• Solution for the issue

5. Explanatory research design: Explanatory design uses a researcher’s ideas and thoughts on a subject
to further explore their theories. The research explains unexplored aspects of a subject and details
about what, how, and why of research questions.