TOPIC: RESEARCH DESIGN

Can you imagine doing research without a plan? Probably not. When we discuss a strategy to
collect, study, and evaluate data, we talk about research design. This design addresses
problems and creates a consistent and logical model for data analysis. Let’s learn more about it.

I. What is Research Design?

Research design is the framework of research methods and techniques chosen by a

researcher to conduct a study. The design allows researchers to sharpen the research methods
suitable for the subject matter and set up their studies for success.

Creating a research topic explains the type of research (experimental, survey

research, correlational, semi-experimental, review) and its sub-type (experimental
design, research problem, descriptive case-study).

There are three main types of designs for research:

A. Data collection
 Let’s face it, no one wants to make decisions based on guesswork or gut feelings. The
most important objective of data collection is to ensure that the data gathered is reliable
and packed to the brim with juicy insights that can be analyzed and turned into data-
driven decisions. There’s nothing better than good statistical analysis.
 Collecting high-quality data is essential for conducting market research, analyzing user
behavior, or just trying to get a handle on business operations. With the right approach
and a few handy tools, gathering reliable and informative data.
 So, let’s get ready to collect some data because when it comes to data collection, it’s all
about the details.

What is Data Collection?

 Data collection is the procedure of collecting, measuring, and analyzing accurate
insights for research using standard validated techniques.
 Put simply, data collection is the process of gathering information for a specific purpose.
It can be used to answer research questions, make informed business decisions, or
improve products and services.
 To collect data, we must first identify what information we need and how we will collect it.
We can also evaluate a hypothesis based on collected data. In most cases, data
collection is the primary and most important step for research. The approach to data
collection is different for different fields of study, depending on the required information.

Data Collection Methods

 There are many ways to collect information when doing research. The data collection
methods that the researcher chooses will depend on the research question posed. Some
data collection methods include surveys, interviews, tests, physiological evaluations,
observations, reviews of existing records, and biological samples.
Phone vs. Online vs. In-Person Interviews
Essentially there are four choices for data collection – in-person interviews, mail, phone,
and online. There are pros and cons to each of these modes.

 In-Person Interviews
o Pros: In-depth and a high degree of confidence in the data
o Cons: Time-consuming, expensive, and can be dismissed as anecdotal
 Mail Surveys
o Pros: Can reach anyone and everyone – no barrier
o Cons: Expensive, data collection errors, lag time
 Phone Surveys
o Pros: High degree of confidence in the data collected, reach almost anyone
o Cons: Expensive, cannot self-administer, need to hire an agency
 Web/Online Surveys
o Pros: Cheap, can self-administer, very low probability of data errors
o Cons: Not all your customers might have an email address/be on the
internet, customers may be wary of divulging information online.

B. Measurement

 a systematic procedure for assigning scores, meanings, and descriptions to concepts so

that those scores represent the characteristic of interest.

C. Data Analysis

 Nowadays, data is collected at various stages of processes and transactions, which has
the potential to improve the way we work significantly. However, to fully realize the value
of data analysis, this data must be analyzed to gain valuable insights into improving
products and services.
  Data analysis consists aspect of making informed decisions in various industries. With
the advancement of technology, it has become a dynamic and exciting field But, what is
it in simple words? It summarizes collected data. It involves the interpretation of data
gathered using analytical and logical reasoning to determine patterns, relationships or
trends.

DATA ANALYSIS: STEP TO STEP GUIDE

Step 1: Define your questions

Start by selecting the right questions. Questions should be measurable, clear, and concise.
Design your questions to qualify or disqualify possible solutions to your specific problem.

Step 2: Establish measurement priorities

This step divides into two sub-steps:

1. Decide what to measure: Analyze what kind of data you need.

2. Decide how to measure it: Thinking about how to measure your data is just as
important, especially before the data collection phase, because your measurement
process supports or discredits your thematic analysis later on.

Step 3: Collect data

With the question clearly defined and your measurement priorities established, now it’s time to
collect your data. As you manage and organize your data, remember to keep these essential
points in mind:

 Before collecting new data, determine what information you could gather from existing
databases or sources.
 Determine a storage and file naming system to help all team members collaborate in
advance. This process saves time and prevents team members from collecting the
same information twice.
 If you need to collect data through surveys, observation, or interviews, develop a
questionnaire in advance to ensure consistency and save time.
 Keep the collected data organized with a log of collection dates and add any source
notes as you go along.

Step 4: Analyze the data

Once you’ve collected the correct data to answer your Step 1 question, it’s time to conduct a
deeper statistical analysis. Find relationships, identify trends, and sort and filter your data
according to variables. You will find the exact data you need as you analyze the data.

Step 5: Interpret the results

After analyzing the data and possibly conducting further research, it is finally time to interpret
the results. Ask yourself these key questions:

 Does the data answer your original question? How?

 Does the data help you defend any objections? How?
 Are there any limitations to the conclusions, any angles you haven’t considered?
If the interpretation of data holds up under these questions and considerations, you have
reached a productive conclusion. The only remaining step is to use the process results to
decide how you will act.
The research problem an organization faces will determine the design, not vice-versa. The
design phase of a study determines which tools to use and how they are used.

II. The Process of Research Design

The research design process is a systematic and structured approach to conducting research.
The process is essential to ensure that the study is valid, reliable, and produces meaningful
results.

1. Consider your aims and approaches: Determine the research questions and
objectives, and identify the theoretical framework and methodology for the study.
2. Choose a type of Research Design: Select the appropriate research design, such
as experimental, correlational, survey, case study, or ethnographic, based on the
research questions and objectives.
3. Identify your population and sampling method: Determine the target population
and sample size, and choose the sampling method, such as random, stratified
random sampling, or convenience sampling.
4. Choose your data collection methods: Decide on the data collection methods, such
as surveys, interviews, observations, or experiments, and select the appropriate
instruments or tools for collecting data.
5. Plan your data collection procedures: Develop a plan for data collection, including
the timeframe, location, and personnel involved, and ensure ethical considerations.
6. Decide on your data analysis strategies: Select the appropriate data analysis
techniques, such as statistical analysis, content analysis, or discourse analysis, and
plan how to interpret the results.

The process of research design is a critical step in conducting research. By following the steps
of research design, researchers can ensure that their study is well-planned, ethical, and
rigorous.

III. Research Design Elements

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

1. Accurate purpose statement

2. Techniques to be implemented for collecting and analyzing research
3. The method applied for analyzing collected details
4. Type of research methodology
5. Probable objections to research
6. Settings for the research study
7. Timeline
8. Measurement of analysis