MODULE 3

Week 5 – 6 UNIT 2 - RESEARCH DESIGN AND PLANNING

A. INTRODUCTION
Research design and planning is the
blueprint that guides the entire research process.
It's a strategic framework that outlines the
methods, procedures, and techniques to be
employed in answering a specific research
question. A well-crafted research design ensures
that the data collected is relevant, reliable, and
valid, leading to meaningful conclusions.

PRE-COMPETENCY CHECKLIST

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each item number by encircling
only the letter that correspond to your answer.
1. What is the primary purpose of a research design?
A. To collect data
B. To analyze data
C. To guide the research process
D. To write a research report
2. Which research design is most suitable for establishing cause-and-
effect relationships?
A. Correlational design
B. Case study design
C. Experimental design
D. Survey design
3. What is the difference between internal and external validity?
A. Internal validity refers to the accuracy of the research findings,
while external validity refers to the generalizability of the
findings.
B. Internal validity refers to the generalizability of the research
findings, while external validity refers to the accuracy of the
research findings.
C. Both refer to the accuracy of the research findings.
D. Both refer to the generalizability of the research findings.
4. Which sampling technique involves selecting participants based on
their availability or convenience?
A. Random sampling
B. Stratified sampling
C. Cluster sampling
D. Convenience sampling

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 5. What is the main purpose of a questionnaire?
A. To conduct experiments
B. To collect quantitative data
C. To analyze qualitative data
D. To observe behaviors
6. Which scale of measurement has a true zero point?
A. Nominal scale
B. Ordinal scale
C. Interval scale
D. Ratio scale
7. What is reliability in measurement?
A. The extent to which a measurement instrument measures what
it is intended to measure.
B. The consistency and dependability of a measurement
instrument.
C. The generalizability of the research findings.
D. The accuracy of the research findings.
8. Which type of research design is often used to explore a specific
phenomenon in depth?
A. Experimental design
B. Correlational design
C. Case study design
D. Survey design
9. What is the purpose of a pilot test in questionnaire design?
A. To analyze the data
B. To identify potential problems with the questionnaire
C. To collect data
D. To write the research report
10. Which data collection method involves observing behaviors in a natural
setting?
A. Surveys
B. Interviews
C. Observations
D. Document analysis

LEARNING RESOURCES

Textbooks:

 Research Methods for Business and Management by Uma Sekaran

and Stephen D. Bourassa
 Research Methods in Psychology by Paul Cozby and Daniel Bates
 Research Methods for Social Sciences by Neil Salkind

Online Courses:

 Coursera: Research Methods

 EdX: Research Design and Analysis
 Udemy: Research Methodology

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Articles:

 Research Design by Neil Salkind (Encyclopedia of Psychology)

 Sampling Techniques by Neil Salkind (Encyclopedia of Psychology)
 Data Collection Methods by Neil Salkind (Encyclopedia of Psychology)

Websites:

 Research Methods Knowledge Base (University of North Carolina)

 Research Design and Methodology (Social Science Research Council)

YouTube Channels:

 Crash Course (Episode on Research Methods)

 Statistics How-To
 Simply Psychology

Additional Resources:

 Researches stored at the CBSUA – Sipocot Library

 Sample Researches
 Online forums and communities dedicated to research methods can
provide you with opportunities to ask questions and learn from others.

EXPLORE

Intended Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand and apply the fundamental principles of research design
to conduct effective research. This includes identifying different
research design types, explaining the concepts of internal and
external validity, selecting appropriate sampling techniques, and
utilizing various data collection methods.
2. Master the techniques of data collection and measurement in
research. This includes determining the different scales of
measurement, assessing the reliability and validity of measurement
instruments, designing effective questionnaires, and selecting
appropriate data collection instruments
3. Familiarize the guidelines of student researches of CBSUA.

A. Research Design

Research design is a blueprint or plan that outlines the

methods and procedures to be used in conducting a research
study. It helps researchers ensure that their study is well-
structured, systematic, and capable of answering the research
questions.

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 Types of Research Design

1. Experimental Design: This design involves manipulating variables and

controlling for extraneous factors to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
2. Quasi-Experimental Design: Similar to experimental design but lacks the
random assignment of participants to experimental and control groups,
making it more difficult to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
3. Correlational Design: This design examines the relationships between
variables without manipulating them. It helps identify patterns and
associations between variables.
4. Survey Design: This design involves collecting data from a large sample of
individuals using questionnaires or interviews to gather information about their
opinions, attitudes, or behaviors.
5. Case Study Design: This design involves in-depth investigation of a specific
individual, group, or event to gain a detailed understanding of their
characteristics or experiences.

Internal and External Validity

 Internal Validity: The extent to which a study can establish a causal

relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
 External Validity: The extent to which the findings of a study can be
generalized to other populations or settings.

Sampling Techniques

 Probability Sampling: This involves selecting participants randomly,

ensuring that every member of the population has an equal chance of being
selected.
 Non-Probability Sampling: This involves selecting participants based on
convenience, judgment, or other non-random criteria.

Data Collection Methods

1. Surveys: Collecting data through questionnaires or interviews.

2. Interviews: Conducting face-to-face or telephone interviews to gather
detailed information.
3. Observations: Observing behaviors and interactions in a natural or
controlled setting.
4. Document Analysis: Examining existing documents, such as records,
reports, or artifacts.
5. Experimentation:

B. Measurement and Instrumentation

Scales of Measurement

1. Nominal Scale: Categorizes data into distinct categories without any inherent
order.
2. Ordinal Scale: Ranks data into categories with a defined order but does not
provide information about the distance between categories.
3. Interval Scale: Measures data with equal intervals between values but does
not have a true zero point.

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 4. Ratio Scale: Measures data with equal intervals between values and a true
zero point, allowing for meaningful ratios.

Reliability and Validity of Instruments

 Reliability: The consistency and dependability of a measurement instrument.

 Validity: The extent to which a measurement instrument measures what it is
intended to measure.

Questionnaire Design

 Clear and Concise Questions: Ensure questions are easy to understand

and avoid ambiguity.
 Neutral Language: Use neutral language to avoid bias in responses.
 Avoid Leading Questions: Avoid questions that suggest a particular answer.
 Pilot Testing: Conduct a pilot test to identify any potential problems with the
questionnaire.

Data Collection Instruments

 Surveys: Questionnaires, online surveys, or telephone interviews.

 Interviews: Structured, semi-structured, or unstructured interviews.
 Observation Protocols: Standardized forms for recording observations.

C. CBSUA Guidelines on Student Researches

POST-COMPETENCY CHECKLIST

Post-Competency Test: Research Design and Planning

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the primary purpose of a research design?

A. To collect data
B. To analyze data
C. To guide the research process
D. To write a research report
2. Which research design is most suitable for establishing cause-and-effect
relationships?
A. Correlational design
B. Case study design

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 C. Experimental design
D. Survey design

3. What is the difference between internal and external validity?

A. Internal validity refers to the accuracy of the research findings, while
external validity refers to the generalizability of the findings.
B. Internal validity refers to the generalizability of the research findings,
while external validity refers to the accuracy of the research findings.
C. Both refer to the accuracy of the research findings.
D. Both refer to the generalizability of the research findings.
4. Which sampling technique involves selecting participants based on their
availability or convenience?
A. Random sampling
B. Stratified sampling
C. Cluster sampling
D. Convenience sampling
5. What is the main purpose of a questionnaire?
A. To conduct experiments
B. To collect quantitative data
C. To analyze qualitative data
D. To observe behaviors
6. Which scale of measurement has a true zero point?
A. Nominal scale
B. Ordinal scale
C. Interval scale
D. Ratio scale
7. What is reliability in measurement?
A. The extent to which a measurement instrument measures what it is
intended to measure.
B. The consistency and dependability of a measurement instrument.
C. The generalizability of the research findings.
D. The accuracy of the research findings.
8. Which type of research design is often used to explore a specific
phenomenon in depth?
A. Experimental design
B. Correlational design
C. Case study design
D. Survey design
9. What is the purpose of a pilot test in questionnaire design?
A. To analyze the data
B. To identify potential problems with the questionnaire
C. To collect data
D. To write the research report
10. Which data collection method involves observing behaviors in a natural
setting?
A. Surveys
B. Interviews
C. Observations
D. Document analysis

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 Activity 1: Research Design Analysis

Research Scenario:

A researcher is interested in studying the impact of social media on the

mental health of teenagers in Libmanan, Bicol. They aim to investigate how frequent
social media use is correlated with levels of anxiety, depression, and self-esteem
among this age group.

Task:

1. Identify the appropriate research design: Given the nature of the research
question and the need to establish a relationship between variables, which
research design would be most suitable? Why?

Options: Experimental, Correlational, Descriptive, Case Study

2. Determine the sampling technique: How can the researcher select a

representative sample of teenagers from Libmanan to participate in the
study?

3. Choose suitable data collection methods: What methods can be used to

gather information about social media usage, anxiety, depression, and self-
esteem among the participants? Why?

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 Activity 2: Instrument Development

Research Scenario:

A researcher is interested in studying the factors that influence students'

decision-making regarding their career choices. They plan to develop a questionnaire
to collect data from high school seniors.

Task:

1. Identify the research objectives: Clearly state the specific research

questions or objectives that the questionnaire aims to address.
2. Develop a questionnaire: Create a questionnaire with a mix of open-ended
and closed-ended questions. Ensure that the questions are clear, concise,
and relevant to the research objectives.
3. Pilot test the questionnaire: Administer the questionnaire to a small sample
of high school seniors to identify any potential problems or areas for
improvement.
4. Revise the questionnaire: Make necessary revisions based on the feedback
from the pilot test.

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