Unit- III

RESEARCH DESIGN

Prof. P. Laxminarayana
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
Osmania University, Hyderabad – 500 007
Email Id: [email protected]

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

1 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
 Basic steps for research project

 Select a topic

 Review existing research and theory that are relevant

 Develop a hypothesis

 Collect relevant data

 Analyze and interpret the result

 Present the result in an appropriate form

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

2 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
Stages in the Research Process

Conclusion and
Report
Define Problem

Processing and
Analyzing the Data
Planning a
Research Design

Planning a Sample Gathering the Data

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

3 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
 Stages in the Research Process Cont…..
 Pre-planning (sources, types of information, research
problem)

 Source of information to be collect and analyze.

 Time and budgets for work.

Purpose of Research Design
To guide the investigator in answering the research problem

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

4 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
 What is research design ?
 Research design is the arrangement of conditions for collection & analysis
of data in a manner that aims to combine relevance to the research purpose
with economy in procedure ’’
--johoda, deutsch & cook

 “The planned sequence of the entire process involved in conducting a

research study”
--miller
General definition
 “The plan , structure & strategy of investigation conceived so as to obtain
answers to research questions and control variance ”.

 “The research design is the master plan specifying the methods and
procedures for collecting and analyzing the needed information”.

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

5 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
Keeping in view the above stated design decisions, one may split the overall
research design into the following parts:

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

 The observational design which relates to the conditions under which the
observations are to be made;

 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

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

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

6 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
 Research Design Includes
 Conceptual structure for the proposed research
 Blue prints (plan , models )
Collection ,

Measurement

Analysis Of Data.

 Writing of hypothesis ------------- final analysis of data

Study as what , why, when, period of study, sample design, techniques

report operations

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

7 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
 The design may be desired as

Research design

Operational design
(techniques)

Sample design Observational design Statistical design (No

(methods of selecting (observation of items?, Gathering
items for study) condition) info? )

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

8 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
 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.

 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.

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

9 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
Meaning of Research Design Contd….
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 analysed?

x. In what style will the report be prepared?

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

10 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
 Need for Research Design
 It facilitates smooth sailing of various research operation .

 It makes research efficient as possible yielding, maximum

information with minimal expenditure of effort, time and
money.
Eg. : House Building : we require plan of house.

 Similarly we require research design for data collection

and analysis of data of our research project .

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

11 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
 Features of a good design
 Flexibility, economical, efficient, appropriateness

 Minimization of bias
 Maximization of reliability of data

 A design which gives smallest experimental error

 Source of information ,skill of researcher and his staff

 Studies related to objective and nature of research problem

 All above must consider while preparation of a research design

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

12 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
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.
v. The availability of time and money for the research work.

A research design which minimizes bias and maximizes the reliability of the evidence
collected is considered a good design.

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

13 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
 IMPORTANT CONCEPTS RELATING TO RESEARCH DESIGN

Before describing the different research designs, it will be appropriate to

explain the various concepts relating to designs so that these may be
better and easily understood.
1. Dependent and independent variables.
2. Extraneous variable.
3. Control.
4. Confounded relationship.
5. Research hypothesis.
6. Experimental and non-experimental hypothesis-testing research.
7. Experimental and control groups.
8. Treatments.
9. Experiment.
10. Experimental unit(S).

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

14 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
IMPORTANT CONCEPTS RELATING TO RESEARCH DESIGN Contd…

1. Dependent and independent variables: If one variable depends upon or is a

consequence of the other variable, it is termed as a dependent variable, and the variable
that is antecedent to the dependent variable is termed as an independent variable

2. Extraneous variable: Independent variables that are not related to the purpose of the
study, but may affect the dependent variable are termed as extraneous variables.

3. Control: One important characteristic of a good research design is to minimize the

influence or effect of extraneous variable(s). The technical term ‘control’ is used when we
design the study minimizing the effects of extraneous independent variables. In
experimental researches, the term ‘control’ is used to refer to restrain experimental
conditions.
4. Confounded relationship: When the dependent variable is not free from the influence of
extraneous variable(s), the relationship between the dependent and independent variables
is said to be confounded by an extraneous variable(s).

5. Research hypothesis: When a prediction or a hypothesised relationship is to be tested by

scientific methods, it is termed as research hypothesis.
Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,
15 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
IMPORTANT CONCEPTS RELATING TO RESEARCH DESIGN Contd….
6. Experimental and non-experimental hypothesis-testing research: When the purpose of research
is to test a research hypothesis, it is termed as hypothesis-testing research. It can be of the
experimental design or of the non-experimental design. Research in which the independent variable
is manipulated is termed ‘experimental hypothesis-testing research’ and a research in which an
independent variable is not manipulated is called ‘non-experimental hypothesis- testing research’.

7. Experimental and control groups: In an experimental hypothesis-testing research when a group is

exposed to usual conditions, it is termed a ‘control group’, but hen the group is exposed to some
novel or special condition, it is termed an ‘experimental group’.

8. Treatments: The different conditions under which experimental and control groups are put are
usually referred to as ‘treatments’.

9. Experiment: The process of examining the truth of a statistical hypothesis, relating to some
research problem, is known as an experiment.

10. Experimental unit(s): The pre-determined plots or the blocks, where different treatments are used,
are known as experimental units. Such experimental units must be selected (defined) very carefully.

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

16 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
 Types of Research Design
Different research designs can be conveniently
described if we categorize them as:

 Exploratory / Formulative research studies

 Descriptive & diagnostic research studies

 Hypothesis – testing/ Experimental research studies

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

17 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
 Basic Research Objectives and Research Design

Research Objective Appropriate Design

To gain background information, to define terms, to Exploratory

clarify problems and develop hypotheses, to
establish Research priorities, to develop questions
to be answered

To describe and measure marketing phenomena at a Descriptive

point in time

To determine causality, test hypotheses, to make “if Causal

then” statements, to answer questions.

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

18 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
 Research Design: Exploratory Research
 Exploratory research is used in a number of situations:
 To gain background information
 To define terms
 To clarify problems and hypotheses
 To establish research priorities

 A variety of methods are available to conduct

exploratory research:
 Secondary Data Analysis
 Experience Surveys
 Case Analysis & interviews
 Focus Groups
 Projective Techniques

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

19 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
 Research Design: Descriptive & Diagnostic Research
(survey design)
Descriptive research is undertaken to provide answers to
questions of who, what, where, when, and how – but
not why.

 Descriptive research describes characteristics of

particular group, individual

Diagnostic research is the frequency with which something

occurs or its association with something else.

 Need of such design is to obtain complete and accurate

information of said studies to get maximum reliability
and minimum bias.

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

20 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
 Research Design: Hypothesis – Testing Research studies /
Experimental studies
 Researchers test hypothesis of causal relationship between variables.

 It will not minimize Bias and maximize Reliability but will permit
interference about causality (to prevent from wrong direction). It is the
design of experiment.
 Professor R.A. Fisher at Rothamsted Experimental Station (agriculture
research centre at England ) was first to formulate such experimental for
testing hypothesis by scientific investigation and help a technique to more
reliability.
 He divided the Agriculture land into blocks and studied more efficient and
finally obtained yield.

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

21 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
Basic Principles of Experimental Designs
Three principles of experimental designs:
1. The Principle of Replication;
2. The Principle of Randomization; and
3. The Principle of Local Control

(1) The Principle of Replication: According to the Principle of Replication, the experiment should
be repeated more than once. Thus, each treatment is applied in many experimental units instead
of one. By doing so the statistical accuracy of the experiments is increased.

(2) The Principle of Randomization: It provides protection, when we conduct an experiment,

against the effect of extraneous factors by randomization. In other words, this principle indicates
that we should design or plan the experiment in such a way that the variations caused by
extraneous factors can all be combined under the general heading of “chance.”

(3) The Principle of Local Control: It is another important principle of experimental designs. Under
it the extraneous factor, the known source of variability, is made to vary deliberately over as
wide a range as necessary and this needs to be done in such a way that the variability it causes
can be measured and hence eliminated from the experimental error. This means that we should
plan the experiment in a manner that we can perform a two-way analysis of variance, in which
the total variability of the data is divided into three components attributed to treatments (varieties
of rice in our case), the extraneous factor (soil fertility in our case) and experimental error.
Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,
22 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
 Factors affecting Research Design
 Non – availability of sufficient data & resources like
money, manpower, skill personals and ability of research
scholars.
 Inadequate time in formulation of research design.
 Unforeseen development during the course of design
which are uncontrollable (eg. Cyclone, Floods etc.).
 Results of preliminary studies

Depends on precession, reliability, relevance of data and their analysis

Evaluation of research design

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

23 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
 Conclusion
 An unplanned research work may entail a lot of fruitless labour
and wastage of time, money and effort.

 The work in research design, thus starts after selection problem

and ends before collection of data.

 The gap between two should bridged carefully with a well-

planned research design.

 Reliance of the results can be placed only when the research work
has been carefully planned from start to end.

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

24 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
 Summary
Components of a Research Design
 Title of study ( brief & precise)
 Statement of problem
 Review of literature (survey studies )
 Area and scope of study
 Objective of study
 Hypothesis formulation
 Concepts & methodology
 Sample design
 Construction of schedule for interviews
 Collection &analysis of data
 Interpretation and reporting the findings
 Time & financial budgeting

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

25 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
 Design of Experimental set-up
 Experimental designs are widely used methods for scientific experiments.
There are two different types of experimental design: randomized(true)
experimental and quasi -experimental.

 Randomized or true experimental design is considered the most accurate

method whereas quasi-experimental design is often regarded as unscientific.

 With either experimental design you are trying to prove that a certain factor
causes a certain outcome and conversely, that without that factor the
outcome does not occur; this is called internal validity.

 An experimental design seeks to prove or disprove a hypothesis by

analyzing the statistics gathered mathematically through the course of the
experiment.

Read more from: How to Set Up an Experimental Design | eHow.com

 http://www.ehow.com/how_8098387_set-up-experimentaldesign.html#ixzz2NxhSep7h

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

26 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
Methodology for experimental set-up
 The experimental setup mainly varies with the objective of the research

 The experimental design mainly divided into conceptual phase, substantive

and detail design phase.

 In the conceptual phase the concentration is to be on the expected

performance of the product, evaluation of the possibilities of the
performance.

 In the conceptual phase one should avoid thinking about physical hardware
and should concentrate on functional requirements.

 In the second phase i.e., in substantive phase, we need to embody our

concept in an actual physical device which can be analyzed for function and
cost.

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

27 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
Methodology for experimental set-up (contd..)
 Each of the approach selected must be carefully analysed, improved
and adapted to our specific needs against performance and cost
specifications.

 After the completion of substantive phase one of the alternative

designs stands out clearly superior and we may reject the others.

 In the final phase each of the alternative experimental setup has to be

thoroughly evaluated taking into account the study objective,
expected outcome, feasibility, cost and time frame.

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

28 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
USE OF STANDARDS & CODES
Research is a challenging task, as it deals with problems hitherto (till now) not
solved.

 To carry out the work, it requires inputs from several sources. Apart from various sources
of literature indicated earlier.
 The Codes and standards are an important source of documents to help the researcher in
the design of experimental set-up.
 Besides the source of literature, Standards cover instrument accuracy, test apparatus,
testing methods and environment should be studied thoroughly.
 Many developed and developing Countries have their National Standards Organizations.
 These organizations ensure coordination and preparation of standards and codes relating
to various aspects in different disciplines.
 Many of the standard organizations like American National standards Institute(ANSI),
British Standard(BS), Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS), International Standards
Organization (ISO) examines the standards prepared by member countries and evolves
common standards.

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

29 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
 USE OF STANDARDS & CODES Contd…
 Besides the National and International standards organizations, various
Professional Association are also involved in preparation of specification,
standards and codes on various aspects.
 Certain professional bodies also participate in the preparation of standards and
codes like Indian Society of Mechanical Engineering (ISME) American Society
for Testing Materials(ASTM),Society of Automotive Engineers(SAE),
American Concrete Institute(ACI), Institute of Electrical and Electronic
Engineers(IEEE) and Association of Computing Machinery(ACM).
 In India many specifications, testing procedures are formulated by Indian Road
Congress(IRC) and these publications are available at a cost.
 The material and information available in these standards, codes and methods
provide researchers adequate information depending upon their need.
 When a researcher follows the standardized procedure stipulated by the above
reputed professional bodies the credibility of the approach adopted by him gets
enhanced.

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

30 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
 Learning of Research Design

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

31 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
 Any
Questions..

Yesterday, Tomorrow never comes...... but they will be

with us everyday even now....

Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,

32 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007
 Prof. P. Laxminarayana, Dept. of Mech. Engg.,
33 Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007