Module 2

Steps of Research Process

Discovering and analyzing a range of significant and reliable information about a particular issue or
problem with systematic planning is known as research process. This process involves several steps
for complete analysis of the research problem. These steps are required for identifying and analyzing
important information about a research topic. The steps in research process are described below.

1) Selecting the Research Topic:

In order to carry out the research in an orderly and coherent way. a sequence of actions or steps is
needed to be followed. The foremost work in this direction is selecting a topic for the research. While
selecting the topic for research, the foremost task is to narrow down the potential ones among the
available issues in that particular area of research. While selecting research topic, the researcher
should keep in mind that the research problem should be neither too broad nor too narrow. The
research topic should be selected in a way that can be clearly defined and understood. Since, it is not
a methodical step hence, selecting a research topic requires knowledge and significant time.

An efficient research study begins with a research topic. Research topic should be defined in such a
way that the further stages can be carried-out effectively. As soon as the research topic and related
questions are formulated, researchers proceed further to select research design and collect data.
Hence, this step should be performed carefully, as it one of the most important foundations for making
decisions.

2) Defining Research Problem:

The next step of research process after selecting research topic is defining research problem. The
research problem should be defined clearly and precisely. The research problem which is clearly
defined solves half of the problem. Defining the research problem precisely for some researches is not
possible. For example, defining research problem for poor sales is a difficult task, as it needs
exploratory research to explore the area further.

A well-defined research problem is crucial for fulfilling the requirements of a research study. In this
step, all the aspects of related to the research problem are identified after which a problem statement
is formulated. Many crucial decisions are based on the problem statement. If the problem statement
is defined precisely, then it helps the researchers to select the research design and data collection
methods easily. Research problem should be defined in such a way so that all the time, money and
effort put forward for the research does not go wasted. This is the most critical step in all the research
process as improper definition of the research problem can cause the failure of entire research study.

3) Objectives of Research:

After defining the research problem, the next stage is to set the research objectives. Research
objectives defined in clear terms help the researchers to proceed in certain direction. It prevents the
researchers from further distractions and enables them an issue to focus on. Research objectives
construct the foundation for the research work. It is on essential ingredient of a research, as the entire
effort and resources are applied to accomplish the research objectives. It helps the researchers to
provide answers for the specific research questions.
Thus, determining research objectives is the critical part of the research process at it supports the
completion of the whole research. While defining research objectives the researchers should always
remember that these should be comprehensive as well as attainable. The objectives of the research
are helpful in clarifying the type and level of information required for completing the research. This
information requirement is father described by the nature of the research as well as by design used in
the research. These objectives are the focal point of the any research as answering questions related
to these objectives, would result in the completion of the procedure.

4) Literature Survey:

The next step in the process of research is to analyse the available literature related to the research
area. Available literature's allow the researcher to analyse the previously researches that have been
published by different researchers in that field. The prime purpose of literature survey is to provide
the researchers an idea about the area of knowledge and highlights the issues that needs be
researched. Hence, surveying the literature is one of the most important steps in the research
process. Often literature survey provides data accumulated during a certain time-period. It generally
has a specific organisational pattern, but it can also contain just the summaries of sources. While
summary includes reviewing important information from different sources, the synthesis of
information. This reshuffling or of information is the helps the researchers in developing new
interpretations from the old information. This literature review may also be useful in developing
intellectual knowledge of the research area along with significant arguments or discussions.
Literature survey guides the researchers to evaluate the sources, and recommends them to collect
data from relevant literature's only.

5) Formulation of Hypothesis:

When literature is thoroughly surveyed, the researchers move to the next step, i.e., formulation of
hypothesis. To formulate research hypothesis, the prime task is identify the potential variables of the
study, after which relationship statement is formulated on the basis of an expected relation between
the variables, This statement is more focused compared to the research objectives.

For example, in case of research problem related to effect of violent content of TV on behavior of
children, the hypothesis may be formed as "Violent content of the TV is responsible for the aggressive
behavior of the children". Here violent content of the TV is independent variable and behavior of
children is dependent variable, and a positive relationship is predicted by the researcher.

The dependent and independent variables along with target population are also described with the
help of hypothesis to make the research subject clearer. The collected data is analysed and tested to
prove the hypothesis and establish a relation between variables.

6) Selecting Research Design:

Next step in the research process is developing the research design. Research design allows the
researchers to answer To the research questions in an accurate. economical, and objective manner.
Any research design performs two major functions :

• Preparing a s a structured plan outlining various methods and techniques required in

conducting the research.

• Making sure that these methods and techniques are suitable for the research. It also ensures
that these techniques will help in finding objective, precise, and suitable answers to the
research questions. This function is called "control of variance".
With the help of research design, a researcher is able to decide the necessary tasks to perform at each
step of the research. This plan helps in effective utilization of time and resources. Therefore, research
design con also o be referred as the blueprint of the research. Research design is prepared to regulate
and control every step of the research, which is the most vital issue of any study. Hence, it is
considered as one of the most crucial stages in the entire research process.

7) Sample Design:

As soon as the design of research is selected, the next task is to select the sample design. Sample
design sets a platform for effective data collection and analysis. A sample design is responsible for the
effective selection of research samples. Selecting sample design affects many aspects related to the
research work. Hence, selection of suitable sample design should be carefully performed. Designing
of sample includes many important decisions such as deciding the sample frames, selecting suitable
sampling technique, determining sample size, etc. Sampling design should be performed in such a way
that the quality of research is maintained in an economic way. Sample design permits the study of a
representative part of the target population, which results in reduction of unnecessary utilization of
money, time, and effort. This representative part or sample provides useful information which
represents the larger target population.

8) Collection of Data:

After finalizing the sample in the previous step, the required data is collected from the sample of
population. Actually this step is an intermediary stage between theoretical and practical aspects of a
research. In the beginning of the research process, a basic Idea about research problem is developed
with the help of available knowledge. After the research problem is formulated, data collection is
systematically. Without having accurate data about the research problem, complete information
performed is not possible to study as it works as a source of helpful in getting the solution. The
methods used for data collection depend on the type and nature of the research. The few common
methods are surveys, interviews, observation, case studies, etc.

Before collecting the data it is necessary for the researcher to select the research area, define the
research problem/question, and select samples. Data collection is done prior to the phase of data
analysis and reporting. The data collected is analysed and used for either supporting or replacing the
philosophies presented by earlier related researches. Data collection plays a crucial role in combining
the theories with their practical applications.

9) Execution of Project:

It is the next step in the research process after the collection of data. In this step, the real execution
of the research takes place. It is also known as the implementation stage of the research process. This
step is responsible for the systematic execution of the research in reasonable time. The correctness
and reliability of the collected data depends upon the efficient and feasible execution of the research
process. To ensure smooth execution of research project, structured questionnaire can be used,
where the questions and answers should be machine-coded. Various types of interviews can also be
selected for data collection, but the interviewers should be trained and skilled enough. In this step,
the researcher ensures that the research is executed as per the pre-set standards. Research process
should be executed in an ethical manner. There should be no restriction on publishing of collected
data. Other important aspects of the execution step are interpreting data accurately, and designing
suitable formats for presenting the findings to particular audiences.

10) Analysis of Data:

After collecting data and successfully executing the fieldwork, the collected data are analysed. Data
analysis is very essential to draw-out the required information from the raw data by making it
organised and meaningful. Organizing and analyzing the data facilitates the researchers to understand
the feature of sample. There are many techniques available to analyse the data. Sometimes during -
data analysis, researchers manipulate the data to get desired conclusions or outcomes. Therefore, it
is very important for the researchers to pay attention to the data analysis process and the procedure
through which calculated outcomes are calculated. Though data collection provides a lot of raw data,
but these data are unorganized in nature. By analyzing the data, data are organised in such a manner
that it provides meaningful answers. For example, responses of a survey may be compared to know
the number of individuals attending the survey as well as the approaches used by respondents to
answer certain questions. Analysed data can be visualized with the help of graphs, charts, tables, etc.
the graphical representation of data allows the researchers to rearrange and reorganize the data so
as to minimize the effort put by the readers in searching the significant information. By showing the
analysed data graphically, presentation becomes easy to understand.

11) Testing of Hypothesis:

The next step after analyzing the data is to test the previously formulated hypothesis. In this step,
researchers perform certain statistical calculations to accept or reject the hypothesis. Based on the
collected data, a suitable hypothesis about a probability distribution is chosen. This stage comes under
the purview of statistics as the analysis is performed with the help of statistical techniques. The prime
motive behind testing a hypothesis is to check its accuracy. By testing a hypothesis researchers can
check whether it represents the population at large or not, as the hypotheses are. formulated on the
basis of sample. A hypothesis is said to be accurate if it shows the true differences and does not contain
random sampling error.

12) Generalization and Interpretation of Data:

As the collected data is analysed through different statistical techniques and methods, the final results
should be given value and meaning. The meaning and valuation of the results depend upon the
process of interpreting results. On the basis of interpretations, various conclusions and generalizations
are made. Researchers can generalize the research results if they conduct the testing a number of
times, and the outcomes are found similar, every time. But, if there is no hypothesis, then the
outcomes are explained on the basis of some theories or concepts. This explanation often triggers
new issues for further researches. Generalization means applying the findings and conclusions of the
research to the actual world. Outcomes from the research can be interpreted in two possible ways :

• Drawing inference from the outcomes to develop theories or concepts. In this case, the results
are concluded on the basis of a general statement.

• Examining the data empirically and applying it to the larger population. In this case, the
general statement is applied to the bigger area.

The process for developing the general statement is same for both the cases, but the nature of
statement differs according to the nature of research problem, i.e., theoretical or empirical. After
analyzing the data, researchers try to interpret the findings on the basis of theoretical and practical
objectives of research. Data Interpretation is a step of research process where the measurements and
statistical observations of the study are scrutinized to develop evidences for responding to a research
problem.

13) Preparation of Research Report:

The final step of any research process is the preparation of research report. After collecting, analyzing,
and interpreting the data, the next task is to compile all the steps and present those phases in a
written-form. It includes detailed description of research design, sample design, tools for data
collection, and statistical techniques for the analysis of the collected data. Since, research report is
very useful for current as well as further researchers, hence proper care must be taken while preparing
the report. Report writing needs skills and knowledge so that appropriate data can be appropriately
represented. The report writing skills may be developed through practice, but a researcher should
always follow the basic principles of report writing. Some of the important skills needed are clarity,
coherence, objectivity, etc. a research report efficient if it is able to communicate and present the
research data. Usually, management as well as the audience is not interested in the details of
statistical calculations and its procedures, hence, the researcher should try not to overload the report
with such specifics. Therefore, much care is required for the effective preparation of research report
to make it useful for the management and audience.

Define a Research Problem

What is a research problem?
A research problem is a statement that addresses a gap in knowledge, a challenge or a
contradiction in a particular field. Scientists use research problems to identify and define the
aim of their study and analysis. You may decide to conduct research based on a problem if
you're interested in contributing to social or scientific change or supplying additional
knowledge to an existing topic. A research problem may also help identify key concepts and
terms, overarching questions and variables associated with a study.

Characteristics of an effective research problem

There are several factors that ensure a research problem is clear, well-defined and easy to
follow throughout the duration of a study. Understanding these aspects of a research
problem can help as you identify and create your own. Some characteristics to consider when
aiming to define a research problem include:
• Reflecting on issues or required knowledge in a particular field prior to conducting a
study
• Ensuring that the topic you aim to examine has a sufficient amount of relevant data
• Relying on reputable evidence and data and disregarding information that you can't
verify
• Remaining practical, manageable and communicative with researchers involved
in data collection and analysis
• Adhering strictly to a budget and timeline
3 types of research problems
Here are three types of research problems that can help you decide on the best format to
use:
1) Theoretical research problems
Theoretical research problems allow you to contribute to the overall information and
knowledge in an area of study. These kinds of research problems are exploratory and
provide basic definitions of a problem's overarching nature or areas of informational
gaps. Theoretical research problems can address contradictions between two or more
perspectives or address an unresolved question. Researchers develop their
hypotheses for these problems according to a particular theory, typically stemming
from social philosophy. For example, Albert Einstein's theory of relativity began as a
theoretical research problem before he eventually proved it in the early 20th century.

2) Applied research problems

Applied research problems, or nonsystematic problems, involve the practical use of
theoretical knowledge, meaning that scholars may use a particular theoretical
framework to gain information. It also includes an exploratory hypothesis and tests to
verify the accuracy of the hypothesis. Social scientists typically use applied research
problems in studies where the objective is to provide practical and applicable
solutions to help specific individuals and groups if they encounter challenges. For
example, a marketing company may define an applied research problem of how to
better market its services to a particular audience.

3) Action research problems

Similar to applied research problems, action research problems also aim to provide
solutions for problems but are typically more time-sensitive in nature. Action research
problems can also be one component of a larger reflective process that combines
ongoing research, analysis and action. Researchers develop and implement a research
strategy to create innovative solutions and discoveries as soon as possible. For
example, an action research problem in education might include finding a solution for
a district-wide problem impeding student success. This may include school staff
members working together and using district-wide action research data to find a
solution.

How to define a research problem

Consider following these steps when aiming to define your own research problem:
1. Identify a general area of interest
As you determine an area of study, consider areas that haven't been explored thoroughly or
present challenges within a particular field. Assess how you might address the area of concern
and whether you can develop a research problem related to this issue. If your research is
action-based or applied, consider contacting those who work in a relevant field to attain
feedback about problems to address. You can also follow up on research that others have
already conducted. Consider these various aspects when choosing an area of interest:
• Contradictions between two or more theoretical perspectives
• Situations or natural relationships that haven't been investigated thoroughly
• Processes in an institution or organization that you and your research team could
improve
• Areas of concern raised by individuals who work or are experts in a particular industry
2. Learn more about the problem
The next step is to learn more about the area of interest. Ask yourself what you need to know
about a particular topic before you begin your study. Assess who or what it might affect and
how your research could address those relationships. Consider whether other research
groups have already tried to solve the problem you're interested in analyzing and how your
approach might differ.
3. Review the context of the information
Reviewing the context of your research involves defining and testing the environmental
variables in your project, which may help you create a clear and focused research problem. It
may also help you note which variables are present in the research and how to account for
the impact that they may have on it. By reviewing the context, you may easily estimate the
amount of data your research is likely to require.
4. Determine relationships between variables
After identifying the variables involved in your research, you can learn how they're related to
one another and how these relationships may contribute to your research problem. Consider
generating as many potential perspectives and variable interactions as possible. Identifying
the relationships between variables may be useful when deciding the degree to which you
can control them in your study and how they might affect potential solutions to the problem
you're addressing.
5. Select and include important variables
A clear and manageable research problem typically includes the variables that are most
relevant to the study. A research team summarizes how they plan to consider and use these
variables and how they might influence the results of the study. Selecting the most important
variables can help the study's audience better understand the trajectory of your research and
the potential impact of the solution.
6. Receive feedback and revise
Consider contacting mentors, teachers or industry experts for feedback on your research
problem. They may present you with new information to consider or suggest you edit a
particular aspect of your research design. Revising your research problem can be a valuable
step in creating impactful and precise research, as well as developing beneficial research
skills. However, before asking for feedback, try asking yourself these guiding questions:
• Does my research problem allow for several solutions and outcomes?
• Am I creating a study that has a testable hypothesis or theory?
• Am I defining all the terms correctly?
• Is my research objective comprehensive?
• Are all parts of my project understandable?
If you answer affirmatively to most or all of these questions, it's likely that you have an
effective research problem and can progress with your study.

Research problem statement example

Having difficulty writing research problems? Follow these examples to write a problem
statement:

• Incorrect: What are the effects of social media on people?

• Correct: What effect does use Facebook every day have on teenagers?
In the above example, the first research question is not specific enough to capture accurate
feedback. Nobody knows what social media you’re talking about and what ‘people’ you’re
referring to.
Let’s look at another marketing research problem example.

• Incorrect: Who has a better healthcare system? The US or the UK?

• Correct: How do low-income earning people feel about the healthcare system, and
how do the UK and the US compare?
The next research question is comprehensive and does not draw a definite conclusion about
the healthcare systems of both countries.

Reasearch Design
What is Research Design?
When a research is carried-out, it follows a definite pattern or plan of action throughout the
procedure, i.e., since the problem identification to the report preparation and presentation. This
definite pattern or plan of action is called "research design". It is a map that guides the researcher in
collecting and analyzing the data. In other words, research design acts as a blueprint that is followed
throughout the research work.
For example, a building cannot be constructed without the knowledge of its structure. A builder
cannot order raw materials or set dates till he knows the structure of this building, such as office
building, school, home, etc.

Definition of Research Design

According to William Zikmund:

"Research design is defined as a master plan specifying the methods and procedures for collection and
analyzing the needed information."

According to Kerlinger:

"Research design is the plan, structure, and strategy of investigation conceived so as to obtain answers
to research questions and to control variance".

Features of a Good Research Design

It is considered that a good research design should reduce the biasness while should maximize the
reliability of data being collected and analysed. A good research design should provide the opportunity
as per the various aspects of research problem. It should minimize the experimental error and should
provide maximum information. Hence, it can be concluded the selection of research design relies upon
the research problem and the nature of research. Following are the major features of a good research
design :

1) Objectivity:
Objectivity refers to the ability of the research instruments to give conclusions that are free
from observer's personal biases. A good research design should be able select those
instruments only that provide objective conclusions. Usually, it is believed that maintaining
objectivity is pretty easy, but it proves to be difficult during execution of research and data
analysis.

2) Reliability:
Another essential feature of a good research design is the reliability of responses. The
instruments used in research should be able to provide similar responses to a question asked
from a respondent. If the response varies, the instrument is considered unreliable. In other
words, reliability of research design is measured in terms of consistency in responses.

3) Validity:
An important characteristic of a good research design is its ability to answer the questions in
the way it was intended to. It should focus on the objective of the research and make specific
arrangements or plan for achieving that objective.

For example, when a research is conducted to measure the effects of advertisements in

viewers, it should be able to answer this, and not the sale of a particular product.

4) Generalisability:
A research design is said to be generalisable if the outcome of the research is applicable on a
bigger population from which the sample is selected. A research design can be made
generalisable by properly defining the population properly, selecting the sample carefully,
 analyzing the statistical data appropriately, and by preparing it methodologically. Therefore,
the more the outcomes are generalisable, more efficient is the research design.

5) Sufficient Information :
Any research is conducted to gain insight of the hidden facts, figures and information. The
research design should be able to provide sufficient information to the researcher so that he
can analyse the research problem in a broad perspective. The research design should be able
to identify the research problem and research objective.

6) Other Features :
Along with the above, there are some other features also that make a research design good.
These are adaptability, flexibility. efficiency, etc. A good research design should be able to
minimize the errors and maximize the accuracy.

Importance of Research Design

Purpose of research design / Use of research designs are as follows :

1) Reduces Cost:
Research design is needed to reduce the excessive costs in terms of time, money and effort
by planning the research work in advance.

2) Facilitate the Smooth Scaling:

In order to perform the process of scaling smoothly, an efficient research design is of utmost
importance. It makes the research process effective enough to give maximum relevant
outcome in an easy way.

3) Helps in Relevant Data Collection and Analysis:

Research design helps the researchers in planning the methods of data collection and analysis
as per the objective of research. It is also responsible for the reliable research work as it is the
foundation for entire research. Lack of proper attention in preparation of research design can
harm the entire research work.

4) Assists in Smooth Flow of Research Operations:

Research design is necessary to give better and effective structure to the research. Since all
the decisions are made in advance, therefore, research design facilitates the smooth flow of
research operations and reduces the possible problems of researchers.

5) Helps in Getting Reviews from Experts:

Research design helps in developing an overview about the whole research process and thus
assists in getting responses and reviews from different experts in that field.

6) Provides a Direction to Executives:

Research design directs the researcher as well as the executives involved in the research for
giving their relevant assistance.
Factors Affecting Research Design
Various factors that affect research design are as follows :

1) Research Questions:
Research questions perform an important role in selecting the method to carry-out research.
There are various forms of research designs which include their own methods for collecting
data.

For example, a survey can be conducted for the respondents to ask them descriptive or
interconnected questions while a case study or a field survey can be used to identify the firm's
decision-making process.

2) Time and Budget Limits :

Researchers are bound with restricted amount of time and budget to complete the research
study. The researcher can select experimental or descriptive research when the time and
budget constraints we favorable to him for the detailed study. otherwise exploratory research
design can be adopted when the time is limited.

3) Research Objective :
Every research is carried out to obtain the results which help to achieve some objectives. This
research objective influences the selection of research design. Researcher should adopt the
research design which is suitable for research objective and also provides best solution to the
problem along with the valuable result.

4) Research Problem :
Selection of the research design is greatly affected by the type of research problems.

For example, the researcher selects experimental research design to find out cause and-effect
relationship of the research problem. Similarly, if the research problem includes in depth
study, then the researcher generally adopts experimental research design method.

5) Personal Experiences :
Selection of research design also depends upon the personal experience of researchers.

For example, the researcher who has expertise in statistical analysis would be liable to select
the quantitative research designs. While, those researchers who are specialists in theoretical
facets of research will be forced to select qualitative research design.

6) Target Audience :
The type of target audience plays very important role in selection of research design.
Researcher must consider the target audience for which the research is carried-out. Audiences
may either be general public, business professionals or government.

For example, if the research is proposed for general public, then the researcher should select
qualitative research design. Similarly, quantitative research design would be appropriate for
the researcher to introduce the report in front of the business experts.
Process of Research Design
The stages in the process of research design are interactive in nature and often occur at the same
time. Designing of research study follows given process. Steps in research design:

Step 1: Defining Research Problem :

The definition of research problem is the foremost and important part of a research design process.
Defining the research problem includes supplying the information that is required by the
management. Without defining the research problem appropriately, it is not possible for the
researcher to conclude the accurate, results. While defining research problem, the researchers first
analyse the problems or opportunities in management, then they analyse the situation. The purpose
of clarifying the research problem is to make sure that the area of concern for research is properly
reflected and management decision is correctly described. After situation analysis, they develop a
model for research which helps in the next step which is specification of information.

Step 2: Assess the Value of Information :

When a research problem is approached, it is usually based on some information. These data are
obtained from past experiences as well as other sources. On the basis of this information, some
preliminary judgement are made regarding the research problem. There is always a need for
additional information which is available without additional cost and delay but waiting and paying for
the valuable information is quite difficult.

For example, a car manufacturing industry may be concerned about decrease in the sale of a particular
model. A researcher will look for the solutions by analyzing various aspects.

For this, the researcher has to continuously collect a lot of information and needs to evaluate them
by understanding their value and filtering out useless information.
Step 3: Select the Approach for Data Collection:

For any type of research, a researcher needs data. Once, it is identified that which kind of information
is required for conducting the research, the researchers proceed towards collecting the data. The data
can be collected using secondary or primary sources.

Secondary data is the previous collected information for some other purpose, while the primary data
is collected by the researcher especially for the research problem.

Step 4: Select the Measurement Technique:

After collecting data, the measurement technique for the collected data is selected. The major
measurement techniques used in research are as follows:

1) Questionnaire:
Questionnaire is a formal structure which contains questions to collect the information from
the respondents regarding his attitude, beliefs, behavior, knowledge, etc.

2) Attitude Scales:
Attitude scales are used to extract the beliefs and feelings of the respondents regarding an
object or issue.

3) Observation:
It is the monitoring of behaviors and psychological changes of the respondents. It is widely
used in research.

4) Projective Techniques and Depth Interview:

Sometimes direct questions are not sufficient to get true responses from the individuals, that
is why. different approaches like depth interviews and projective techniques are used. These
techniques allow the respondents to give their responses without any fear. Researcher neither
disagrees nor gives advice in these techniques.

Step 5: Sample Selection:

Once, the measurement technique has been selected, the next step is selecting the sample to conduct
the research. The researchers in this stage select a sample out of the total population instead of
considering the population as a whole. Sample can be selected by using two techniques, i.e., random
sampling techniques, and non-random sampling techniques.

Step 6: Selecting Model of Analysis :

Researchers select the model of analysis or technique of data analysis, before collecting data. After
this, researchers evaluate the techniques using hypothetical values to ensure that the measurement
technique would provide the desired outcome regarding the research problem.

Step 7: Evaluate the Ethics of Research :

While conducting research, it becomes very much necessary for the researcher to follow ethical
practices. The researches which are conducted ethically draws interests of general public,
respondents, clients and other research professionals. Hence, it becomes the duty of the researcher
to evaluate the practices in research, to avoid any biasness on behalf of the observer and researcher
as well.
Step 8: Estimate Time and Financial Requirements :

This step is one of the most important steps in designing research. Here, researchers use different
methods like Critical Path Method (CPM) and Programme Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) to
design the plan as well as control process and to determine the resources required.

A flowchart of these activities along with their approximate time is prepared for visual assessment of
the research process. With the help of this chart, the researcher can find out the sequence of activities
to be taken.

Step 9: Prepare the Research Proposal :

The final step in the process of research design is preparing the research proposal. A research proposal
or the research design is prepared the operation and control of research. An effective research
proposal is prepared before actual conduction of the research.

Types of Research Design

Based on the aim of study, there are three types of research design :

1) Exploratory Research Design:

Exploratory research design aims to get a better understanding of the problem by explaining the
concepts and developing hypotheses regarding the research study. Various techniques used in
exploratory research study are literature survey. surveys, focus groups, case studies, etc. Exploratory
research does not emphasize upon sampling, but tries to gather information from participants who
are considered knowledgeable.

2) Descriptive Research Design:

Unlike exploratory research, the aim of descriptive research is to describe the characteristics of a
phenomenon is more rigid than exploratory research. It describes various aspects related to a
population. It is the study that is designed to depict the population in much more accurate way. It
attempts to describe, explain and interpret the conditions in much detailed approach. It examines a
phenomenon that is occurring at a specific place and at specific time.

3) Experimental or Causal Research Design:

Experimental or Causal or Conclusive research design is a type of research design which is

predetermined and structured in nature. It is used for causal or conclusive research, which is
conducted quantitatively. It is called causal research, because it is helpful in exploring the cause and
effect relationship of a research problem. The main objective of casual research is to test the
hypotheses which were defined in the exploratory Research Design. Causal research is simply opposite
to the descriptive research, as with the help of experimentation, it can interpret whether the
relationship is causal or not.