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:

 Data collection
 Measurement
 Data Analysis

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.

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.

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

Characteristics of Research Design

A proper 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:

 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 should be free from research bias and
neutral. Understand opinions about the final evaluated scores and
conclusions from multiple individuals and consider those who agree
with the results.
  Reliability: With regularly conducted research, the researcher
expects similar results every time. You’ll only be able to reach the
desired results if your design is reliable. Your plan should indicate
how to form research questions to ensure the standard of results.
 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 method
implies that your survey can be conducted on any part of a
population with similar accuracy.

The above factors affect how respondents answer the research questions,
so they should balance all the above characteristics in a good design. If
you want, you can also learn about Selection Bias through our blog.

Research Design Types

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

 Qualitative research
Qualitative research determines relationships between collected data and
observations based on mathematical calculations. Statistical methods can
prove or disprove theories related to a naturally existing phenomenon.
Researchers rely on qualitative observation research methods that
conclude “why” a particular theory exists and “what” respondents have to
say about it.

 Quantitative research
Quantitative research is for cases where statistical conclusions to collect
actionable insights are essential. Numbers provide a better perspective for
making critical business decisions. Quantitative research methods are
necessary for the growth of any organization. Insights drawn from complex
numerical data and analysis prove to be highly effective when making
decisions about the business’s future.
Qualitative Research vs Quantitative Research
Here is a chart that highlights the major differences between qualitative and
quantitative research:

Qualitative Research Quantitative Research

Focus on explaining and understanding experiences and perspectives. Focus on quantifying and measuring phenomena.

Use of non-numerical data, such as words, images, and observations. Use of numerical data, such as statistics and surveys.

Usually uses small sample sizes. Usually uses larger sample sizes.

Typically emphasizes in-depth exploration and interpretation. Typically emphasizes precision and objectivity.

Data analysis involves interpretation and narrative analysis. Data analysis involves statistical analysis and hypothesis testing.

Results are presented descriptively. Results are presented numerically and statistically.

In summary or analysis, the step of qualitative research is more exploratory

and focuses on understanding the subjective experiences of individuals,
while quantitative research is more focused on objective data and statistical
analysis.

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

1. Descriptive: In a descriptive composition, a researcher is solely

interested in describing the situation or case under their research study. It
is a theory-based design method 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: Experimental research establishes a relationship

between the cause and effect of a situation. It is a causal research 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 an efficient research method as
it contributes to solving a problem.

The independent variables are manipulated to monitor the change it has on

the dependent variable. Social sciences often use it to observe human
behavior by analyzing two groups. Researchers can have participants
change their actions and study how the people around them react to
understand social psychology better.

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

research technique. It helps researchers establish a relationship between
two closely connected variables. There is no assumption while evaluating a
relationship between two other variables, and statistical analysis
techniques calculate the relationship between them. This type of research
requires two different groups.

A correlation coefficient determines the correlation between two variables

whose values range 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: 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: Explanatory design uses a researcher’s ideas and

thoughts on a subject to further explore their theories. The study explains
unexplored aspects of a subject and details the research questions’ what,
how, and why.

Benefits of Research Design

There are several benefits of having a well-designed research plan.
Including:

 Clarity of research objectives: Research design provides a clear

understanding of the research objectives and the desired outcomes.
 Increased validity and reliability: To ensure the validity and
reliability of results, research design help to minimize the risk of bias
and helps to control extraneous variables.
  Improved data collection: Research design helps to ensure that the
proper data is collected and data is collected systematically and
consistently.
 Better data analysis: Research design helps ensure that the
collected data can be analyzed effectively, providing meaningful
insights and conclusions.
 Improved communication: A well-designed research helps ensure
the results are clean and influential within the research team and
external stakeholders.
 Efficient use of resources: reducing the risk of waste and
maximizing the impact of the research, research design helps to
ensure that resources are used efficiently.

A well-designed research plan is essential for successful research,

providing clear and meaningful insights and ensuring that resources are
practical.

Conclusion
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conduct research. With its user-friendly interface, robust data collection and
analysis tools, and the ability to integrate results from multiple sources,
QuestionPro provides a versatile platform for designing and executing
research projects.

Our robust suite of research tools provides you with all you need to derive
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Experimental research uses the scientific method to find

preferable ways of accomplishing a task for providing a service.

There are three different types of experimental research design, divided by

key elements related to how you conduct each experiment. Within these
types, there are also subdivisions that the behaviors within the experiment
can affect. The three main types of experimental research design are:
1. Pre-experimental research

A pre-experimental research study is an observational approach to

performing an experiment. It's the most basic style of experimental
research. Free experimental research can occur in one of these design
structures:

One-shot case study research design: In this form of experimental research, experimenters
subject a single group to a stimulus and test them at the end of the application. This allows
researchers to gather results for performance by individuals or entities subject to the stimuli
being tested.

One-group pretest-posttest design: In this type of research, researchers apply a test both
before and after the application of the stimuli. This provides a comparison of performance
with and without application for researchers to make judgments about the effects of the
stimuli on the subjects.

Static group comparison design: In a static group comparison, researchers assess two
different groups, with only one group receiving the stimuli the researchers are assessing.
Testing occurs at the end of the process, allowing the researchers to compare the results
from the subjects who received the stimuli against those who didn't.

Related: Evidence-Based vs. Research-Based Programs: Definitions and

Differences

2. Quasi-experimental research

Quasi-experimental research is similar to true experimental research, and

experimenters can apply it in similar ways. The primary distinction between
the two is a lack of randomization when assigning participants to groups in
a quasi-experimental study. This usually occurs because of rules or
regulations that prevent researchers from applying random allocations in
some settings, such as a research study at a university. Related: Research
Design: What It Is (Plus 20 Types)

3. True experimental research

True experimental research is the main method of applying untested

research to a subject. Under true experimental conditions, participants
receive randomized assignments to different groups in the study. This
removes any potential for bias in creating study groups to provide more
reliable results. There are a few design structures a researcher may use
when performing experimental research, which differ based on the number
and style of groups used:
Posttest-only control group design

In this design structure, a researcher divides participants into two groups at

random. One group acts as a control and doesn't receive the stimuli being
tested, while the second group does receive the stimuli researchers are
assessing. Researchers perform tests at the end of the experiment to
determine the practical results of being exposed to the
stimuli.Related: What Is a Control in an Experiment? (With Definition and
Guide)

Pretest-posttest control group design

Under this structure, researchers provide tests to the participants both

before and after the non-control group receives exposure to the stimuli.
Researchers test groups twice, so this structure provides multiple methods
of assessing the results.Experimenters can examine changes in
performance for the non-control group, and they may also determine if any
changes occur due to participants undergoing the same test twice. They
may do this by checking if the control group has also changed, which
researchers can then use to make adjustments as needed when analyzing
the data.