DCU 1008: TOPIC 5

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

A research design is a structured plan or framework that guides how a study is conducted to answer research
questions. It outlines the methods for collecting, measuring, and analyzing data, ensuring the research is
organized and focused.
Types of Research Designs
1. Case Study Design
Researchers collect data from a single organization/group/individual/ event for analysis and
interpretation.
Example: Telling the full life story of one student who overcame drug abuse challenges.
2. Cohort Design
Researchers follows a group of people (a cohort) over time to see how things change for them.
Example: Watching a group of new nurses over 5 years to see how their skills improve.
3. Cross-Sectional Design
Researchers collect data at one point in time for analysis and interpretation.
Example: Doing a survey of 100 college students today to see how many are using e-books.
4. Longitudinal Design
Researchers collect data over a given period for analysis and interpretation.
Example: Collecting data from 2020-2024 to assess the extent to which Commercial Banks have changed
interest rates.
5. Descriptive Design
Researchers describes what’s happening, without trying to change anything.
Example: Counting how many male and female students are in a class and recording their average age
6. Experimental Design
The researcher manipulates variables in a controlled set up to observe the outcome.
Example: A lab technician trying to ascertain cancer cells in human blood by using multiple reagents.
7. Exploratory Design
Is a kind of a design used when we don’t know much yet and want to explore or learn more.
Example:
- Interviewing young people to find out why many don’t vote.
- The mission of Astronauts to Mars to understand how mars looks like
8. Historical Design
Researchers make efforts to investigate past events or documents to understand the present.
Example: Studying old school policies to understand how education has changed over the years.
9. Meta-Analysis Design
Is a kind of design that combines results from many past studies for analysis and interpretation.
Example: Reading 5 previous studies about “Technology and Organizational Performance” to make a
conclusion/understand the relationship between the variables.
10. Observational Design
The researcher watches/observes people behaviours or situations without interfering.
Example: A sales representative watching buyers a supermarket to ascertain what motivates buyers.
Functions of Research Designs
Research designs in scientific investigations serve several key functions:
1. Gives Direction to the Study
It tells us what to do, how to do it, and when.
2. Keeps the Research Focused

Copyright © 2024 Henry O. Kegoro. All Rights Reserved

 DCU 1008: TOPIC 5
2

It helps us stick to the main question or topic without getting lost.

3. Makes the Research Efficient
It helps you use your time, energy, and money wisely.
4. Ensures Correct Data Collection
It helps you pick the right methods like interviews, surveys, or observation
5. Helps Get Accurate Results
A strong design reduces mistakes, so your findings are more reliable and believable.
6. Makes Analysis Easier
It guides how you’ll organize and interpret the information you collect.
7. Allows Others to Trust or Repeat Your Study
With a good design, others can check your work or even repeat it.
8. Supports Ethical Research
It helps you respect people’s rights, privacy, and consent during the research.
Sampling method
Sampling method can either be probability based or non-probability based.
1. Probability sampling chances of selecting the respondents is known/equal
2. Non-probability sampling chances of selecting respondents is unknown/unequal
Types of Probability Sampling:
a) Simple Random Sampling: Every individual has an equal chance of being chosen, usually selected
using random numbers or a lottery system.
b) Systematic Sampling: Selecting every nth individual from a list, starting from a random point, which
makes it easier to implement than simple random sampling.
c) Stratified Sampling: Dividing the population into subgroups (strata) and randomly sampling from
each group to ensure each subgroup is represented.
d) Cluster Sampling: Dividing the population into clusters, randomly selecting some clusters, and then
sampling everyone within these clusters. Useful in geographically dispersed populations.

Types of Non-Probability Sampling

a) Convenience Sampling: Selecting individuals who are easiest to access. It’s quick and cost-effective
but may lead to bias.
b) Judgmental or Purposive Sampling: The researcher uses their judgment to select participants who
best meet the study’s needs or characteristics.
c) Snowball Sampling: Used when the population is hard to reach, starting with a small group and
asking them to refer others who meet the criteria.
d) Quota Sampling: Dividing the population into groups and then sampling a certain number from each
group based on specific characteristics.

Methods of Collecting Primary Data

Primary data collection methods are techniques used to gather new data directly from original sources for
specific research purposes. Key methods include:
1. Surveys and Questionnaires: Collect data from a large audience through structured questions.
Useful for quantitative data and generalizable insights.
2. Interviews: One-on-one or small group discussions with respondents to gather detailed, in-depth
information. Commonly used in qualitative research for exploring opinions and experiences.
3. Observations: Directly observing participants’ behaviors, actions, or conditions in their natural
environment. Effective for gathering unbiased data on real-world behavior.

Copyright © 2024 Henry O. Kegoro. All Rights Reserved

 DCU 1008: TOPIC 5
3

4. Experiments: Controlled studies where researchers manipulate variables to observe effects on the
subject group, allowing for testing cause-effect relationships.
5. Focus Groups: Small, moderated discussions with selected participants to explore attitudes, opinions,
or reactions in a group setting. Useful for qualitative insights.
1. Questionnaires
Advantages
1. Cost-Effective: Reaches a large audience quickly and economically.
2. Standardization: Provides uniform questions, enhancing consistency.
3. Easy to Analyze: Responses can be easily quantified, making data analysis faster.
4. Anonymity: Respondents may feel more comfortable sharing honest answers.
5. Wide Reach: Can be distributed widely, especially online, increasing sample size.
Disadvantages
1. Limited Depth: Closed-ended questions may not capture detailed insights.
2. Low Response Rate: Participants may not complete or return the questionnaire.
3. Misinterpretation Risk: Without an interviewer, questions may be misunderstood.
4. Potential for Bias: Respondents may answer in socially desirable ways.
5. Inflexible: Once distributed, questions cannot be adjusted based on responses.

2. Interviews
Advantages
1. In-Depth Data: Allows for detailed, comprehensive responses.
2. Clarification: Interviewers can clarify questions to avoid misinterpretation.
3. High Response Rate: Participants are less likely to drop out once committed.
4. Observational Insights: Non-verbal cues can offer additional insights.
5. Adaptability: Questions can be adjusted based on the flow of conversation.
Disadvantages
1. Time-Consuming: Each interview requires significant time to conduct.
2. Expensive: Higher costs due to travel, time, and potential compensation.
3. Interviewer Bias: Responses may be influenced by the interviewer’s tone or mannerisms.
4. Subjective Interpretation: Analysis may be influenced by the researcher’s perspective.
5. Limited Sample Size: Due to time and resources, fewer participants are typically interviewed,
affecting generalizability.
3. Experiments
Advantages
1. Controlled Environment: Allows for precise control of variables.
2. Cause-and-Effect Analysis: Can identify causal relationships.
3. Reproducibility: Experiments can be repeated to validate findings.
4. Reliability: Clear and structured method increases accuracy.
5. Scientific Rigor: Generates empirical data suitable for quantitative analysis.
Disadvantages
1. Artificial Setting: Results may not apply to real-world settings.
2. High Costs: Experiments can be expensive and require special resources.
3. Ethical Constraints: Some experiments may raise ethical issues.
4. Time-Consuming: Preparation and execution may take a lot of time.
5. Limited Generalizability: Results may not be applicable to other populations or settings.
4. Focus Groups

Copyright © 2024 Henry O. Kegoro. All Rights Reserved

 DCU 1008: TOPIC 5
4

Advantages
1. In-Depth Qualitative Insights: Gathers rich, detailed data on participants’ perspectives.
2. Group Interaction: Group dynamics can reveal diverse viewpoints.
3. Flexible Format: Allows for open-ended discussion and probing questions.
4. Quick Data Collection: More efficient than individual interviews.
5. Exploratory: Useful for exploring new ideas or concepts.
Disadvantages
1. Groupthink Risk: Participants may conform to group opinion rather than express their own views.
2. Moderation Bias: Skilled facilitators are required to avoid influencing responses.
3. Non-Generalizable: Typically based on a small, non-random sample.
4. Logistical Challenges: Arranging groups and times that suit all participants can be difficult.
5. Dominant Participants: Certain individuals may overshadow others, skewing the data.

Copyright © 2024 Henry O. Kegoro. All Rights Reserved