Research is a systematic and structured investigation into a particular subject. It is crucial in various fields, such as science and humanities. On the whole, a research design defines the effectiveness of research.
Research design serves as a roadmap for the investigation process, enabling effective data collection and analysis.
This article will discuss the essential components of research design, the 4 types of research design with mixed-methods research design examples.
The Key Aspects of Research Design
Research design in research methodology is crucial. Hence sets the overall foundation and technique for data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The research design’s essential components include research questions, sample size, data collection methods, and ethical considerations.
- Research questions are fundamental to any research project. It guides the selection of appropriate methods and data collection techniques.
- The sample size is critical as it influences the results’ generalizability and validity.
- Data collection methods may include surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observations. Meanwhile, data analysis techniques can range from statistical analysis to qualitative methods.
- Owing to ethical considerations, we need to conduct the study responsibly and morally.
What are the Characteristics of Research Design?
The following four strong research design characteristics play an essential role in research studies.
- Validity
One can evaluate the outcomes of research in various methods. A sound research design aids in choosing the appropriate measuring instruments. In sum, this helps to evaluate outcomes in line with the research goal.
- Generalized
A sound research design generates results that are generalizable to a large group of people. Hence, it is not limited by the size of the sample.
- Neutrality
Every research project must begin with a few presumptions that will be put to proof as the study progresses. For this purpose, a good research design guarantees to be neutral and bias-free.
- Reliability
When done correctly, research design can produce consistent findings regardless of how it is conducted. But producing comparable results is only feasible if your study design is trustworthy.
What are the Different Types of Research Designs?
At a greater level, research can also be categorized as quantitative or qualitative. Some studies display qualitative and quantitative properties. However, the following four types of research designs are frequently used in research methodology:
- Descriptive Research Design – This research design aims to describe a phenomenon or situation accurately. Further, it is used to describe the characteristics of a population or phenomenon. For instance, a study that describes the eating habits of college students.
- Correlational Research Design – This research design aims to establish a relationship between two or more variables by collecting and analyzing data on the variables. For instance, research focuses on the connection between mental health and online social networking use.
- Causal-comparative Research Design - This research design compares two or more groups on a particular variable to determine the effect of an independent variable. However, it does not involve the manipulation of the independent variable. For example, a study examining a new medication’s impact on a specific disease.
- Experimental Research Design - This research design examines the cause-and-effect relationship between independent and dependent variables. That involves the manipulation of one or more variables to determine their effect on the outcome variable.
Additionally, it involves randomly assigning participants to different groups and measuring the outcome variable. For example, one group of subjects in a study receiving caffeine and the other a placebo examines the impact of caffeine on memory.
What is a Mixed-Methods Research Design?
Mixed-methods research design is a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods. The best features of both methods have been combined in one design. This sheds light on the issue under investigation.
In a mixed-methods research design, the researcher collects quantitative and qualitative data. Furthermore, combining them gives a complete picture of the research problem.
For example, a researcher studying the effectiveness of a new teaching method might use a mixed-methods design. Therefore, they use it to collect quantitative data on student performance. In like manner, they use qualitative data on student perceptions and experiences.
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To illustrate how research design works in practice, let’s consider a few research design examples.
Example 1 - A researcher investigates the relationship between team member job satisfaction and turnover rates in a company. The researcher uses the correlational research technique to identify whether there is an important link between the variables.
The researcher could collect data on employee job satisfaction levels and turnover rates and analyze the data using statistical methods. It aids in figuring out the nature, strength, and trajectory of the connection between each variable.
Example 2 - Using an experimental research design, you could select a sample of students. While managing all other important factors, arbitrarily designate half of them to receive tuition online and the remaining half in person.
By contrasting their test results, you can be certain that any fluctuation in scores was caused by the approach to teaching and not by any other variables.
Example 3 - If you were researching the efficacy of online education in the UK, it would be very challenging to obtain a sample that reflects all high school students in that country.
You could concentrate your study on a smaller population. For instance, 7th-grade students in the economically disadvantaged regions of Manchester. This makes it easier to analyze and enables you to reach more accurate results.
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Imagine the research design as the plan for a building. In the same way, a set of plans lays out the structure’s layout, a research design lays out the steps to be taken in conducting the research, from collecting data to analyzing it.
A mixed-methods strategy can be compared to the employment of a variety of materials, such as concrete, steel, and wood, in the construction of a single structure. As combining various building materials makes the structure more sturdy and long-lasting, a mixed-methods strategy can provide a more in-depth grasp of the study subject.
By analyzing the four common types of study designs as well as the mixed-methods approach, researchers can make an educated decision.
Researchers with a firm grasp of the foundations of study design are better equipped to conduct investigations with reliable results.
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