Proper planning and design are required to build houses off any road. On the other hand, Research Design in Research Methodology is very important in carrying out research work.
The first task of any research is the formulation or selection of the research problem and formulation of the hypothesis. In the next stage, the research design work is completed. That is, after selecting the research problem, the first task is to decide on the design.
Research Design Meaning
It helps a researcher in various ways in his intended research work. It is a blueprint that is followed to complete a research project. Hence it is a research framework or plan that guides the collection and analysis of data.
According to Kothari (1988) – Decisions regarding WHAT?, WHERE?, WHEN?, HOW MUCH?, by WHAT? means concerning an inquiry or a research study constitutes research design.
Research Design Definition
Several important research design definitions are observed, they are as follows –
According to F. N. Kerlinger – “Research design is the plan, structure, and strategy of investigation conceived so as to obtain answers to research questions and to control variance.”
According to Gay and Airasian (2000) – “A design is the general strategy for conducting a research study. The nature of the hypothesis, the variables involved, and the constraints of the ‘real world’ all contribute to the selection of design.”
According to P. V. Young – “A research design is the logical and systematic planning and directing of a piece of research.”
Characteristics of Research Design
Some salient Characteristics observed in the research design in research methodology are –
- A Blueprint to complete the research work.
- Specific objective oriented.
- Finding answers to research questions.
- Fair and orderly procedure.
- Scientific planning or scientific method.
- Forward planning and forward-looking processes.
- Reliable and valid method.
Types of Research Design in Research Methodology
Hence various types of research design are observed in carrying out research work properly, they are –
1. Exploratory Research Design
Exploratory research or study is the clarification of concepts and establishment of priorities for future research.
For example – ‘A study into the implications of COVID-19 pandemic into the global economy’ is exploratory research’.
2. Descriptive Research Design
The purpose of descriptive design is to describe some event, situation, people, group community, or phenomenon.
3. Experimental Research Design
Experimental design in sociological research refers to the systematic study of people by observing them through the control of variables.
4. Factorial Research Design
A factorial design enables the experimenter to test the effects of two or more variables simultaneously.
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Conclusion
Research design in research methodology helps a researcher in various ways in his expected research work. It is a blueprint that is followed to complete a research project. Hence research design is a research framework or plan that guides the collection and analysis of data.
References
- Best, J.W & Khan, J.V (2006) “Research in Education” (10th Ed.). New Delhi: PHI Learning Private Limited.
- Creswell, J.W (2019) “Educational Research” (4th Ed.). Pearson, ISBN 978-93-325-4947-0
- Kaul L. (1984) Methodology of Education Research, New Delhi, Vikas Publishing House
- Kishan, N (2016) “Economics of Education” APH Publishing Corporation.
Q – What is the definition of Research Design
Ans – According to William Zikmund – “Research design is a master plan specifying the methods and procedures for collection and analyzing the needed information.”
Q – Research design definition by authors.
Ans – According to F. N. Kerlinger – “Research design is the plan, structure, and strategy of investigation conceived so as to obtain answers to research questions and to control variance.”
Q – What are the main types of research design?
Ans – The main types of research design are –
1. Qualitative Research Design,
2. Quantitative Research Design,
3. Descriptive Research Design,
4. Experimental Design
Q – Can the research design be modified during the course of a study?
Ans – Yes, research design can be changed during the course of a study based on practical constraints or circumstances. When new data is collected and analyzed, it is necessary to refine the research design.
Q – What is a good definition of design?
Ans – P. V. Young – “A research design is the logical and systematic planning and directing of a piece of research.”
Q – What is research design according to Kothari?
Ans – According to Kothari (2004) – “The research design is the conceptual, structure within which the research is conducted; it constitutes the blueprint for the collection, measurement and analysis of data.”
Q – What is research design according to Creswell?
Ans – According to Creswell (2014) – “Research design is the specific procedure involved in the research process: data collection, data analysis, and report writing”.
Q – Who is the father of research design?
Ans – Father of research design is Paul Felix Lazarsfeld.
