RESEARCH 4TH QUARTER

RESEARCH DESIGN
- Decisions regarding what, where, when, how much
- The arrangement of conditions for collection and analysis of data in a manner
that aims to combine relevance to the research purpose with economy in
procedure.

The designing decisions happen to be in respect of:

- What is the study?
- Why is the study being made?
- Where will the study be carried out?
- What type of data is required?
- Where can the required data be found?
- What period of time will the study include?
- What will be the sample design?
- What techniques of data collection will be used?
- How will the data be analyzed?
- In what style will the report be prepared?

Research design refers to the blue print/road map for the collection, measurement, &
analysis of data.

Split the overall research design into the following parts:

(a) Sampling design – the method of selecting items to be observed
(b) Observational design – the conditions under which the observation are to be
made
(c) Statistical design – how the information and data gathered are to be analyzed
(d) Operational design – the techniques
The important features of a research design
(i) A plan – specifies the sources & types of information relevant to the research
problem.
(ii) A strategy – which approach will be used for gathering and analyzing the data.
(iii) The time and cost budgets – most studies are done under these two
constraints.

Need for Research Design:

 It facilitates the smooth sailing of the various research operations.
 Makes research as efficient as possible. Yielding maximum information with
minimal expenditure of effort, time, and money.
 Increases reliability of the results.

Important Concepts relating to research:

Variables:
- A concept which can take on different quantitative values
- Qualitative phenomena are also qualified
- Example: weight, height, and income
 Continuous Variable – Variable expressed using decimal points.
 Discrete (non-continuous) Variable – Variable expressed using integer
variables.
 Dependent Variable – Is a variable which depends upon or is a consequence of
the other variable.
 Independent Variable – Antecedent to the dependent variable.
 Extraneous Variable – Independent variables that are not related to the purpose
of the study, but may affect the dependent variable.
 Control – Design to minimize the influence or effect of extraneous variable(s).
 Confounded Relationship – When the dependent variable is not free from the
influence of extraneous variable(s).

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH – It involves numerical data collection procedures which

they analyze by statistical methods or treatment.
Survey Research – It is used to ask questions in a form of paper and pen test, online
poll or survey. Gather or collect those answers, analyze the data to produce numerical
results. It is considers as an initial step in collecting data for any type or research.
Correlation Research – It is conducted to determine the relationship between two
almost similar entities and how one differ from the other, and the changes that are
eventually observed.
Causal-comparative Research – This is also known as Quasi-experimental research
where used by the researcher to conclude the cause-effect relationship between
variables (one is dependent and the other is independent).
Experimental Research – This is also called as True experimentation, where an
analysis is done by proving or disapproving the statement. This method is used in
natural sciences.
Characteristics of Quantitative Research
1. Objective
- Accurate measurement of data
- Not based on intuition or guesses
- Data re clearly gather before creating conclusion
2. Clearly define research questions
- Know in advance what they are looking for
- Questions are well-defined
- All aspects are carefully designed
3. Structured Research Instrument
- Data are gathered using structured research tools
- Standardized instruments guide data collection, thus, ensuring the accuracy,
reliability and validity of data
4. Numerical Data
- Tables, figures, graphs showcased summarized data information in order to
show the trends, relationship or difference among variables.
5. Large Sample Size
- Requires large sample size for sampling method
6. Replication
- Can be replicated or repeated
- Research is highly reliable
7. Future Outcomes
- Research can be used to generalize concepts beyond that samples taken.
- Predict the future results
- Investigate any causal relationship

DATA COLLECTION METHOD OF RESEARCH

Data - A piece of information about the phenomenon under study. Aim of gathering and
summarizing the data- Transform data into meaningful information in order to identify
and measure variables. An ideal data collection procedure should be clear, unbiased,
reliable and valid.
The 5 Ws of data collection:
 What data is to be collected?
 From whom data is to be collected?
 Who will collect data?
 From where the data will be collected?
 When is the data collected?
Categories of Data Collection Methods
 Primary Collection method
 Secondary Collection method

Advantage of Primary Data

 Tailored according to research needs
 The researcher can determine exactly what data will be collected and can identify
the specific tools that will be used.
 Defined and consistent protocol
 Completeness of data is ensured

Disadvantage of Primary Data

 Time consuming
 Rely on subjects recall and communication abilities
 Bias may occur due to various factors.
 Need to check reliability of raters.
Primary Data Collection Methods
Involves data collection directly from the subjects by the researcher or trained
data collector. Data collected are specifically for the purpose of research.

Quantitative Methods:
 Probability Sampling - Method of sampling/ random sampling and enabling
researchers to make a probability statement based on data collected at random
demographic.
 Interviews - Interviewing people is a standard method used for data collection.
 Surveys/Questionnaires - It plays a pivot role in data collection. Surveys are
designed to legitimize the behavior and trust of the respondents.
Qualitative Methods:
 Survey/Questionnaires - Used to collect data from the target audience and
gather insights into their preferred opinion, choice and feedback and commonly
used in wide range of question types to select.
 Polls - Comprises of single or multiple-choice questions to get a quick response/
pulse of the audience insights.
 Interviews - This suitable when there are only a few respondents because it is
time consuming to repeat the process if there are many participants.

Secondary Data Collection Methods

- It involves of use of the data that were collected for various purposes other than
current research.
- Financial statement, magazines, reports, newspaper, libraries, internet, journals.

Advatage of Secondary Data Collection

- It is easier and quicker.
- Absence of researcher's biases.
- Economical and time saving Participant's co- operation may not be necessary &
it eliminates the biases related to participant awareness.

Disadvantage of Secondary Data Collection

- Accuracy, completeness and reliability depend upon original individual collecting
the data.
- May not be suitable for answering current research question.
- Missed data and inaccuracy are common.
- Biases are commonly expected