Introduction to Research Design: Meaning, Characteristics and Components.
In this article we will go through the topic Research Design: Meaning, Characteristics and Components. Research Design concerns with answering questions, explaining situations and testing of the hypothesis. In other words, it is related to that logic based working method through which specific needs of the study are fulfilled.
Meaning of Research Design
A research design is 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.
A research design can be divided into following parts:
(a) The Sampling Design which deals with the method of selecting items to be observed for the given study
(b) The Observation Design which relates to the conditions under which the observations are to be made.
(c) The Statistical Design which concerns with the question of how many items are to be observed and how the information and data gathered are to be analyzed; and
(d) The Operational Design which deals with the techniques by which the procedures specified in the sampling, statistical and observational designs can be carried out.
The purpose of research design is thus facilitating the research work to proceed in the proper direction, complete the same within the laid down time schedule and arrive at very logical and authentic results. In the absence of research design, it will be difficult for the researcher to organize his plan and ideas and pursue the same without any mistakes and shortcomings.
Research Design: Meaning, Characteristics and Components.
Definition of Research Design
Research Design manages the directions for the collection of facts and their analysis which aim at providing relevance to the objects of research and exercise control on the expenditure.
C. Selltiz, M. Jahoda, M. Deutsch and S.W. Cook
Research Design is the plan, structure and strategy of research work which is constructed in a way so as to have answers to the questions involved in the research and to exercise control on diverse factors. Such a plan or design is the comprehensive blue print or Programme of research under which outline of every such thing right from formulation of hypothesis up to the final analysis of facts is included which a researcher has to deal with during the process of research operations.
F.N. Kerlinger
Characteristics of Research Design
Following are the basic characteristics of a good research design as perceived by various, research scientists
1. Outline of Research
Research design is the outline of research operations. It provides a clear view of the investigation.
2. Guiding Tool
Research design guides the research team to proceed in the right direction. It lays down a proper path to be followed by researchers while conducting their research work.
3. Simplification of Events
One of the important roles of research design is to present event in a simple and comprehensible form. Such of the events and happenings which are complex in nature are simplified so that it is easy to understand and analyze them correctly.
4. Monitoring and Control of Research Process
As research design is the outline of the processes of research work, it monitors the operations and exercises control over them in order to ensure progress in work as per time schedule and to arrive at logical and authentic conclusions.
5. Economy
Research design helps in completing a research study within the time frame prescribed for it and also with minimum possible expenses, labour and efforts It shows the way to how the resources (time, money and efforts) can be utilized optimally.
6. Solution of Problems
Research design helps research workers in solving the problems coming in the way of research process. It helps in finding answer to the questions so that the research work keeps on going smoothly till it is complete.
7. Achievement of Objectives
Research design guides in achieving the aims and objects of research to the maximum possible extent. It is a tool that helps research team to function with due observance of the objects.
8. Based on Research Problem
The research design is constructed on the basis of research problem or the hypothesis. So, it is directly relevant to as well as concerned with the research work.
9. Helpful in Decision making
Research design is the format of entire research Programme and processes. It determines the course of the process of research right from the formulation of hypothesis or identification of the problem up to the stage of final results. It also helps in testing the correctness and reliability of the hypothesis. In its absence, it would not be possible for the researcher to take true, appropriate and reliable decisions.
Read Also : Types of Research
Components of Research Design
Basically, research design is the plan or Programme of research study. It helps and guides a researcher in proceeding systematically towards his goal. Therefore, it is necessary to have a properly formulated research design which should be written down. Even if the design is very brief, it will be useful only when it is in the written form. While drafting the design, care should be taken to produce it in chronological order and it should be divided into different steps.
The essential components of a good research design, are as follows
1. Identification of the problem and formulation of hypothesis.
2. Defining relationship between the problem and hypothesis and the topic of research.
3. Explaining the assumptions and hypothesis in a very clear and convincing manner.
4. Presenting the hypothesis in practical terms so that it can be tested.
5. Study of the material available in the form of articles, documents, reports etc. concerning the subject of research.
6. Taking the decision regarding the type and scope of research to be pursued.
7. Detailed description of various aspects of research investigation.
8. Specify as to what shall be the use of the findings of research work.
9. Selection of the mode and method for observation, description and measurement of data and information and defining the same.
10. Selection of tools and techniques for collection and analysis of data and for testing the same.
11. Defining and explaining the limitations of research study.
12. Description of the process of data codification.
13. Development of a proper methodology or system for utilizing the data.
14. Arrangement for editing of the data, fact, information and other material collected during the course of research investigation.
15. Formulation of the plan for quantitative and qualitative analysis of research material.
16. Selection and defining of the classes and categories for classification and analysis of facts and data.
17. Explaining proper working system and method of analysis in the backdrop of similar work undertaken in the past.
18. Description of the method of selection of research workers, their training and job assignment. Formulation of such terms and conditions of their engagement which may motivate and encourage them in their work.
19. Details of the rules and procedures for working on the job.
20. Detailed plan with regard to the resources such as time and money – their source, allocation for each step or segment of the project and the need and justification of manpower.
21. Guidelines for presentation of the report of research project.
Conclusion
Research Design serves as the blueprint for conducting a study, encompassing methods, procedures, and strategies. A well-designed research plan ensures validity, reliability, and feasibility in addressing research questions or hypotheses. By adhering to ethical standards and practical considerations, researchers can effectively contribute to knowledge and inform decision-making processes.
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