RESEARCH DESIGN

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Meaning

A research design is the arrangement

of conditions for collection & analysis of data in a manner that aims to combine relevance to the research purpose with economy in procedure. It constitutes the blue print for the collection , measurement & analysis of data.

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Features of research design

Research design is a plan that specifies the sources and type of information relevant to the research problem. It is a strategy for solving the problem. It includes time & cost budget. It contains method to be used in proce- ssing & analyzing data. It contains procedures & techniques to be used for gathering information. It contains population to be studied.

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Important concepts relating to research design.

Dependent & independent variables. Extraneous variable. Controlled. Confounded relationship Research hypothesis Experimental & non-experimental hypothesis. Experimental & controlled groups. Treatment. Experiment Experimental units.

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Different research designs. Research design for exploratory

research :-

There are three purpose for exploratory research…

(a) diagnosing a situation. (b) screening alternatives. (c) discovering new ideas.

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Techniques

Experience survey. Secondary Data analysis. Case study. Pilot study for qualitative analysis:-

There are three categories in pilot study… (!) focus group interview. (!!) projective techniques. (!!!) depth interviews.

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Experience survey

It is an exploratory research technique in which individuals who are knowledgeable about a particular research problem are surveyed.

The purpose of surveying such experts is to help formulate the problem and clarify concepts rather than develop conclusive evidence.

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Secondary data analysis

It is an economical & quick source of background information.

Preliminary review of data collected for another purpose to clarify issues in the early stages of research effort.

Using secondary data may be equally important in applied research.

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Case study

The purpose of the case study method is to obtain information from one or a few situations that are similar to the researcher’s problem situation.

Conducting a case study often requires the cooperation of the person whose history is being studied.

Generalizing from a few cases can be dangerous, because most situations are atypical in some sense.

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Pilot study for qualitative analysis

It includes any small scale exploratory research project that uses sampling but does not apply rigorous standards.

A the primary data usually are collected from employees , consumers , voters or other subjects of ultimate concern rather than from experts.

It’s three categories are… - focus group interview - projective techniques - depth interviews

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Focus group interview (FGI) There is one moderator/ interviewer and

there is 6 to 10 persons in one group. An unstructured free flowing interview with a small group of people and any issue we can discuss with the help of FGI. Focus group allow people to discuss their

true feelings, anxiety & frustrations and to express the

depth of their conviction in their own words.

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FGI- advantages

Primary advantages:- - less expensive - easy to conduct - quick analysis - brief Specific advantages:- - synergy effect - spontaneous - security

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- snow balling - structured - stimulation - serendipity - specialization - speed

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Points / factors to be considered

Group composition Environmental conditions Moderator Careful listening Planning the focus group outline

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FGI- weaknesses

Out of control Dominating members Topic of discussion changes. Some members avoid active involvement.

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