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Research Design: Meaning, Classification and elements

Research design is defined as a framework of methods and techniques chosen by a researcher to combine various components of research in a reasonably logical manner so that the research problem is efficiently handled. It provides insights about “how” to conduct research using a particular methodology. Every researcher has a list of research questions which need to be assessed – this can be done with research design.

The sketch of how research should be conducted can be prepared using research design. Hence, the market research study will be carried out on the basis of research design.

The design of a research topic is used to explain the type of research (experimental, survey, correlational, semi-experimental, review) and also its sub-type (experimental design, research problem, and descriptive case-study). There are three main sections of research design: Data collection, measurement, and analysis.

The type of research problem an organization is facing will determine the research design and not vice-versa. Variables, designated tools to gather information, how will the tools be used to collect and analyze data and other factors are decided in research design on the basis of a research technique is decided.

An impactful research design usually creates minimum bias in data and increases trust on the collected and analyzed research information. Research design which produces the least margin of error in experimental research can be touted as the best. The essential elements of research design are:

• Accurate purpose statement of research design
• Techniques to be implemented for collecting details for research
• Method applied for analyzing collected details
• Type of research methodology
• Probable objections for research
• Settings for research study
• Measurement of analysis

Research Design Characteristics

Neutrality: The results projected in research design should be free from bias and neutral. Understand opinions about the final evaluated scores and conclusion from multiple individuals and consider those who agree with the derived results.

Reliability : If a research is conducted on a regular basis, the researcher involved expects similar results to be calculated every time. Research design should indicate how the research questions can be formed to ensure the standard of obtained results and this can happen only when the research design is reliable.

Validity: There are multiple measuring tools available for research design but valid measuring tools are those which help a researcher in gauging results according to the objective of research and nothing else. The questionnaire developed from this research design will be then valid.

Generalization: The outcome of research design should be applicable to a population and not just a restricted sample. Generalization is one of the key characteristics of research design.

Types of Research Design

A researcher must have a clear understanding of the various types of research design to select which type of research design to implement for a study. Research design can be broadly classified into quantitative and qualitative research design.

Qualitative Research Design : Qualitative research is implemented in cases where a relationship between collected data and observation is established on the basis of mathematical calculations. Theories related to a naturally existing phenomenon can be proved or disproved using mathematical calculations. Researchers rely on qualitative research design where they are expected to conclude “why” a particular theory exists along with “what” respondents have to say about it.

Quantitative Research Design : Quantitative research is implemented in cases where it is important for a researcher to have statistical conclusions to collect actionable insights. Numbers provide a better perspective to make important business decisions. Quantitative research design is important for the growth of any organization because any conclusion drawn on the basis of numbers and analysis will only prove to be effective for the business. 

Further, research design can be divided into five types:

• Descriptive Research Design: In a descriptive research design, a researcher is solely interested in describing the situation or case under his/her research study. It is a theory-based research design which is created by gather, analyze and presents collected data. By implementing an in-depth research design such as this, a researcher can provide insights into the why and how of research.
• Experimental Research Design: Experimental research design is used to establish a relationship between the cause and effect of a situation. It is a causal research design where the effect caused by the independent variable on the dependent variable is observed. For example, the effect of an independent variable such as price on a dependent variable such as customer satisfaction or brand loyalty is monitored. It is a highly practical research design method as it contributes towards solving a problem at hand. The independent variables are manipulated to monitor the change it has on the dependent variable. It is often used in social sciences to observe human behavior by analyzing two groups – affect of one group on the other.
• Correlational Research Design: Correlational research is a non-experimental research design technique which helps researchers to establish a relationship between two closely connected variables. Two different groups are required to conduct this research design method. There is no assumption while evaluating a relationship between two different variables and statistical analysis techniques are used to calculate the relationship between them.

Correlation between two variables is concluded using a correlation coefficient, whose value ranges between -1 and +1. If the correlation coefficient is towards +1, it indicates a positive relationship between the variables and -1 indicates a negative relationship between the two variables. 

• Diagnostic Research Design: In the diagnostic research design, a researcher is inclined towards evaluating the root cause of a specific topic. Elements that contribute towards a troublesome situation are evaluated in this research design method.

There are three parts of diagnostic research design:

• Inception of the issue
• Diagnosis of the issue
• Solution for the issue
• Explanatory Research Design: In exploratory research design, the researcher’s ideas and thoughts are key as it is primarily dependent on their personal inclination about a particular topic. Explanation about unexplored aspects of a subject is provided along with details about what, how and why related to the research questions.

Elements of Research Design

A  research design  can be described as a conceptual structure within which research is going to be carried out. It comprises the blueprint for the collection, measurement and analysis of data. Decisions with regards to what, where, when, how much, by what means concerning an enquiry or a research design are taken.

A research design is the arrangement of conditions for collection and evaluation of data in a fashion which is designed to combine relevance to the research purpose with economy in process.

The  key elements of a good research design  are as under :

• Research Design is a plan which identifies the sources and kinds of information strongly related to the research problem.
• It is a strategy indicating which method is going to be employed for collecting and analyzing the data.
• Additionally, it consists of the time and cost budgets because most research is done under these two constraints. In a nutshell a research design must contain:
• A clear statement of the research problem.
• Methods and techniques to be utilized for gathering information from the population to be researched.
• Approach to be utilized in processing and analyzing data.

Purpose of the Study

• Exploratory study:  Carried out when not much is known about the problem at hand, or no details are available on how similar problems or research issues have been solved in the past.
• Descriptive study: Carried out as a way to determine and be able to describe the characteristics of the variables of interest in a situation characteristics of the variables of interest in a situation.
• Studies which engage in hypotheses testing generally explain the nature of certain relationships, or establish the differences among groups or the independence of two or more factors in a situation.

Type of Investigation

• Causality Research Design: A causal study is an inquiry to understand the cause of one or more problems.
• A correlational study: Is an inquiry to find out the key variables linked to the problem.

A causal study question: Does cigarette smoking cause cancer? A correlational study question: Are cigarette smoking and cancer associated? Or Are cigarette smoking, consuming alcohol, and chewing tobacco related to cancer? If so, which of these contributes most to the variance in the dependent variable?

Figure: Main Elements of Research Design

Researcher Interference

The extent of interference by the researcher with the normal flow of work at the workplace has a direct effect on whether the study performed is causal or correlational. A correlational study is carried out in the natural environment of the corporation with minimal interference by the researcher with the normal flow of work.

In studies carried out to determine cause-and-effect relationships, the investigator attempts to adjust specific variables in order to study the outcomes of such manipulation on the dependent variable of interest. Put simply, the researcher intentionally changes certain variables in the setting and disrupts the events as they normally happen in the business.

Study Setting

Correlational research is carried out in noncontrived settings (normal settings), as opposed to most causal studies are carried out in contrived settings.

Unit of Analysis

The unit of analysis means the degree of aggregation of the data gathered through the subsequent data analysis.

• Organizations

Time Horizon

Cross-Sectional Studies: A study can be carried out in which data are collected only once, perhaps during a period of days or weeks or months, to be able to answer a research question.

Longitudinal Studies: Researching people or phenomena at several point in time to be able to answer the research question. Due to the fact that data are collected at two different points in time, the study is not cross-sectional kind, but is carried longitudinally across a period of time. Longitudinal studies take a longer period and energy and cost a lot more than cross-sectional studies. Having said that, well-planned longitudinal studies can help you to recognize cause-and-effect relationships.

For example, you can study the product sales before and after an advertising campaign, and provided other environmental changes haven’t influenced on the results, you can attribute the increase in the sales volume, if any, to the advertisement.

A  good research design  must contain: a clear statement, Methods and techniques for data collection, processing and analyzing data.

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The 10 Elements of Academic Research (10P s )

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References/Further Reading

Alvesson, M., & Sköldberg, K. (2009). Reflexive methodology: New vistas for qualitative research . Sage.

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Denzin, N. K. & Lincoln, Y. S. (2005). Introduction: The discipline and practice of qualitative research. In: N. K. Denzin, Y. S. Lincoln (Eds.), The landscape of qualitative Research: theories and issues . London. Sage, 1–6.

Gournelos, T., Hammonds, J. R., & Wilson, M. A. (2019). Doing academic research: A practical guide to research methods and analysis . Thousand Oak, Taylor & Francis Group/Routledge.

Gray, E. D. (2018). Doing research in the real world (4th ed.). Sage.

van Rooij, E., Fokkens-Bruinsma, M., & Jansen, E. (2019). Factors that influence PhD candidates’ success: The importance of PhD project characteristics. Studies in Continuing Education . https://doi.org/10.1080/0158037X.2019.1652158 .

Saliya, C. A. (2021a). Conducting case study research: Practical guidance for management students. International Journal of KIU , 2(1), 1–13. https://ij.kiu.ac.lk/article/read/9 .

Varga, L. (2018). Mixed methods research: A method for complex systems. In E. Mitleton-Kelly, A. Paraskevas, & C. Day (Eds.), Edward Elgar handbook of research methods in complexity science (pp. 34–39). Edward Elgar Publishing.

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What is Research Design? Understand Types of Research Design, with Examples

Have you been wondering “ what is research design ?” or “what are some research design examples ?” Are you unsure about the research design elements or which of the different types of research design best suit your study? Don’t worry! In this article, we’ve got you covered!   

Table of Contents

What is research design?  

Have you been wondering “ what is research design ?” or “what are some research design examples ?” Don’t worry! In this article, we’ve got you covered!  

A research design is the plan or framework used to conduct a research study. It involves outlining the overall approach and methods that will be used to collect and analyze data in order to answer research questions or test hypotheses. A well-designed research study should have a clear and well-defined research question, a detailed plan for collecting data, and a method for analyzing and interpreting the results. A well-thought-out research design addresses all these features.  

Research design elements  

Research design elements include the following:  

• Clear purpose: The research question or hypothesis must be clearly defined and focused.  
• Sampling: This includes decisions about sample size, sampling method, and criteria for inclusion or exclusion. The approach varies for different research design types .  
• Data collection: This research design element involves the process of gathering data or information from the study participants or sources. It includes decisions about what data to collect, how to collect it, and the tools or instruments that will be used.  
• Data analysis: All research design types require analysis and interpretation of the data collected. This research design element includes decisions about the statistical tests or methods that will be used to analyze the data, as well as any potential confounding variables or biases that may need to be addressed.  
• Type of research methodology: This includes decisions about the overall approach for the study.  
• Time frame: An important research design element is the time frame, which includes decisions about the duration of the study, the timeline for data collection and analysis, and follow-up periods.  
• Ethical considerations: The research design must include decisions about ethical considerations such as informed consent, confidentiality, and participant protection.  
• Resources: A good research design takes into account decisions about the budget, staffing, and other resources needed to carry out the study.  

The elements of research design should be carefully planned and executed to ensure the validity and reliability of the study findings. Let’s go deeper into the concepts of research design .    

Characteristics of research design  

Some basic characteristics of research design are common to different research design types . These characteristics of research design are as follows:  

• Neutrality : Right from the study assumptions to setting up the study, a neutral stance must be maintained, free of pre-conceived notions. The researcher’s expectations or beliefs should not color the findings or interpretation of the findings. Accordingly, a good research design should address potential sources of bias and confounding factors to be able to yield unbiased and neutral results.   
•   Reliability : Reliability is one of the characteristics of research design that refers to consistency in measurement over repeated measures and fewer random errors. A reliable research design must allow for results to be consistent, with few errors due to chance.   
•   Validity : Validity refers to the minimization of nonrandom (systematic) errors. A good research design must employ measurement tools that ensure validity of the results.  
•   Generalizability: The outcome of the research design should be applicable to a larger population and not just a small sample . A generalized method means the study can be conducted on any part of a population with similar accuracy.   
•   Flexibility: A research design should allow for changes to be made to the research plan as needed, based on the data collected and the outcomes of the study  

A well-planned research design is critical for conducting a scientifically rigorous study that will generate neutral, reliable, valid, and generalizable results. At the same time, it should allow some level of flexibility.  

Different types of research design  

A research design is essential to systematically investigate, understand, and interpret phenomena of interest. Let’s look at different types of research design and research design examples .  

Broadly, research design types can be divided into qualitative and quantitative research.  

Qualitative research is subjective and exploratory. It determines relationships between collected data and observations. It is usually carried out through interviews with open-ended questions, observations that are described in words, etc.  

Quantitative research is objective and employs statistical approaches. It establishes the cause-and-effect relationship among variables using different statistical and computational methods. This type of research is usually done using surveys and experiments.  

Qualitative research vs. Quantitative research  

Qualitative research design types and qualitative research design examples  .

The following will familiarize you with the research design categories in qualitative research:  

• Grounded theory: This design is used to investigate research questions that have not previously been studied in depth. Also referred to as exploratory design , it creates sequential guidelines, offers strategies for inquiry, and makes data collection and analysis more efficient in qualitative research.   

Example: A researcher wants to study how people adopt a certain app. The researcher collects data through interviews and then analyzes the data to look for patterns. These patterns are used to develop a theory about how people adopt that app.  

•   Thematic analysis: This design is used to compare the data collected in past research to find similar themes in qualitative research.  

Example: A researcher examines an interview transcript to identify common themes, say, topics or patterns emerging repeatedly.  

• Discourse analysis : This research design deals with language or social contexts used in data gathering in qualitative research.   

Example: Identifying ideological frameworks and viewpoints of writers of a series of policies.  

Quantitative research design types and quantitative research design examples  

Note the following research design categories in quantitative research:  

• Descriptive research design : This quantitative research design is applied where the aim is to identify characteristics, frequencies, trends, and categories. It may not often begin with a hypothesis. The basis of this research type is a description of an identified variable. This research design type describes the “what,” “when,” “where,” or “how” of phenomena (but not the “why”).   

Example: A study on the different income levels of people who use nutritional supplements regularly.  

• Correlational research design : Correlation reflects the strength and/or direction of the relationship among variables. The direction of a correlation can be positive or negative. Correlational research design helps researchers establish a relationship between two variables without the researcher controlling any of them.  

Example : An example of correlational research design could be studying the correlation between time spent watching crime shows and aggressive behavior in teenagers.  

•   Diagnostic research design : In diagnostic design, the researcher aims to understand the underlying cause of a specific topic or phenomenon (usually an area of improvement) and find the most effective solution. In simpler terms, a researcher seeks an accurate “diagnosis” of a problem and identifies a solution.  

Example : A researcher analyzing customer feedback and reviews to identify areas where an app can be improved.    

• Explanatory research design : In explanatory research design , a researcher uses their ideas and thoughts on a topic to explore their theories in more depth. This design is used to explore a phenomenon when limited information is available. It can help increase current understanding of unexplored aspects of a subject. It is thus a kind of “starting point” for future research.  

Example : Formulating hypotheses to guide future studies on delaying school start times for better mental health in teenagers.  

•   Causal research design : This can be considered a type of explanatory research. Causal research design seeks to define a cause and effect in its data. The researcher does not use a randomly chosen control group but naturally or pre-existing groupings. Importantly, the researcher does not manipulate the independent variable.   

Example : Comparing school dropout levels and possible bullying events.  

•   Experimental research design : This research design is used to study causal relationships . One or more independent variables are manipulated, and their effect on one or more dependent variables is measured.  

Example: Determining the efficacy of a new vaccine plan for influenza.  

Benefits of research design  

 T here are numerous benefits of research design . These are as follows:  

• Clear direction: Among the benefits of research design , the main one is providing direction to the research and guiding the choice of clear objectives, which help the researcher to focus on the specific research questions or hypotheses they want to investigate.  
• Control: Through a proper research design , researchers can control variables, identify potential confounding factors, and use randomization to minimize bias and increase the reliability of their findings.
• Replication: Research designs provide the opportunity for replication. This helps to confirm the findings of a study and ensures that the results are not due to chance or other factors. Thus, a well-chosen research design also eliminates bias and errors.  
• Validity: A research design ensures the validity of the research, i.e., whether the results truly reflect the phenomenon being investigated.  
• Reliability: Benefits of research design also include reducing inaccuracies and ensuring the reliability of the research (i.e., consistency of the research results over time, across different samples, and under different conditions).  
• Efficiency: A strong research design helps increase the efficiency of the research process. Researchers can use a variety of designs to investigate their research questions, choose the most appropriate research design for their study, and use statistical analysis to make the most of their data. By effectively describing the data necessary for an adequate test of the hypotheses and explaining how such data will be obtained, research design saves a researcher’s time.   

Overall, an appropriately chosen and executed research design helps researchers to conduct high-quality research, draw meaningful conclusions, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Research Design

Q: What are th e main types of research design?

Broadly speaking there are two basic types of research design –

qualitative and quantitative research. Qualitative research is subjective and exploratory; it determines relationships between collected data and observations. It is usually carried out through interviews with open-ended questions, observations that are described in words, etc. Quantitative research , on the other hand, is more objective and employs statistical approaches. It establishes the cause-and-effect relationship among variables using different statistical and computational methods. This type of research design is usually done using surveys and experiments.

Q: How do I choose the appropriate research design for my study?

Choosing the appropriate research design for your study requires careful consideration of various factors. Start by clarifying your research objectives and the type of data you need to collect. Determine whether your study is exploratory, descriptive, or experimental in nature. Consider the availability of resources, time constraints, and the feasibility of implementing the different research designs. Review existing literature to identify similar studies and their research designs, which can serve as a guide. Ultimately, the chosen research design should align with your research questions, provide the necessary data to answer them, and be feasible given your own specific requirements/constraints.

Q: Can research design be modified during the course of a study?

Yes, research design can be modified during the course of a study based on emerging insights, practical constraints, or unforeseen circumstances. Research is an iterative process and, as new data is collected and analyzed, it may become necessary to adjust or refine the research design. However, any modifications should be made judiciously and with careful consideration of their impact on the study’s integrity and validity. It is advisable to document any changes made to the research design, along with a clear rationale for the modifications, in order to maintain transparency and allow for proper interpretation of the results.

Q: How can I ensure the validity and reliability of my research design?

Validity refers to the accuracy and meaningfulness of your study’s findings, while reliability relates to the consistency and stability of the measurements or observations. To enhance validity, carefully define your research variables, use established measurement scales or protocols, and collect data through appropriate methods. Consider conducting a pilot study to identify and address any potential issues before full implementation. To enhance reliability, use standardized procedures, conduct inter-rater or test-retest reliability checks, and employ appropriate statistical techniques for data analysis. It is also essential to document and report your methodology clearly, allowing for replication and scrutiny by other researchers.

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Research Design: Definition, components and types

by Glenn Stevens

Introduction

Embarking on a research journey is akin to setting sail into uncharted waters. At the helm of this scholarly expedition is the research design—a compass that guides the entire investigative process. In this post, we consider various aspects of research design, exploring its definition, components, and the pivotal role it plays in shaping the trajectory of academic inquiry.

Defining Research Design

At its core, research design is the blueprint or roadmap that outlines the structure and strategy of a research study. It serves as the framework within which researchers formulate their research questions, collect and analyze data, and draw meaningful conclusions. A well-crafted research design not only determines the study’s validity but also influences the reliability of its findings.

Components of Research Design

• The foundation of any research design lies in the clarity and specificity of the research questions or objectives. These inquiries set the stage for the entire study, guiding the researcher in the pursuit of knowledge.
• Research design involves the identification of variables—factors that can change in a study. Hypotheses, or tentative statements, are formulated based on these variables, providing a framework for testing and analysis.
• The design dictates the methods employed to gather data. Whether through surveys, experiments, interviews, or observations, the chosen methodology aligns with the study’s goals and nature.
• Research design addresses the crucial question of whom to study. The sampling strategy defines the target population and the method used to select participants, ensuring the study’s findings are representative and applicable.
• How collected data will be processed and analyzed is a key aspect of research design. It involves selecting statistical methods, software, and tools to derive meaningful insights from the gathered information.
• Research designs outline the temporal aspect of a study, providing a timeline for different phases. This includes the duration of data collection, analysis, and the overall timeframe for completing the research.
• An ethical compass is embedded in research design, guiding researchers on how to conduct their studies responsibly and ensuring the well-being and confidentiality of participants.

The Five Types of Research Design

• Focuses on describing the characteristics of a phenomenon, without manipulating variables.
• Involves manipulation of variables to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
• Examines the relationship between two or more variables without experimental manipulation.
• Aims to explore new phenomena and generate hypotheses for future studies.
• Aims to identify and analyze the causes of a problem or the factors contributing to a particular issue. 

In the tapestry of academic inquiry, research design is the thread that weaves together the elements of a study. From formulating research questions to selecting data collection methods, every decision made within the framework of research design shapes the narrative of the investigation. As aspiring researchers work their way through academia, a solid understanding of research design will serve as a compass, ensuring a purposeful and well-guided expedition into the world of knowledge.

Recommended reading

Munck, G., & Verkuilen, J. Research Designs Encyclopedia of Social Measurement, Volume 3 2005. Avalable at: https://tinyurl.com/3jw6j75f

Glenn Stevens

Glenn is an academic writing and research specialist with 15 years experience writing, editing, PhD and Masters supervision and journal editing. He is also a qualified English teacher. His prior career was in magazine publishing. He is now editor of this blog. Contact Glenn

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Elements of a Scholarly Article

How to read a scholarly article.

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Scholarly journal articles generally follow a specific structure:

Title:  The title is a succinct description of the purpose of the article.

Abstract: The abstract provides a short, concise summary of the article, stating its purpose and its findings. Read the abstract first to determine if the article is related to your research question or general area of research.

Introduction:   Why was this research conducted? Who else has conducted research on this topic? The problem or research question is introduced in this section. The introduction often includes a literature review, which will tell you what is already written or known about the problem. Sometimes the literature review may be in its own section.

Methodology/Materials and Methods :  How was the research conducted?  This section tells you what procedures were used to conduct the research. Methods is the most technical and complex section of the article, making it difficult to read. Suggestion: read everything else first, and then concentrate on this section on your second reading of the article.

Results:  What were the findings from the study?  This section often includes graphs, charts, and statistics in addition to text.

Discussion or Conclusion: What do the results mean?  Here is where the results are explained in terms of their implications.  Suggestions for future research are discussed here as well.

References:  This section lists all the sources used by the authors when conducting their research. 

From How to Read a Scholarly Journal Article [Video], by the Kishwaukee College Library, 2012, YouTube (https://youtu.be/EEVftUdfKtQ).

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