RESEARCH DESIGN

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.

Meaning

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.

Features of research design

Dependent & independent variables.

Extraneous variable.

Controlled.

Confounded relationship

Research hypothesis

Experimental & non-experimental hypothesis.

Experimental & controlled groups.

Treatment.

Experiment

Experimental units.

Important concepts relating to research design.

Research design for exploratory research :-

There are three purpose for exploratory research…

(a) diagnosing a situation.

(b) screening alternatives.

(c) discovering new ideas.

Different research designs.

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.

Techniques

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.

Experience survey

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.

Secondary data analysis

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.

Case study

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

Pilot study for qualitative analysis

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.

Focus group interview (FGI)

Primary advantages:-

- less expensive

- easy to conduct

- quick analysis

- brief

Specific advantages:-

- synergy effect

- spontaneous

- security

FGI- advantages

- snow balling

- structured

- stimulation

- serendipity

- specialization

- speed

Group composition

Environmental conditions

Moderator

Careful listening

Planning the focus group outline

Points / factors to be considered

Out of control

Dominating members

Topic of discussion changes

FGI- weaknesses