CQP 206: Research methodology

Research designs are broadly categorized into quantitative and qualitative approaches:

• Quantitative Design: Focuses on statistics, calculations, and numerical data to explain findings.
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  • Descriptive: Describes a setup or situation through surveys or observations.
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  • Experimental (Causal): Examines cause-and-effect relationships between independent and dependent variables.
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  • Correlational: Investigates how closely two variables relate to one another, typically measured on a scale from -1 to +1.
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  • Quasi-experimental: An experimental approach that does not involve random assignment to groups.
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• Qualitative Design: Involves collecting and analyzing non-numerical data such as text, audio, and video to understand opinions and concepts. It is more theoretical and in-depth than quantitative research.
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Features of a Good Research Design

An effective research design should possess several key characteristics:

• Objectivity: Findings should be free from personal biases.
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• Reliability: Outcomes should be consistent and derived from reliable sources.
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• Validity: The design must ensure it measures what it was intended to measure within the specific area of study.
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• Generalizability: Findings should be applicable to a larger population beyond the immediate sample.
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• Sufficient Information: The design must provide enough data to thoroughly analyze the research problem.
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• Other Essentials: A good design is also adaptable, flexible, and efficient.
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Challenges and Influences

Several factors can complicate the development of a research design:

• Nature of Research Questions: Sophisticated or difficult questions require more complex designs.
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• Constraints: Limited time and budget can significantly impact the choice of design.
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• Researcher Expertise: A researcher’s personal experience and background often dictate whether they favor quantitative or qualitative methods.
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• Target Audience: The design must be tailored to the intended audience, such as professionals, the government, or the general public.
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The Research Design Process

The video outlines a step-by-step process for creating a research design:

1. Define the research problem: Clearly state what the research aims to address.
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2. Assess information value: Evaluate existing research and past experiences related to the topic.
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3. Select data collection approach: Choose between primary data (newly collected) and secondary data (previously collected).
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4. Choose measurement techniques: Decide on methods like questionnaires, interviews, observations, or attitude scales.
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5. Sample selection: Determine how to select a representative sample from the population, either randomly or non-randomly.
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6. Select model of analysis: Decide on the models and techniques, such as hypothesis testing, for data analysis.
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7. Evaluate ethics: Ensure the research maintains integrity, objectivity, and avoids plagiarism.
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8. Estimate requirements: Account for the time and financial resources needed to complete the study.
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9. Prepare research proposal: Synthesize the design into a final proposal before conducting the research.
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