The following overview is found in an article published by Deakin University
Author Unknown Topic 3. Research Design n.d., published by Deakin University
Research Design.
Good research design is an important part of successful research.
Research is a process, one in which requires a series of actions.
A Research Model is a way of proceeding through the research process.
The Research Model includes:
1. Define research objectives – Decide specifically what questions need to be answered.
2. Do preliminary research – collect the info that that will help define objectives more clearly. Literature Reviews can assist in determining what else is out there in the field.
3. Design the formal research – Develop data collection instruments.
4. Do fieldwork – collect the data.
5. Analyse the data –analyse, interpret and report findings.
One beneficial way of identifying a problem is to use a topic that the researcher has an in-depth or personal understanding of.
Identifying the Broad Problem
Whilst a topic may start coming from a researchers personal knowledge of a topic, this may lead to a problem solving focus of the research, which could itself turn to be an advantage. This doesn’t mean that researchers shouldn’t stop at including topics in which you don’t have an intimate knowledge of.
Hasty adoption of an idea for a topic may not turn out to address the real issues. Undertaking situational analysis will assist in precisely identify issues.
Problem Statements.
Once you’ve identified the problem, there’s a number of ways of articulating focus of the search. It is important to continually keep reshaping your question.
Types of Variables
A variable is anything that can take on differing or varying values. The values differ at various times for the same object or person, or the values can differ at the same time for different objects or persons (Sekaran 1992, p 64)
The dependant variable is the variable of primary interest to the researcher. The researcher’s goal is to explain or predict the variability in the dependent variable. In other words, it is the main variable that lends itself as a viable issue for investigation. Through analysis of the dependent variable (i.e. what variables influence it) it is possible to find answers or solutions to the problem at hand. (Sekaran 1992 pp 65)
Independent Variable is often called an Experimental variable,
The changes in dependent variable are sometimes referred to as a criterion.
Preliminary Data Gathering.
Gathering preliminary data is a way of defining your thoughts.
The hypothesis
Hypothesis is an educated guess. A hypothesis is a proposition. a theoretical statement to account for the facts. Hypotheses are generally given the benefit of the doubt. .
Research Paradigm.
This is theoretical framework which underpins the research process. There are two fundamental research paradigms.
- Positivistic
- Phenomenological
Your preliminary data collecting will help you deciding which mode you are in.
Positivistic methods of collecting data are collected systematically and methodically (e.g. a survey)
Phenomenological are personal observations and case specific.
My personal thoughts on the article.
This article whilst not in a formally published journal as such, I found to be very beneficial. the article really broke down the components in an easy to understand and apply format. The article really assisted in reinforcing my undertanding of the importance of design in the research process.
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