Lecture 6: Terminologies Used in Research: Study Design

 

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Certainly! Let’s delve into the concept of research design.

A research design serves as the blueprint or framework for planning and structuring a research study. It guides the entire research project by providing a systematic approach to answering your research question using empirical data. Here are the key components of a research design:

1.      Research Question: Before designing your study, you should have a clear research question in mind. For instance, consider the question: “How can teachers adapt their lessons for effective remote learning?”

2.      Qualitative vs. Quantitative Approach:

• Qualitative Approach: This approach focuses on understanding subjective experiences, beliefs, and concepts. It allows for flexibility and inductive reasoning. For example, if you want to generate new ideas for online teaching strategies, a qualitative approach would be suitable.
• Quantitative Approach: In contrast, quantitative research involves measuring different types of variables, testing hypotheses, and assessing the effectiveness of treatments or programs. It tends to be more fixed and deductive.

3.      Population and Sampling:

• Identify your target population (the group you want to study) and choose an appropriate sampling method (e.g., random sampling, purposive sampling).
• Consider factors like sample size and representativeness.

4.      Data Collection Methods:

• Decide how you’ll collect data. Common methods include surveys, interviews, observations, and experiments.
• Ensure that your chosen methods align with your research objectives.

5.      Data Collection Procedures:

• Plan the step-by-step procedures for data collection. Specify who will collect the data, where, and when.
• Address ethical considerations and obtain necessary permissions.

6.      Data Analysis Strategies:

• Determine how you’ll analyze the collected data. Quantitative studies often involve statistical analyses, while qualitative studies use thematic analysis or content analysis.

A well-planned research design ensures that your methods match your research objectives and that you use the right kind of analysis for your data. Whether you’re writing a standalone research design or incorporating it into a larger proposal, thoughtful decision-making at each stage is essential¹²³. 📊🔍.

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