A research design outlines the collection and analysis of data to address a research problem in an efficient way. It includes key elements like variables, hypotheses, sampling, and data analysis methods. Exploratory research techniques aim to understand a situation and identify new ideas. Pilot studies are small-scale exploratory projects that test sampling approaches. Focus group interviews involve 6-10 people discussing an issue with a moderator. They provide insights into feelings and convictions in participants' own words in an efficient way, though the discussion can become uncontrolled or dominated by some members.

2. Meaning
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.

3. Features of research design
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.

4. Important concepts relating to research
design.
Dependent & independent variables.
Extraneous variable.
Controlled.
Confounded relationship
Research hypothesis
Experimental & non-experimental hypothesis.
Experimental & controlled groups.
Treatment.
Experiment
Experimental units.

5. Different research designs.
Research design for exploratory research :-
There are three purpose for
exploratory research…
(a) diagnosing a situation.
(b) screening alternatives.
(c) discovering new ideas.

6. Techniques
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.

7. Experience survey
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.

8. Secondary data analysis
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.

9. Case study
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.

10. Pilot study for qualitative analysis
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

11. Focus group interview (FGI)
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.

12. FGI- advantages
Primary advantages:-
- less expensive
- easy to conduct
- quick analysis
- brief
Specific advantages:-
- synergy effect
- spontaneous
- security

13. - snow balling
- structured
- stimulation
- serendipity
- specialization
- speed

14. Points / factors to be considered
Group composition
Environmental conditions
Moderator
Careful listening
Planning the focus group outline

15. FGI- weaknesses
Out of control
Dominating members
Topic of discussion changes