A research design outlines the study of data collection and analysis in a way that addresses the research problem efficiently. It specifies sources and types of relevant information, strategies for solving problems, time/cost budgets, and data processing/analysis methods. Important concepts include independent/dependent variables, hypotheses, experimental/control groups, and treatments. Common research designs are exploratory, experimental, and non-experimental. Exploratory techniques include experience surveys, secondary data analysis, case studies, and pilot studies using focus groups, projective techniques, or depth interviews. A research design provides the framework and methodology for a research study.

1. RESEARCH DESIGN

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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12. FGI- advantages
 Primary advantages:-
- less expensive
- easy to conduct
- quick analysis
- brief
 Specific advantages:-
- synergy effect
- spontaneous
- security
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13. - snow balling
- structured
- stimulation
- serendipity
- specialization
- speed
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14. Points / factors to be
considered
 Group composition
 Environmental conditions
 Moderator
 Careful listening
 Planning the focus group outline
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15. FGI- weaknesses
 Out of control
 Dominating members
 Topic of discussion
changes.
 Some members avoid active
involvement.
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