Lecture Research methods - Chapter 4 presents the following content: Purpose of the research design, design strategies, multiple methods choices - combining qualitative and quantitative techniques and procedures, time horizons, credibility of research findings, ethics of research design, selecting samples - probability and non-probability techniques. | Formulating the Research Design Samuel K. Frimpong (.) Outline presentation Purpose of the research design Design Strategies Multiple methods choices—combining qualitative and quantitative techniques and procedures Time horizons Credibility of research findings Ethics of research design Selecting samples—probability and non-probability techniques Research Design and Methods A Research Design provides the plans and procedures for research that span a number of decisions from broad assumptions to detailed methods of data collection and analysis. Choice of research design reflects decisions about priorities given to the dimensions of the research process. A Research Method is simply a technique for collecting data. Choice of research method reflects decisions about the type of instruments or techniques to be used. Importance of Research Design A good research design should help the researcher to anticipate what it will take to complete the research justifiably and credibly. Purpose . | Formulating the Research Design Samuel K. Frimpong (.) Outline presentation Purpose of the research design Design Strategies Multiple methods choices—combining qualitative and quantitative techniques and procedures Time horizons Credibility of research findings Ethics of research design Selecting samples—probability and non-probability techniques Research Design and Methods A Research Design provides the plans and procedures for research that span a number of decisions from broad assumptions to detailed methods of data collection and analysis. Choice of research design reflects decisions about priorities given to the dimensions of the research process. A Research Method is simply a technique for collecting data. Choice of research method reflects decisions about the type of instruments or techniques to be used. Importance of Research Design A good research design should help the researcher to anticipate what it will take to complete the research justifiably and credibly. Purpose of Research The classification of research design based on purpose is mostly in threefold Exploratory Descriptive Explanatory Exploratory Design An exploratory study is a valuable means of finding out ‘what is happening; to seek new insights; to ask questions and to assess phenomena in a new light’ (Robson 2002:59) Particularly useful when one wishes to clarify understanding of a problem or if there is no clarity on the nature of the problem There are three principal ways of conducting exploratory research: a search of the literature; interviewing ‘experts’ in the subject conducting focus group interviews. A key advantage is that it is flexible and adaptable to change Focus is initially broad and becomes progressively narrower as the research progresses. Descriptive Design Descriptive research seeks ‘to portray an accurate profile of persons, events or situations’ (Robson 2002:59) It may be an extension of, or a forerunner to, a piece of exploratory research or, more often, a piece of .
