Research can be described as an organized inquiry aimed at providing information for solving identified problems. It is an expansive drill consistent, systematic, and accountable to norms and standards of objectivity with respect to validity, reliability, and logicality. In other words, for something to count as research in the first place, it must be systematic and methodical in its approach, and procedures and must meet relevant norms and standards for validity and reliability. If an activity does not reflect a concern with these sorts of things or it is found wanting in any area, then it is not research (Hassan, 1995)
The research design refers to the overall strategy that you choose to integrate the different components of the study coherently and logically, thereby, ensuring you will effectively address the research problem; it constitutes the blueprint for the collection, measurement, and analysis of data. The research problem determines the type of the design you should use, not the other way around! (De Vaus,2001). According to Jahoda, Deutch & Cook “A research design is the arrangement of conditions for the collection and analysis of data in a manner that aims to combine relevance to the research purpose with economy and procedure”.
In addition, it can also be defined as the plan, structure, and strategy of investigation conceived to obtain answers to research questions and control variance” (According to Kerlinger). Henry Manheim says that research design not only anticipates and specifies the seemingly countless decisions connected with carrying out data collection, processing, and analysis but it presents a logical basis for these decisions (Selltiz, 1962). While Rosenthal and Rosnow (1991) opined that a research design serves as a blueprint that provides the scientist with a detailed outline or plan for the collection and analysis of data. Research design deals with a logical problem and not a logistical problem.
Classification of Research Design
Asika (2006) and Hassan (1996) classified research design into three main types namely survey, experimental, and ex-post facto research design.
The survey research design entails a critical observation of events, objects, subjects, and ideas without attempting to control the condition of such phenomena. It is a description of a given state of affairs that exists at a particular time which requires direct contact with an individual whose characteristics, behaviors, and attitudes are relevant to the investigation. The observation under survey research could be cross-sectional if the observations are done at one or more points in time or longitudinal if the observations are carried out at different points in time. Cross-sectional research design is descriptive, exploratory, and explanatory while longitudinal surveys focus on trend analysis, cohort design, and panel design.
The experimental research design is based on a cause-and-effect relationship on the selected subject matter as it employs the use of two groups namely experimental and control groups. The experimental group is given treatment while the control is devoid of treatment to establish the nature of the relationship between the studied variables. It is widely used in the field of natural science while the ex-post facto research design (causal-comparative research) is employed when two groups differ on an independent variable and an investigator wishes to investigate the difference in one or more dependent variables or difference on one or more independent variables
Features of a Good Research Design
- 1. Research Design should clarify the particular research problem.
- 2. It should provide guidelines for specific methods of data collection & Analysis.
- 3. Research Design should be flexible, efficient & economical in nature.
- 4. Research Design should minimize the biasness of the study.
- 5. Research Design must support the reliability of data.
In a good research design, all the components go together with each other in a coherent way. The theoretical and conceptual framework must meet the research goals and purposes. In the same way, the data gathering method must fit with the research purposes, conceptual and theoretical framework, and method of data analysis.
Research design carries an important influence on the reliability of the results attained. It, therefore, provides a solid base for the whole research. It is needed because it allows for the smooth working of many research operations. This makes the research as effective as possible by providing maximum information with minimum spending of effort, money, and time.
The importance of research design in research methodology is due to the following:
- It may result in the preferred kind of study with helpful conclusions.
- It cuts down on inaccuracy.
- Allows you to get optimum efficiency and reliability.
- Reduce wastage of time.
- Reduce uncertainty, confusion, and practical haphazard related to any research problem.
- Of great help for the collection of research material and testing of hypotheses.
- It is a guide for giving research the right path.
- Gets rid of bias and marginal errors.
- Provides an idea concerning the type of resources needed in terms of money, effort, time, and manpower.
- Smooth & efficient sailing (sets boundaries & helps prevent blind search)
- Maximizes reliability of results.
- Provides a firm foundation for the endeavor.
- Averts misleading conclusions & thoughtless useless exercise.
- Provides the opportunity to anticipate flaws & inadequacies (anticipates problems).
- Incorporates learning from other people’s critical comments & evaluations.