What is Research Design?
At the start of the research, a researcher usually chooses the techniques and
methodologies they will use for the research process. The framework of research
techniques and tools is called research design. It is imperative to have a well-designed
and structured research design to ensure the research reaches its goal.
Interestingly, experts define research design as the glue that holds the research project
together. Moreover, they exclaim that the right research design helps provide a
structure and direction to the research that yields favourable results. Also believed to
be the blueprint of the research, a research design has several elements, which we will
be discussing in the next part of the article.
What Are the Main Elements of Research Design?
Research is a systematic investigation of discovering new knowledge or contributing
to generalized knowledge. It follows a unique structure that is prescribed in the
research design. So, to yield success from research, it is imperative to include
elements that help solve the problem quickly.
Descriptive Study
A descriptive study design is one in which your primary goal is to assess a sample
at one specific point in time without trying to make inferences or causal
statements. In general, there are three primary reasons to conduct descriptive
studies:
1. To identify areas for further research.
2. To help in planning resource allocation (needs assessment).
3. To provide informal information about a condition or disease.
Descriptive studies are helpful in revealing patterns and connections that might
otherwise go unnoticed. We’ll discuss two types of descriptive studies:
case reports
and cross-sectional.
Descriptive Case Report Study
A descriptive case report study is a detailed profile of a subject or set of
subjects and their clinical or laboratory experience. The purpose of these studies is
to identify potential areas of research and generate interest and hypothesis
formulation.
One case report study led to the eventual discovery of HIV. Case reports are a first
step for providing clues to identifying a new disease or adverse health
effect from an exposure or clinical experience. A classic example is the case report
study of 5 homosexual males who developed a rare pneumonia. This case report
study led to the eventual discovery of HIV. Case reports are most likely to be useful
when the disease or condition is uncommon and when the disease or condition is
caused almost exclusively by a single kind of exposure.
Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study
A descriptive cross-sectional study is a study in which the disease or condition and
potentially related factors are measured at a specific point in time for a defined
population. Cross-sectional studies can be thought of as a "snapshot" of the
frequency and characteristics of a condition in a population at a particular point in
time.
This type of data can be used to assess the prevalence of conditions in a
population. However, since exposure and disease status are measured at the same
point in time, causal statements should not be made from this type of study. It
is usually not possible to distinguish whether the exposure proceeded or followed the
condition.
Descriptive Study
A descriptive study design is one in which your primary goal is to assess a sample
at one specific point in time without trying to make inferences or causal
statements. In general, there are three primary reasons to conduct descriptive
studies:
1. To identify areas for further research.
2. To help in planning resource allocation (needs assessment).
3. To provide informal information about a condition or disease.
Descriptive studies are helpful in revealing patterns and connections that might
otherwise go unnoticed. We’ll discuss two types of descriptive studies:
case reports
and cross-sectional.
Descriptive Case Report Study
A descriptive case report study is a detailed profile of a subject or set of
subjects and their clinical or laboratory experience. The purpose of these studies is
to identify potential areas of research and generate interest and hypothesis
formulation.
One case report study led to the eventual discovery of HIV. Case reports are a first
step for providing clues to identifying a new disease or adverse health
effect from an exposure or clinical experience. A classic example is the case report
study of 5 homosexual males who developed a rare pneumonia. This case report
study led to the eventual discovery of HIV. Case reports are most likely to be useful
when the disease or condition is uncommon and when the disease or condition is
caused almost exclusively by a single kind of exposure.
Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study
A descriptive cross-sectional study is a study in which the disease or condition and
potentially related factors are measured at a specific point in time for a defined
population. Cross-sectional studies can be thought of as a "snapshot" of the
frequency and characteristics of a condition in a population at a particular point in
time.
This type of data can be used to assess the prevalence of conditions in a
population. However, since exposure and disease status are measured at the same
point in time, causal statements should not be made from this type of study. It
is usually not possible to distinguish whether the exposure proceeded or followed the
condition.
An analytical study is one in which action will be taken on a
cause system to improve the future performance of the system
of interest. The aim of an enumerative study is estimation, while
an analytical study focuses on prediction. Because of the
temporal nature of improvement, the theory and methods for
analytical studies are a critical component of the science of
improvement. 2011 Apr; 20(Suppl_1): i92–i96.
doi: 10.1136/bmjqs.2011.051557
PMCID: PMC3066849
PMID: 21450782
Analytical studies: a framework for quality
improvement design and analysis
Lloyd P Provost
an analytical study accepts as a given that when actions are
taken on a system based on the results of a study, the conditions
in that system will inevitably have changed. The aim of an
analytical study is to enable prediction about how a change in a
system will affect that system's future performance, or
prediction as to which plans or strategies for future action on the
system will be superior.
Research Approach
Importance of research approach in a research
By Priya Chetty on October 12, 2016
The research approach is a plan and procedure that consists of the
steps of broad assumptions to detailed methods of data collection,
analysis, and interpretation. It is, therefore, based on the nature of
the research problem being addressed. The research approach is
essentially divided into two categories:
1. the approach of data collection and
2. the approach of data analysis or reasoning.
Analytical studies assume that the actions taken as a result of the
study will be on the process or causal system that produced the
frame studied, rather than the initial frame itself. The aim is to
improve future performance.
Convenience sampling
A convenience sample is a type of non-probability sampling
method where the sample is taken from a group of people easy to
contact or to reach; for example, standing at a mall or a grocery
store and asking people to answer questions. This type of
sampling is also known as grab sampling or availability sampling.
There are no other criteria to the sampling method except that
people be available and willing to participate. In addition, this
type of sampling method does not require that a simple random
sample is generated since the only criterion is whether the
participants agree to participate (Wikipedia)
Stratified Sampling
stratified sampling is a method of sampling from a population which
can be partitioned into subpopulations.
Stratified Sampling: Definition, Advantages &
Examples
By Jim Frost 3 Comments
What is Stratified Sampling?
Stratified sampling is a method of obtaining a
representative sample from a population that researchers
have divided into relatively similar subpopulations (strata).
Researchers use stratified sampling to ensure specific
subgroups are present in their sample. It also helps them
obtain precise estimates of each group’s characteristics.
Many surveys use this method to understand differences
between subpopulations better. Stratified sampling is also
known as stratified random sampling.
The stratified sampling process starts with researchers
dividing a diverse population into relatively homogeneous
groups called strata, the plural of stratum. Then, they draw a
random sample from each group (stratum) and combine them
to form their complete representative sample. Learn more
about representative samples. When researchers use non-
random selection to choose subjects from the strata, it is
known as Quota Sampling.
Stratified sampling example
In statistical surveys, when subpopulations within an overall
population vary, it could be advantageous to sample each
subpopulation (stratum) independently.
SAMPLING UNIT
A Sampling unit is one of the units selected for the purpose of sampling.
Each unit being regarded as individual and indivisible when the selection is
made. CONTEXT: Many times the Sampling frame and the Sampling unit are
derived from Administrative data.
sampling unit is the building block of a data set; an individual member
of the population, a cluster of members, or some other predefined unit.
It must be concretely defined as part of the groundwork for any
statistical research or study. Typically, it is the minimum unit of
observation that possesses the properties being studied.
Primary Research: Definition
Primary research is defined as a methodology used by
researchers to collect data directly, rather than
depending on data collected from previously done
research. Technically, they “own” the data. Primary
research is solely carried out to address a certain
problem, which requires in-depth analysis.
There are two forms of research:
Primary Research
Secondary Research
Businesses or organizations can themselves conduct
primary research or can employ a third party to conduct
research on their behalf. One major advantage of
primary research is, this type of research is
“pinpointed”, research is carried around only a specific
issue or problem and all the focus is directed to obtain
related solutions.
For example, a brand is about to launch a new model of
mobile phone and wants to conduct a research about
the looks and features mobile phone they are soon
going to introduce. Organizations can select a
qualified sample of respondents that closely
resembles population and conduct primary research
with them, to know their opinions. Based on this
research, the brand can now think of probable solutions
to make necessary changes in looks and features of
mobile phone.
Secondary data
What Is Secondary Data In Research Methodology?
By Indeed Editorial Team
Published 21 October 2022
Secondary data in research methodology is any information or statistics that researchers have already
collected through their primary resources. Secondary data is readily available for other individuals to
reference as they conduct their own primary research, allowing them to gain insights into different
processes that contribute to a research process. So, what can be primary data for one researcher may be
secondary for another, depending on how they sourced it. Secondary researchers can gather data from
various sources and summarise it into a new document that is easier to understand.
Secondary data can be a direct by-product of someone else's research procedures, and likely took the
initial researcher significant time to develop and publish before it became readily available for other
people to use. While primary data tends to be more time-consuming to gather, secondary data often
requires minimal research, especially when using resources from the Internet of other digital mediums.
The use of search engines and online databases has reduced the level of effort that was previously
necessary for gathering large amounts of secondary data.
Hypothesis Testing
By
CHRISTINA MAJASKI
Updated October 28, 2021
Reviewed by
KHADIJA KHARTIT
Fact checked by
SUZANNE KVILHAUG
What Is Hypothesis Testing?
Hypothesis testing is an act in statistics whereby an
analyst tests an assumption regarding a population
parameter. The methodology employed by the analyst
depends on the nature of the data used and the reason
for the analysis.
Hypothesis testing is used to assess the plausibility of
a hypothesis by using sample data. Such data may
come from a larger population, or from a data-
generating process. The word "population" will be used
for both of these cases in the following descriptions.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Hypothesis testing is used to assess the
plausibility of a hypothesis by using sample data.
The test provides evidence concerning the
plausibility of the hypothesis, given the data.
Statistical analysts test a hypothesis by
measuring and examining a random sample of the
population being analyzed.
Hypothesis Testing
By
CHRISTINA MAJASKI
Updated October 28, 2021
Reviewed by
KHADIJA KHARTIT
Fact checked by
SUZANNE KVILHAUG
What Is Hypothesis Testing?
Hypothesis testing is an act in statistics whereby an
analyst tests an assumption regarding a population
parameter. The methodology employed by the analyst
depends on the nature of the data used and the reason
for the analysis.
Hypothesis testing is used to assess the plausibility of
a hypothesis by using sample data. Such data may
come from a larger population, or from a data-
generating process. The word "population" will be used
for both of these cases in the following descriptions.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Hypothesis testing is used to assess the
plausibility of a hypothesis by using sample data.
The test provides evidence concerning the
plausibility of the hypothesis, given the data.
Statistical analysts test a hypothesis by
measuring and examining a random sample of the
population being analyzed.
