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Research Design

 The research design refers to the overall strategy that you choose to integrate the different components of the study in a coherent and logical way, thereby, ensuring you will effectively address the research problem; it constitutes the blueprint for the collection, measurement, and analysis of data.

Study the PDF below (only for academic use)

Research Design PDF

Here are four main characteristics that make for good research design:

It is neutral. Naturally, setting up a study comes with a measure of assumptions, which is why there is a hypothesis. However, good research design comes into play when the results obtained are as neutral and as objective as possible. It should allow the researcher to analyse and interpret the data that is free of any bias.

It is valid. The design of the research also indicates the tools and techniques by which to measure results. If the design is sound, these tools will be correct and appropriate for the job, which will be defined as those that can help a researcher in measuring the results.

It is reliable. Research design, when done well, can afford research that generates similar results every time it is performed. This means that a good research design creates an opportunity to form standards to collect and analyse results.

It can be generalised. Generalised design means the design can apply not just to one part of a study, population, or setting. It should be able to cover any part with the same measure of accuracy.

These four elements, including how the research is designed, influence how the research will be conducted and the methods used to acquire the results.

Research Design


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