STA630 Short Handouts Lectures 19-41 Updated July 2024 by Wania Hareem

STA630 · Short Lectures 19-41 by · WANIA HAREEM

LESSON # 19 : Research Design A research design is a master plan outlining how to collect and analyze data. It is a strategy that guides the entire research project. It involves making several decisions based on available options, including the study's purpose, unit of analysis, time dimension, mode of observation, sampling design, observation tools, data processing, and data analysis.

1. Purpose of the Study

Research can be exploratory, descriptive, or explanatory:

• Descriptive: Focuses on who, what, where, when, or how much.
• Explanatory: Focuses on why and how one variable affects another.

Methodological rigor increases from exploratory to explanatory studies, involving more complex data collection and analysis.

2. Unit of Analysis

The unit of analysis is the level of aggregation of data:

• Individual: Studying single persons.
• Dyads: Studying interactions between two people (e.g., husband-wife).
• Groups: Studying group effectiveness by aggregating individual data.
• Organizations: Studying entire departments or organizations.

3. Time Dimension

Observations can be made at one time or over a long period: Cross-Sectional Studies: Conducted once, representing a snapshot.

• Longitudinal Studies: Repeated over time, tracking changes.

4. Researcher Control of Variables

Researchers may or may not control variables:

• Experimental Design: Manipulates variables to study effects (can be contrived or non- contrived).
• Ex Post Facto Design: Observes existing conditions without manipulation.

5. Mode of Observation

Data collection methods depend on the study's nature:

• Survey
• Experiment
• Content Analysis
• Field Observation
• Case Study
• Focus Group Discussion

6. Sampling Design

Sampling involves selecting a subset of the population:

• A population element is the unit of analysis.
• Sampling aims to draw conclusions about the entire population.

7. Observation Tools

Common tools include:

• Ǫuestionnaire
• Interview Schedule
• Interview Guide
• Checklist

The choice of tool depends on the study's logic and appropriateness.

8. Field Data Collection

The procedure for field operations involves:

• Deciding how data will be collected.
• Assigning responsibility for data collection.
• Training field personnel.

Ensuring data quality control.

9. Data Processing and Data Analysis

Researchers outline how data will be processed and analyzed:

• Specify whether data processing will be manual or mechanical.
• Explain how qualitative data will be quantified.
• Describe the use of statistics and the inferences to be drawn.

Survey Research: An Overview

Surveys gather primary data by asking respondents questions using questionnaires or interviews. Steps in conducting a survey include:

1. Develop hypotheses, choose the survey type, write questions, and design the layout.
2. Plan data recording methods and pilot test the survey instrument.
3. Determine the target population, obtain a sampling frame, decide on sample size, and select the sample.
4. Locate respondents, conduct interviews, and record data accurately.
5. Enter data into computers, recheck all data, and perform statistical analysis.
6. Describe methods and findings in a research report and present them for critique and evaluation.