Research Design: What it is,

Elements & Types

Can you imagine doing research without a plan? Probably not. When we discuss a
strategy to collect, study, and evaluate data, we talk about research design. This
design addresses problems and creates a consistent and logical model for data
analysis. Let’s learn more about it.

Content Index

1. What is Research Design?

2. The Process of Research Design
3. Research Design Elements
4. Characteristics of Research Design
5. Research Design Types
1. Qualitative research
2. Quantitative research
3. Qualitative Research vs Quantitative Research
6. Benefits of Research Design
7. Conclusion

What is Research Design?

Research design is the framework of research methods and techniques chosen by a
researcher to conduct a study. The design allows researchers to sharpen the research
methods suitable for the subject matter and set up their studies for success.

Creating a research topic explains the type of research (experimental, survey

research, correlational, semi-experimental, review) and its sub-type (experimental
design, research problem, descriptive case-study). 

There are three main types of designs for research:

 Data collection
 Measurement
 Data Analysis

The research problem an organization faces will determine the design, not vice-versa.
The design phase of a study determines which tools to use and how they are used.

The Process of Research Design

The research design process is a systematic and structured approach to conducting
research. The process is essential to ensure that the study is valid, reliable, and
produces meaningful results.

1. Consider your aims and approaches: Determine the research questions and

objectives, and identify the theoretical framework and methodology for the
study.
2. Choose a type of Research Design: Select the appropriate research design,
such as experimental, correlational, survey, case study, or ethnographic, based
on the research questions and objectives.
3. Identify your population and sampling method: Determine the target
population and sample size, and choose the sampling method, such as
random, stratified random sampling, or convenience sampling.
4. Choose your data collection methods: Decide on the methods, such as
surveys, interviews, observations, or experiments, and select the appropriate
instruments or tools for collecting data.
5. Plan your data collection procedures: Develop a plan for data collection,
including the timeframe, location, and personnel involved, and ensure ethical
considerations.
6. Decide on your data analysis strategies: Select the appropriate data analysis
techniques, such as statistical analysis, content analysis, or discourse analysis,
and plan how to interpret the results.

The process of research design is a critical step in conducting research. By following

the steps of research design, researchers can ensure that their study is well-planned,
ethical, and rigorous.

LEARN MORE: Descriptive Research vs Correlational Research & Population vs

Sample

Research Design Elements

Impactful research usually creates a minimum bias in data and increases trust in the
accuracy of collected data. A design that produces the slightest margin of error in
experimental research is generally considered the desired outcome. The essential
elements are:

1. Accurate purpose statement

2. Techniques to be implemented for collecting and analyzing research
3. The method applied for analyzing collected details
4. Type of research methodology
5. Probable objections to research
6. Settings for the research study
7. Timeline
8. Measurement of analysis

Characteristics of Research Design

A proper design sets your study up for success. Successful research studies provide
insights that are accurate and unbiased. You’ll need to create a survey that meets all of
the main characteristics of a design. There are four key characteristics:
 Neutrality: When you set up your study, you may have to make assumptions
about the data you expect to collect. The results projected in
the research should be free from research bias and neutral. Understand opinions
about the final evaluated scores and conclusions from multiple individuals and
consider those who agree with the results.
 Reliability: With regularly conducted research, the researcher expects similar
results every time. You’ll only be able to reach the desired results if your
design is reliable. Your plan should indicate how to form research questions to
ensure the standard of results.
 Validity: There are multiple measuring tools available. However, the only
correct measuring tools are those which help a researcher in gauging results
according to the objective of the research. The questionnaire developed from
this design will then be valid.
 Generalization: The outcome of your design should apply to a population and
not just a restricted sample. A generalized method implies that your survey can
be conducted on any part of a population with similar accuracy.

The above factors affect how respondents answer the research questions, so they
should balance all the above characteristics in a good design.

Research Design Types

A researcher must clearly understand the various types to select which model to
implement for a study. Like research itself, the design of your analysis can be broadly
classified into quantitative and qualitative.
 Qualitative research
It determines relationships between collected data and observations based on
mathematical calculations. Statistical methods can prove or disprove theories related
to a naturally existing phenomenon. Researchers rely on qualitative
observation research methods that conclude “why” a particular theory exists and
“what” respondents have to say about it.

LEARN ABOUT: Qualitative Research Questions and Questionnaires

 Quantitative research
It is for cases where statistical conclusions to collect actionable insights are essential.
Numbers provide a better perspective for making critical business decisions.
Quantitative research methods are necessary for the growth of any organization.
Insights drawn from complex numerical data and analysis prove to be highly effective
when making decisions about the business’s future.

Qualitative Research vs Quantitative Research

Here is a chart that highlights the major differences between qualitative and
quantitative research:

Qualitative Research Quantitative Research

Focus on explaining and understanding experiences and

Focus on quantifying and measuring phenomena.
perspectives.

Use of non-numerical data, such as words, images, and

Use of numerical data, such as statistics and survey
observations.

Usually uses small sample sizes. Usually uses larger sample sizes.

Typically emphasizes in-depth exploration and Typically emphasizes precision and objectivity.
Qualitative Research Quantitative Research

interpretation.

Data analysis involves interpretation and narrative Data analysis involves statistical analysis and
analysis. hypothesis testing.

Results are presented descriptively. Results are presented numerically and statistically.

In summary, qualitative research is more exploratory and focuses on understanding

the subjective experiences of individuals, while quantitative research is more focused
on objective data and statistical analysis.

You can further break down the types of research design into five categories:
1. Descriptive: In a descriptive composition, a researcher is solely interested in
describing the situation or case under their research study. It is a theory-based design
method created by gathering, analyzing, and presenting collected data. This allows a
researcher to provide insights into the why and how of research. Descriptive design
helps others better understand the need for the research. If the problem statement is
not clear, you can conduct exploratory research. 

2. Experimental: Experimental research establishes a relationship between the cause

and effect of a situation. It is a causal research design where one observes the impact
caused by the independent variable on the dependent variable. For example, one
monitors the influence of an independent variable such as a price on a dependent
variable such as customer satisfaction or brand loyalty. It is an efficient research
method as it contributes to solving a problem.

The independent variables are manipulated to monitor the change it has on the
dependent variable. Social sciences often use it to observe human behavior by
analyzing two groups. Researchers can have participants change their actions and
study how the people around them react to understand social psychology better.

3. Correlational research: Correlational research is a non-experimental

research technique. It helps researchers establish a relationship between two closely
connected variables. There is no assumption while evaluating a relationship between
two other variables, and statistical analysis techniques calculate the relationship
between them. This type of research requires two different groups.

A correlation coefficient determines the correlation between two variables whose

values range between -1 and +1. If the correlation coefficient is towards +1, it
indicates a positive relationship between the variables, and -1 means a negative
relationship between the two variables. 

4. Diagnostic research: In diagnostic design, the researcher is looking to evaluate the

underlying cause of a specific topic or phenomenon. This method helps one learn
more about the factors that create troublesome situations. 

This design has three parts of the research:

 Inception of the issue

 Diagnosis of the issue
 Solution for the issue

5. Explanatory research: Explanatory design uses a researcher’s ideas and thoughts on

a subject to further explore their theories. The study explains unexplored aspects of a
subject and details the research questions’ what, how, and why.

Benefits of Research Design

There are several benefits of having a well-designed research plan. Including:

 Clarity of research objectives: Research design provides a clear

understanding of the research objectives and the desired outcomes.
 Increased validity and reliability: To ensure the validity and reliability of
results, research design help to minimize the risk of bias and helps to control
extraneous variables.
 Improved data collection: Research design helps to ensure that the proper
data is collected and data is collected systematically and consistently.
 Better data analysis: Research design helps ensure that the collected data can
be analyzed effectively, providing meaningful insights and conclusions.
 Improved communication: A well-designed research helps ensure the results
are clean and influential within the research team and external stakeholders.
 Efficient use of resources: reducing the risk of waste and maximizing the
impact of the research, research design helps to ensure that resources are used
efficiently.

A well-designed research plan is essential for successful research, providing clear and
meaningful insights and ensuring that resources must be practical.

LEARN ABOUT: 12 Best Tools for Researchers

Conclusion
QuestionPro offers a comprehensive solution for researchers looking to conduct
research. With its user-friendly interface, robust data collection and analysis tools, and
the ability to integrate results from multiple sources, QuestionPro provides a versatile
platform for designing and executing research projects.

Our robust suite of research tools provides you with all you need to derive research
results. Our online survey platform includes custom point-and-click logic and
advanced question types. Uncover the insights that matter the most.