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Research Design in Research Methodology: Complete Guide for PhD Researchers
In research methodology, the design of research refers to the whole process involved in conducting research. The design of research links the research problem, research questions, research objectives, data collection methods, sampling, and analysis of data.
In the case of doctoral students, the selection of a research design goes way past simple labels like “quantitative,” “qualitative,” “experimental,” or “case study.” The investigator has to show that the research design that they have selected is right for the research problem, and that all methodological decisions are justified.
A good research design enables one to gather relevant data, avoid methodological problems, and generate results that are useful for the research problem being addressed.
Before selecting a research design, it is always better to first think about research methodology and how it relates to method and design.
What Is Research Design in Research Methodology?
A research design is the framework that guides a research project. A research design specifies how the researcher will go about answering the research questions through proper procedures.
A research design helps in determining:
– what information to collect
– from where or from whom to collect the information
– what criteria will be used for selection of participants/cases
– what methods will be used to collect the data
– when the data will be collected
– how the data will be analyzed
– how the quality of results will be assured
For instance, one can take a case whereby the PhD researcher tries to examine the connection between engagement and performance. In such an example, the researcher can use a quantitative design, collect data using a questionnaire, and use statistics to evaluate the variables’ connection.
In another study, the researcher will explore how employees perceive stress at work. In this case, interviews and thematic analysis might work better considering the focus on the participants’ perceptions.
As such, the research design must fit the research question and not vice versa. Academics also make a distinction between the general research approach and the design and methodology of the research itself.
Why Is Research Design Important?
Good research design offers direction to the whole research process.
Links Research Question and the Method
It is supposed to provide an adequate means of gathering the evidence necessary for answering the research question.
Enhances Research Quality
Having a clearly worked-out research design assists in making consistent choices regarding sampling, evidence collection, measurement, and analysis.
Avoids Methodological Mistakes
Selecting methodological tools such as a questionnaire, interview, or test without a clear idea of the research problem can lead to a flawed research design.
Assists in Making Valid and Defensible Conclusions
Research design determines which conclusions can be made on the basis of the gathered evidence.
Makes PhD Research More Defensible
PhD research requires not only a detailed account of what has been done, but also justification of why particular things were done in the research.
If you are still developing your research problem, see the IdeaLaunch guide on identification of research problem before finalising your research design.
Key Elements of a Research Design
A research design usually includes a number of decisions:
Research Problem
This is where you identify the problem you want to investigate, the knowledge gap you are trying to fill, or the real-world problem you want to examine.
Research Questions
These questions help to formulate what you want to know, understand, or explain with your research.
Research Objectives
These are particular goals the study is meant to achieve in order to accomplish its objectives.
Research Approach and Design
Here, the researcher decides what approach and design are best suited for the study.
Population and Sampling
In this step, the researcher defines the target population and explains how participants, organisations, documents, or cases are to be selected.
Data Collection
Depending on the design, it is here that the researcher decides on what method to use: questionnaires, interviews, observations, experiments, documents, databases, or something else.
Data Analysis
The researcher needs to plan the way they will analyse data collected and how it will address the research questions.
These steps should logically link up into a chain. As IdeaLaunch’s PhD synopsis writing guide notes, research design, data collection, sample/participants, and data analysis belong to methodology in PhD research.
Types of Research Design
Designing the research can be classified based on the general research approach and goals. An effective method of designing includes classifying the type of design as quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method design before choosing the specific design within each approach.
Quantitative Research Design
Quantitative research design is employed when the study employs measurements, involves variables, involves statistical relations, makes comparisons, or involves hypothesis testing
Descriptive Research Design
Descriptive design is applied when describing the attributes or the present status of a population or phenomenon.
Example: A study analyzing the degree of job satisfaction of university lecturers.
Correlational Research Design
Correlational design analyzes the association between variables without manipulating them.
Example: A PhD study on the correlation between employee engagement and organizational commitment.
Experimental Research Design
An experimental design is employed when the researcher investigates the effect of an intervention or treatment. A randomized experimental design can be particularly useful when drawing causal inferences if randomization and control are possible.
Example: Assessing the effect of a new instructional strategy on the students’ learning outcomes.
Quasi-Experimental Research Design
The quasi-experimental design is used when testing an intervention or treatment without employing full random assignment.
Example: A comparison of the performance of two different groups of students after applying a new teaching method.
Cross-Sectional Research Design
A cross-sectional study gathers data at a certain point in time.
Example: Employee attitudes towards remote work during a particular year.
Longitudinal Research Design
In a longitudinal design, the information is collected at various stages to describe change or development.
Example: Study of the development of employee engagement over three years.
Qualitative Research Design
Qualitative approaches provide greater benefits when one needs to explore experiences, perceptions, meanings, actions, processes, or even social settings.
Designing a Case Study
The design is used to conduct an in-depth analysis of the organization, institution, group, program, event, or situation under study.
Example: Conducting a case study of the digital transformation in a higher education institution.
Phenomenological Research Design
Phenomenology tries to explore the experience of the participants regarding some particular phenomenon.
Example: Examining the experience of first-generation PhD students.
Ethnographic Research Design
Ethnography explores the culture, actions, relations, and practices of the social group or social setting.
Grounded Theory Design
The grounded theory approach is used to develop concepts and theories out of systematically collected qualitative data.
Narrative Research Design
Narrative research explores individuals’ narratives and experiences to understand how individuals make sense of their experiences.
Mixed-Methods Research Design
Mixed-methods studies involve a combination of quantitative and qualitative elements in one study aimed at investigating a particular research problem using different approaches to its consideration. The design has to clearly explain why both types of data are necessary in the research and how they are to be combined.
Convergent Design
This involves the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data at more or less the same time and then comparing and combining results.
Structure of convergent design:
QUAN + QUAL
Explanatory Sequential Design
This includes collecting and analyzing quantitative data first and gathering qualitative data to clarify the quantitative findings further.
Structure of explanatory sequential design:
QUAN → QUAL
It is useful when there is something puzzling about the statistical results obtained.
Exploratory Sequential Design
An exploratory study comes first, followed by quantitative research.
Structure of exploratory sequential design:
QUAL → QUAN
This may be a good option when the phenomenon being researched is poorly understood initially.
How to Choose the Right Research Design
No research design is superior to all others. Which is suitable in each particular case will depend on the objectives of the research and the phenomena that need to be demonstrated or discovered. Here is a practical framework to make a decision.
Step 1: Research Problem
Define clearly what you do not know and what needs investigation.
Step 2: Research Questions
Decide what needs to be described, measured, compared, explained, explored, or understood in relation to a certain phenomenon.
Step 3: Match the Research Approach
The quantitative approach would be used if the focus is on numbers and statistics. The qualitative approach would suit better if the focus is on meanings, experiences, and contexts. If both approaches are needed, then consider mixed methods.
Step 4: Select the Suitable Design
The design that would fit your purpose best should be chosen: descriptive, correlational, experimental, case study, phenomenological, or mixed methods.
Step 5: Evaluate the Feasibility of Sampling
Decide who would be able to give you the needed information and how you can get access to this information.
Step 6: Match Data Collection with Analysis
Do not choose the way to collect the data without planning how you will analyze it.
Step 7: Check Time and Resource Constraints
A theoretically attractive design may not be practical if the researcher cannot access participants, collect repeated measurements, or conduct a sufficiently large study.
Research Design Example for a PhD
In regard to the research topic:
“Effect of Transformational Leadership on Performance of IT Employees.”
Possible research design could be:
– Research Question: The performance of employees varies from organization to organization, and the leadership style may be one of the factors influencing it.
– Research Aim: Study the connection between transformational leadership and the performance of employees.
– Method: Quantitative
– Research Design: Correlational or explanatory design
– Data collection method: Structured questionnaire
– Subjects: Employees of chosen information technology organizations
– Data analysis: Descriptive statistics, correlation and regression
The main issue is not to focus on what methods to use, but how to ensure that each of the methodological choices is consistent with the research question and aims.
In preparation for their doctoral research proposal, doctoral students can get help with writing the research proposal from IdeaLaunch, including research design and methodology development.
Research Design vs. Research Methodology vs. Research Method
Research methodology is the general methodological approach that serves as a foundation for the whole research process.
Research design is the general structure or plan of the research project.
Research methods are the actual tools used in data collection or analysis.
For instance:
– Methodology: Research methodology is quantitative, positivist-oriented.
– Research Design: The research design is correlational.
– Research Methods: Questionnaire completion and regression analysis.
This difference is discussed in IdeaLaunch’s guide to types of research in research methodology
Common Mistakes in Research Design
- Selecting the Research Method Before Identifying the Research Problem
Researchers should not say “I want to use SPSS” or “I want to do interviews” and then continue choosing the method. Methodologies need to arise organically from research questions.
- Mistaking Methods for Designs
Questionnaires, interviews, and observations are all methods. However, none of these constitutes a research design.
- Choosing the Incorrect Sample
Even well-designed research may yield poor results if the sample used is not representative of the target population or does not satisfy the qualitative purposes of the research.
- Employing Too Many Methods Without Purpose
Having more methods does not necessarily make for better research. Each method needs to serve a specific purpose.
- Not Justifying the Choice
It is vital to justify the choice of a particular design for PhD research, and this means explaining why one design is appropriate instead of just naming it.
- Ignoring the Practical Side of the Research
It might turn out that the best research design is difficult to implement due to lack of access, time, participants, or other resources.
Research Design in a PhD Research Proposal and Thesis
The research design takes special importance in the methodology part of the PhD proposal or thesis.
A strong methodology chapter normally explains:
Research approach → Research design → Population → Sampling → Data collection → Research instruments → Data analysis → Validity/reliability or quality criteria → Ethical considerations
In most cases, a good methodology chapter would outline the following points: Research Design, Data Collection, Sampling, Analysis, and Research Instruments. This is consistent with the idea that has been expressed by IdeaLaunch in its thesis writing services page.Synopsis writing, on the other hand, requires a clear enough explanation of the methodology in order for the supervisor/committee to understand how the research work will be carried out in reality.
For further information on PhD synopsis writing, please see the IdeaLaunch Guide on how to write a synopsis for a PhD for the broader structure.
How IdeaLaunch Can Help With Research Design
Choosing and explaining a suitable research design is not easy when there are many aims, variables, research questions, or data sources for the PhD research.
IdeaLaunch provides research services to researchers who are doing research in:
- Choosing and explaining research designs
- Research methodology for PhD research
- Quantitative research, qualitative research, or mixed-methods research
- Research proposal and synopsis
- Designing sampling and instruments
- Collecting and analyzing data
- Research methodology for thesis chapters
For end-to-end doctoral guidance, explore IdeaLaunch PhD consultancy services. This methodology should always be focused on ensuring that the methodology used is well-defined, academic, practical, and relevant to the research objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Research design means the overall design or structure that explains how the researcher will obtain evidence to answer the research questions.
The major types include quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods designs. Some of the designs may be descriptive, correlational, experimental, quasi-experimental, case study, phenomenological, and others.
There is no best Research Design for all PhDs. Different research problems, questions, objectives, evidence needs, population, resources, and other factors determine which Research Design is most suitable for a PhD.
Research Design means the overall structure of the research, while Research Methods are specific methods used in collecting and analyzing evidence in the research.
Yes. Complex PhD research may require both qualitative and quantitative approaches or multiple phases in the research. Several designs can be used to combine qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Conclusion
The research design in research methodology provides the structure that helps transform the research idea into a practical one. This ties together the research problem and questions to the sampling, data gathering, analysis, and interpretation.
The key principle for doctoral research students is that of methodological fit. The research design should follow from the research question, and all significant decisions concerning the methodology must be justified clearly.
Instead of asking, “What is the most fashionable research design?” we need to be asking,
“What research design will provide me with the most appropriate evidence for answering my research questions?”
When such links become evident, the proposal, synopsis, methodology chapter, and dissertation become more coherent and defensible.