- Research design
Research design refers to the overall plan or strategy for conducting a research study. It outlines the steps and procedures that will be taken to answer the research question or hypothesis. The research design helps to ensure that the study is well-organized, valid, and reliable.
There are several key components of research design, including:
1. Research question or hypothesis: This is the main question that the study aims to answer or the specific statement that the study seeks to test.
2. Study population/sample: The group of individuals or items that will be studied. This may be a specific population (e.g. college students) or a sample from a larger population.
3. Data collection methods: The techniques and tools that will be used to collect data, such as surveys, interviews, experiments, or observations.
4. Data analysis methods: The procedures that will be used to analyze the data collected, such as statistical tests or qualitative analysis.
5. Research ethics: Ethical considerations that must be taken into account when conducting research, such as informed consent, confidentiality, and minimizing harm to participants.
6. Time frame: The schedule for conducting the study, including when data will be collected, analyzed, and reported.
Overall, the research design serves as a roadmap for the study, guiding researchers on how to collect and analyze data in order to address the research question or hypothesis effectively. It is important for ensuring that the study is rigorous, valid, and reliable.