How to Define Research Design

Good research design helps reduce errors when carrying out research methods.

The term "research design" refers to how a researcher puts a research study together to answer a question or a set of questions. Research design works as a systematic plan outlining the study, the researchers' methods of compilation, details on how the study will arrive at its conclusions and the limitations of the research. Research design is not limited to a particular type of research and may incorporate both quantitative and qualitative analysis. When defining research design to an audience, there are a few things you will need to make clear, while avoiding the use of scientific terms that may lose your audience.

Instructions

1. Explain to your audience the two types of research questions---descriptive and explanatory. Descriptive research seeks to answer the question of "what;" explanatory research looks at "why" something is taking place. A research design's fundamental purpose is to ensure the validity of research gathered and accurately answer the original question.

2. Tell to your audience that research design is not method. Design is independent of method---design incorporates the research methods most suitable to gather the required data and answer the original research question. It is important to express to your audience that while often confused, research design is not a method of data collection.

3. Explain that research design is a logical structure that ensures that all collected evidence helps eliminate bias when evaluating theories and arriving at conclusion. Design your research to utilize the best methods to collect and analyze data required to answer the original question.

References

• New York University: What is Research Design
• BYU: Defining Research Design and Controlling Erros