-
8/3/2019 2212RM
1/3
Research Methodology
A Research Design is a plan comprising the decision about the
procedures of
sampling, collection and analysis of data for a given study. It
aims at
fulfilling the purpose of study without wasteful expenditure of
time, energy
and funds.
The Research Design can be divided into following parts :
(1) Sampling Design which deals with the method of selection
items orcandidates for the given study.
(2) Observational Design which deals with the conditions under
whichobservations are to be made.
(3) Statistical Design is concerned with the question of how the
data isto be gathered and analyzed.
(4) Operational Design deals with the techniques by which
theprocedure about sampling, statistics and observational design
can
be carried out.
Research Design is indispensible for a Research project.
However, it is not a
precise and specific plan like a building plan to be followed
without changes,
but rather a tentative plan which undergoes modifications as the
research
work progresses. It actually provides a series of guidance to
keep one going
in the right direction. A research without pre-drawn plan/design
is like an
ocean voyage without Mariners Compass.
Once the area of study is decided, the researcher has to go
ahead with a
series of questions and the answers which will help him in
preparing the
Research Design.
Few questions are given for illustration :
(i) What is the study about? (ii) What types of data are
required? (iii) What
is the cost involved? (iv) How much time will it take to
complete the
Research Work?
(b) The Contents of a Research Design :
(1) Introduction : It should place the problem in a historical
perspective,
state the need and interest of the research in the Research
work.
-
8/3/2019 2212RM
2/3
(2) Statement of the problem : A properly formulated research
problem. It
is should be properly defined. The scope of the study and
objectives of
study should also be specified. The coverage of study has also
to be
specified.
(3) Review Literature : on the selection of theme, it is
essential to take a
brief review of published and unpublished relevant material.
(4) Conceptual Model : Identification of variables, proper
definitions of
variables, units of measurement of variables and mainly the
relations
between variables are essential points about the research
plan.
(5) A set of Hypothesis has also to be framed. Hypothesis is a
statement
which may be true or may not true.
(6) Research Period : The period to be taken into consideration
for theresearch work is called as the Reference Period. The
researcher has to
specify it.
(7) Methodology : In this section, the overall type of the
research design is
considered, e.g. descriptive research, diagnostic research etc.
On the basis
of that, the research process is decided upon.
(8) Methodology of data collection : Details about data
collection methods
are specified in this section. In this connection, the following
decisions
about data collection are taken :
(a) Census or sample data. (b) If sample data, particular method
of
sampling and data collection has to be decided upon. (c) The
method of data
collection to be selected.
(9) Plan of Analysis : The statistical techniques to be used for
analysis of
various types of data should be specified, e.g. Regression
Equation for the
relationship between variables. Test to be conducted should be
highlighted.
(10) ChapterScheme : the findings of a research work are
communicated
with the help of a Report. The chapter Scheme of the report has
to be
prepared.
(11) Time Schedule for the research work : Different stages in
the report
are expected to be completed in particular period of time.
Planning of
-
8/3/2019 2212RM
3/3
research work with respect to time is essential. Required time
period for
each of the following to be estimated:
a) Review of literature b) Preparation of the research work
c) Conceptualization d) Collection of data
e) Analysis of data f) Preparation of the rough draftg) Final
draft of the report
(12)Financial Budget : This should include the estimated cost of
the research
work.
(c ) Evaluation of a Research Design : (Features of a good
design) :
A Research Design is very useful to decide beforehand the nature
ofresearch work, methodology, time and finance requied etc. If it
is prepared
properly it helps the researcher like a guiding torch. Hence, it
is necessaryto evaluate it at every stage. The reasons are as
following :
The evaluation pertains to precision, reliability and relevance
of the data
analysis. This can be done if the researcher considers the
following :
(1) Is it possible to complete the work in the planned time
period ?(2) Is the depth and intensity of the research work
consistent with the
objectives of the research work?
(3) How precise are the observations(4) Are the hypothesis
explicit?(5) Do the data satisfy the need of the research?(6) Are
the data relevant to the problem under study?(7) Is it necessary to
improve any hypothesis ?(8) Is it likely that the design may lead
to conclusions which have
alternative interpretations etc.?
*****
