Meaning & Definition

A research design is defined as a logical and systematic plan prepared for directing a research study. It specifies the objectives of the study; the methodologies and techniques to be adopted the achieving the objective. Plilipas Bernad.

Research design actually constitutes the blue print for the collection, measurement and the analysis of the data. David & Nachmias.

Research design is the plan, structure, strategy and means of investigation conceived so as to obtain answers of research questions. It is a plan or an overall scheme or a programme of research. Jogn. W. Best.

Thus it is obligatory for a researcher to undertake research design. The research design is the ground plan for conducting the research investigation. It provides guidelines to researcher to help him to keep a track of his actions and to know that he is moving in the right direction in collecting the data. Whatever may be the nature of research problems, all research designs should contain answers to the following questions: What the study is about? Why the study is undertaken? What are the types of data required? Where data can be found? What techniques of gathering data will be adopted? In which areas, the study will be undertaken?

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The research design must include the following aspects: 1. A clear statement of the research problem. 2. The purpose or objectives of the research. 3. The time period of research study. 4. The sources of collection data. 5. The procurers and techniques of collection data. 6. The universe of research design. 7. The sample size of respondents, if any. 8. The area where research to be conducted. 9. The methods or techniques of data processing. 10. The resources required to conduct the research.

What is research Design

How is the term `research design' to be used in this book? An analogy might help. When constructing a building there is no point ordering materials or setting critical dates for completion of project stages until we know what sort of building is being constructed. The first decision is whether we need a high rise office building, a factory for manufacturing machinery, a school, a residential home or an apartment block. Until this is done we cannot sketch a plan, obtain permits, work out a work schedule or order materials. Similarly, social research needs a design or a structure before data collection or analysis can commence. A research design is not just a work plan. A work plan details what has to be done to complete the project but the work plan will flow from the project's research design. The function of a research design is to ensure that the evidence obtained enables us to answer the initial question as unambiguously as possible. Obtaining relevant evidence entails specifying the type of evidence needed to answer the research question, to test a theory, to evaluate a programme or to accurately describe some phenomenon. In other words, when designing research we
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need to ask: given this research question (or theory), what type of evidence is needed to answer the question (or test the theory) in a convincing way? Research design `deals with a logical problem and not a logistical problem' (Yin, 1989: 29). Before a builder or architect can develop a work plan or order materials they must first establish the type of building required, its uses and the needs of the occupants. The work plan flows from this. Similarly, in social research the issues of sampling, method of data collection (e.g. questionnaire, observation, and document analysis), and design of questions are all subsidiary to the matter of `What evidence do I need to collect?' Too often researchers design questionnaires or begin interviewing far too early before thinking through what information they require to answer their research questions. Without attending to these research design matters at the beginning, the conclusions drawn will normally be weak and unconvincing and fail to answer the research question.

Literature Review
Once a researcher has chosen a specific topic, the next step in the planning phase of a research study is reviewing the existing literature in that topic area. If you are not yet familiar with the process of conducting a literature review, it simply means becoming familiar with the existing literature (e.g., books, journal articles) on a particular topic. Obviously, the amount of available literature can differ significantly depending on the topic area being studied, and it can certainly be a time-consuming, arduous, and difficult process if there has been a great deal of research conducted in a particular area. Ask any researcher (or research assistant) about conducting literature reviews and you will likely encounter similar comments about the length of time that is spent looking for literature on a particular topic. Fortunately, the development of comprehensive electronic databases has facilitated the process of conducting literature reviews. In the past few years,
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individual electronic databases have been developed for several specific fields of study. For example, medical researchers can access existing medical literature through Medline; social scientists can use PsychINFO (see Rapid Reference 2.2) or PsychLIT; and legal researchers can use Westlaw or Lexis. Access to most of these electronic database services is restricted to individuals with subscriptions or to those who are affiliated with university-based library systems. Although gaining access to these services can be expensive, the advent of these electronic databases has made the process of conducting thorough literature reviews much easier and more efficient. No longer are researchers (or their student assistants!) forced to look through shelf after shelf of dusty scientific journals. The importance and value of a well-conducted and thorough literature review cannot be overstated in the context of planning a research study (see Christensen, 2001). The primary purpose of a literature review is to help researchers become familiar with the work that has already been conducted in their selected topic areas. For example, if a researcher decides to investigate the onset of diabetes among the elderly, it would be important for him or her to have an understanding of the current state of the knowledge in that area. Literature reviews are absolutely indispensable when planning a research study because they can help guide the researcher in an appropriate direction by answering several questions related to the topic area. Have other researchers done any work in this topic area? What do the results of their studies suggest? Did previous researchers encounter any unforeseen methodological difficulties of which future researchers should be aware when planning or conducting studies? Does more research need to be conducted on this topic, and if so, in what specific areas? A thorough literature review should answer these and related questions, thereby helping to set the stage for the research being planned. Often, the results of a well-conducted literature review will reveal that the study being planned has, in fact, already been conducted. This would obviously be important to know during the planning phase of a study, and it would certainly be beneficial to be aware of this fact sooner rather than later. Other times, researchers
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may change the focus or methodology of their studies based on the types of studies that have already been conducted. Literature reviews can often be intimidating for novice researchers, but like most other things relating to research, they become easier as you gain experience.

Need & Importance

Research design is vital to researchers, as it enables to collect the right data to achieve the research objectives. The importance of research design is stated as follows:

1. Guidelines to the Researcher:

Research design provides guidelines to the researcher in respect of: When to start and when to complete the research work? What data to be collected? From where the data to be collected? How the data be collected? Etc. The above questions provide necessary guidelines to the researcher. Therefore, the researcher will be able to collect the right data from right sources at the right time.

2. Organizing Resources:
Research design facilitates organizing of resources for collecting the data. The resources include: Funds required for collecting the data. The equipments/instruments and materials required to conduct the research (especially in the case of physical sciences like physical, chemistry, etc) The manpower to collect the data.

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The research design enables the researcher to make proper arrangement of the resources which in turn will help the researcher to conduct the research effectively, so as to achieve the research objective.

3. Directions to the Research Staff:

The research design provides necessary directions to the research staff. This is because; the research design provides necessary guidelines in respect of: Sources of data. Techniques for collecting data. Area/place where the research is to be conducted. Resources to be utilized. Time frame of research work. Due to the above factors, the researcher can provide proper directions to the research staff, so that they collect relevant data to achieve research objectives.

4. Selection of Techniques:
Research design helps to select appropriate techniques both for data collection and data analysis. There are various methods of data collection such as: Survey or interview. Observation. Experimentation. For instance, observation method may be used for studying buyers behavior. To get feedback from the customers, the firm may use survey or interview method. There are also various methods of data analysis such as: Measures of Central Tendency (Mean, Median, Mode) Time series (Simple Moving Average, Weighted Moving Average) Correlation techniques, etc.

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5. Collection of relevant data:

Research design helps to collect the relevant data and that too within a certain time frame. For instance, the research design indicates: The area of research. Universe of research. Sample size, etc. Therefore, the researcher or his staff will be able to collect relevant data from the right area, from the proper universe and from the appropriate number of respondents.

6. Objectives of Research:
Research design helps to achieve research objectives. This is because; the researcher will collect the right data at the right time and from the right source. Also, due to the use of proper techniques of analysis the researcher will be able to analyze the data properly, and then take appropriate measures or action, which in turn will help to attain the research objectives.

7. Monitoring of Expenditure:
Research design helps to monitor research expenditure. Research design provides guidelines regarding the amount of resources or funds to be utilized for research activity. In the case of commercial research, the researcher would get the funds approved from the sanctioning authority. Accordingly, the researcher will utilize the funds as per the research budget. Therefore, there will be proper control over the funds in respect of research activity.

8. Execution of research Work:

Research design helps in timely execution of the research work. This is because; research design indicates the start time and the completion time research activity, if research design does not indicate the time frame, there is every possibility of the

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research work getting delayed and the researcher may not be able to archive the objective.

9. Motivation to the Staff:

A systematic research design motivates the staff to collect the right data from right source. Also due to the timely completion of research activity, the research staff may be rewarded with monetary and non-monetary incentives. For instance, research design will enable proper conduct of research activity. Proper analysis of research work enables the organization to take suitable action, which in turn would bring higher returns. As a result of higher returns, the research staff may be adequately rewarded.

10. Improvement in Decision-Making:

Systematic research design facilitates proper collection of data. Also, the selection of suitable data analysis techniques facilitates proper analysis of data; therefore, the researcher can arrive at proper decision-making, especially in the case of commercial research.

Essentials of good Research Design

The make research design more effective, the researcher must consider certain guidelines or essentials:

1. Focus on Objectives:
The research design must focus on the research objectives. The research objectives must be very clear to the researcher as well as to the research staff. The research objectives differ depending upon the type of research. For instance, the research objective of commercial research will be based on commercial angle, and that of social research will have the objective based on social welfare.

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Example of Commercial research Objective: To increase market share from current 10% to 20% within a period of 5 years. Example of Social research Objective: To reduce poverty of the weaker sections.

2. Flexibility:
The research design should not be rigid. The research design must be flexible depending upon the situation. For instance, a research design indicates a particular time frame to complete the research work. But the research staff may not be in position to collect the relevant data within the time frame. In such situation, the time frame can be increases.

3. Pilot Study:
It is always advisable to conduct a pilot study for finalizing the research design. Pilot study is a research activity undertaken on a small segment of the research universe. The pilot study is conducted to find out whether or not the researcher would be in a position to collect the relevant data from the sources or areas so selected, and whether or not the collected data would be relevant to solve the problem, if the pilot study indicates a favourable response, the researcher may go ahead with the research design. Otherwise, he may make necessary changes in the research design with respect to: Sources of data. Area of data collection. Techniques of data collection, etc.

4. Acceptance:
The research design must be acceptable to the persons concerned. For instance: In the case of commercial research, the research design must be acceptable to the higher authorities. This is because; the higher authorities are required to approve it and accordingly sanction the resources to conduct the research activity.

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 In the case of academies research, the research design must be acceptable to the research guide, as he needs to approve the research design before the research activity starts. In case of social research, the research design must be acceptable to the social or other organizations that are going to finance or sponsor the research activity.

5. Suitability:
The research design must be suitable to achieve research objectives. Certain factors to be considered while finalizing the research design as follows: The availability of funds. The availability of time. The availability of manpower. The methods of data collection and analysis, etc. Depending upon the funds and other resources, the research may take suitable action. For instance, a researcher may not plan for an exhaustive research work, if there are constraints relating to money, manpower or time.

6. Simplicity:
The research design should be simple and easy to understand. The language used in the research deign must be clear and simple. Wherever required, research design must be supported by footnotes. Technical jargons must be avoided. The use of simple language would enable the approving authorities to approve the research design and accordingly sanction the funds, especially in the case of commercial research. Simplicity of research design would also enable the research staff to collect the relevant inform nation, and also to analyze the data properly.

7. Cost-Effective:
The research design should be cost-effective. In a commercial research, the research work based on research design must bring benefits to the organization. The research design should enable proper collection and analysis of data which in turn should
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facilitate proper decision-making. The benefits on account of sound decision-making must be more than the cost incurred on research activity.

8. Ease in Implementation:
The research design should facilitate proper implementation of the research activity. As far as possible, the research design should avoid complicated procedures and techniques which are difficult to adopt/follow. The research work should not overburden the research staff, as the quality of research work may get adversely affected. Also sufficient time must be given to the staff for collecting and analyzing the data.

9. Training to the research Staff:

To conduct effective research proper training must be given to the research staff. Training helps to improve: knowledge, attitude, skill and social behavior. The research staff not only required knowledge and skills to conduct proper research but also the right attitude towards the research work, and good social behavior when they interact with team mates and with the respondents.

10. Selection of Right Techniques/Methods:

There are various methods of collecting data such as: Survey/interview. Observation. Experimentation. There are also various methods of data analysis such as: Measures of Central Tendency (mean, Median, Mode) Time series, such as moving averages. Correlation techniques, etc. Depending upon the types of research, the researcher should select the appropriate methods for data collecting and analysis.
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Scope/Areas of research Design

The important areas of design making in research design are as follows:

1. Source of Data:
The researcher needs to take a proper decision on sources of data. The sources of data can be broadly divided in two groups: Primary sources. Secondary sources. Normally, the researcher must consider the secondary source as it is less time consuming and less expensive. However, of the problem cannot be solved by secondary data, then the researcher can opt for primary sources of data, at times, the researcher may use both the sources.

2. Methods of Data Collection:

The researcher has to decide on the methods of data collection. There are various methods of data collection, especially in the case of primary data. Some of the important methods of primary data include: Interview/survey. Observation. Experimentation. Simulation (creating artificial environment). Projective techniques. The researcher should select the right methods depending upon the type of research, the time available, the funds required, etc.

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3. Methods of Data Analysis:

One of the important decision-making areas of research design is in respect of the methods of data analysis. It required a good deal of judgment and skill on the part of the researcher to select appropriate methods of data analysis. There are various methods of data analysis such as measures of central tendency, correlation techniques, time series etc. proper selection to analysis will enable the researcher to analyze the data properly, which in turn will help to research to make proper recommendations to solve the research problem.

4. Areas of Collect Data:

The researcher must decide in respect of the areas from which the data to be collected. The decision on areas depends upon several factors such as: funds available, the time factor, objectives of research etc. for instance, if the researcher has lot of funds for conducting research, he may consider a wider area to collect data from several respondents.

5. Decision on Physical Resources:

The researcher requires physical resources such as computers for data analysis. Also in the case of physical sciences, like physical, chemistry, medicine, etc., the researcher may require certain equipments or materials to conduct experiments or some other aspect of research work. Therefore, the researcher must decide well in advance regarding the availability of physical resources.

6. Decision on Manpower:
The researcher must take a decision in respect of manpower. The number and quality of manpower depends upon the type of research. For instance, in the case of pilot study, the manpower required would be very less. But in the case of descriptive research over larger areas, the manpower requirement would be more. Decision may also be taken in respect of training to be manpower so as to improve its quality.

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7. Decision on funds:
The research must decide on the funds required to undertake research activity. The availability of funds will affect the various aspects of research design such as the research area size, period of research, number of field staff, etc.

8. Time Frame:
The researcher must consider the time frame required to undertake research. Time frame depends upon certain factors such as: Availability of funds. Availability of manpower. Type of research, etc. For instance, if the type of research is highly complicated, longer time frame may be considered for completing the research work. However, if the research work is simple in nature, shorter time frame may be considered. It is to noted that it larger amount of funds are available for research work, then the manpower may be increase and therefore, the time frame ban be reduced.

9. Universe of Research:
The researcher has to make an important decision in respect of the universe for the research activity. The universe refers to the type of population that can be used for collecting data. For example: if the researcher is undertaking the research work relating to trends in fashion, he may select teenagers and young adults as the universe. And if the researcher is undertaking the researcher work relating to readership habits of college students, then the universe will be college students.

10. Sample Size:

The researcher must also consider the sample size for collecting data. The sample size refers to the number of respondents that would be selected to conduct the research activity. The sample size depends upon number of factors such as: type of research,

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funds available, time frame, etc. for instance, if the research work has good amount of funds and time available, the sample size can be large.

Steps in Research Design

The main steps in research design are as follows:

1. Define the problem:

The repeater must clearly define the problem. Clearly of the problem will help the researcher to decide on the research objectives. For instance, in the case of commercial research, the research problem may be stated as Decline in Sales. Therefore, the objective of the research will be To increase the Sales. In case of academic research, proper definition of the problem will enable the researcher to develop hypothesis, which needs to be tested with the help of research.

2. Sources of Data:
The researcher must decide about the sources of data. The sources of data depend upon the research problem. The sources of data are broadly divided into two groups: Primary sources. Secondary sources. Normally, the sources of data can be secondary as they are less time consuming and less expensive. The researcher may consider primary sources, if the problem cannot be solved with the help of secondary data.

3. Techniques of data Collection:

The researcher must decide about the techniques of data collection. The techniques depend upon certain factors: Nature of problem. Resources available. Time frame, etc.
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There are various methods of data collection such as interview method. Observation methods, etc.

4. Decision on Universe:
The researcher must state the universe for conducting the research work. Universe refers to the type of population from which the research information can be collected. For example, if the research is conducted on baby foods, then the universe will be mother with little kids.

5. Sample Size:
The researcher must state the sample size. The sample size depends upon certain factors such as time frame, funds availability, nature of problem, etc. for instance, if the Government conducts a census of population, all households in the country will be covered under the sample size. But if it is an academic research, the sample size may be very small, say about 500 respondents.

6. Ares of Data Collection:

The researcher must state the areas from which the data to be collected. The selection of area depends upon: Location of respondents. Nature of problem, Time factor, etc. For instance, a company selling only in one local market will conduct research only in that local area. But if the company sells its products throughout the country, then it may select respondents from all over the country.

7. Methods of Data Analysis:

Depending upon the type of research, the researcher should select the most appropriate methods for data analysis. There are various methods of data analysis such as measures of central tendency, time series methods, etc.

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8. Decision on resources:
The most important decision in research design is in respect of resources required to conduct research work. Resources include: Physical resources. Manpower. Money or funds. The researcher should make proper arrangement of recourses so that the research is conducted effectively, which in turn will help to achieve the research objectives.

9. Period/ times frame of Research:

The researcher has to make an important decision regarding the time frame of the research activity. Time frame depends upon certain factor such: availability of manpower, type of research, etc. For instance, in the case of highly complicated research, the researcher may require a longer time frame to conduct the research activity, and vice versa.

10. Preparation of Research Design:

The researcher must prepare the research design after following the above steps. The research design should clearly include the following aspects: Statement of the research problem. The objectives of research. Sources of data. Time frame of research activity. Universe of research. Same size of respondents. Areas of data collection. Resources required. Techniques to collect and analyze data.

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11. Approval of Research Design:

The researcher may get the research design approved from concerned authorities. For instance: In the case of commercial research, the research design may be approved by the top management. In case of academic research, the research design would be approved by the research guide. For social research, the approved of research design may be required from the sponsoring agency. After approval, the researcher may make modifications in the research design, if so required.

Types of Research Design

The types of research design can be broadly divided into two groups:

TYPES OF RESEACH DESIGN

Exploratory Research

Conclusive Research

Description Research

Diagnostic research

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I. Exploratory Research
It is conducted to explore information about the nature or causes of research problem. It is conducted when the causes of the research problem are not known to the researcher. For instance, management may conduct exploratory research to find out the causes of declining sales in the past few months. The sales may have declined due to number of factors such as: Problem in quality of the product. Increase in competition. Ineffective promotion-mix. Poor management of channels of distribution. Incompetence of the sales farce, etc. There may be a possibility of some cause of the problem and the exact cause is not known to the researcher, then in such a situation an exploratory research may be conducted to find out the most likely cause(s) that lead to reduction in sales. Exploratory research can be conducted for the following purposes: To define the problem more clearly. To develop hypothesis. To identify alternate courses of action. To isolate key variables and to develop relationships among the variable for further examination. To establish priorities for further research.

Features of Exploratory Research: 1. Unstructured:

Generally, exploratory research does not have a formalized set of objective, sample plan or questionnaire. It is conducted when a researcher dies not know much about the problem and needs additional information. The researcher may collect the data from any sources primary or secondary sources.
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2. Flexible:
Exploratory research is systematic but it is very flexible. It allows researcher to investigate the problem from whatever sources he/she desired. The extent of information also depends upon the researcher.

3. Informal:
Often exploratory research conducted at the outset of a research project. Exploratory research aimed at gaining additional information about a topic and generating possible hypotheses. Therefore, it is described as informal.

Uses of Exploratory Research: 1. Background Information:

When title information known from the existing data, the researcher may conduct research to gain background information. For instance, a doctor may obtain background information about the patient before treatment. In the case of commercial research, the researcher may obtain background information of the past performance of the firm, the competitors, the practices of the firm, and so on. This will help the research to probe the problem properly.

2. Development of Hypothesis:
Exploratory research may be required to develop suitable hypotheses relating to the research problem. A hypothesis is a proposition, which can be put to test to determine its validity.

3. Research Priorities:
Exploratory research may be conducted to establish priorities for research work. For example an exploratory review of customer complaints may indicate the product(s) that required urgent attention on the part of management to take appropriate action.

Methods of Exploratory Research:

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1. Secondary Data Analysis:

The researcher may analyze the relevant secondary data for gaining information to solve a particular problem.

2. Experience Surveys:
The survey may be conducted to get responses from those experienced problems or difficulties. For instance, experience surveys may be conducted on the students who have faced difficulties or problems during the examination.

3. Case Analysis:
The researcher may analyze former situations similar to the present one, so as to arrive at suitable solution to solve the present problem.

4. Focus Groups:
Small groups of people discuss a problem its causes and its effects. The focus group discussion is monitored by a moderator.

5. Projective Techniques:
The projective techniques help to gain insights into problems or situations. The researcher may explore information from group of participants. They may be given incomplete sentences to complete, which may help to gain insight into the problem. For instance, the sentence may be: Mr. A does not attend the lectures because ..

II. Descriptive research:

It is conducted to obtain descriptive information about certain aspects of a problem. For instance, a researcher may like to know detailed information about students appearing for M.com Part II of University of Mumbai in respect of age, income, gender, occupation, etc. A descriptive research may be undertaken for commercial purpose. A marketer may try to find answers for questions like:
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 Who the customers are? (Firms/Competitors) What they buy? (Quantity, Quality, size) Where they buy? (Place departmental stores, malls, etc) When they buy? (Time/season) How they buy? (Cash/credit/installments) How they use the product? Through descriptive research, it would be difficult to answer the question Why. To answer the question Why people buy certain items causal research in required.

Types of Deceptive research: 1. Cross-Sectional Studies:

Measure population aspects at only one point of time. For example sample survey by a magazine publisher of magazine readers.

2. Longitudinal Studies:
Measure repeatedly the same population over a period of time. For example, a marketer may undertake panel surveys.

III. Causal (Diagnostic) Research

Causal Research investigates cause/effect relationship between two or more variables. For instance, a research may be conducted to find out the relationship between advertising and sales. For example, a marketer sold the product in two periods sat Period 1 (January to March) and Period 2 (April to June). The sales in Period 2 have increased. In Period 2, the marketer had also increased advertising. Therefore, the manufacturer (through causal research) may like to know whether advertising had caused the increased sales in Period 2.

Objectives of Causal Research:

1. To understand the cause-effect relationship between two or more variables.

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2. To focus on those variables or elements having greater positive effect. 3. To eliminate certain variables or elements having negative effect. 4. To develop action plans.

Summary of Research Design

This chapter has outlined the purpose of research design in both descriptive and explanatory research. In explanatory research the purpose is to develop and evaluate causal theories. The probabilistic nature of causation in social sciences, as opposed to deterministic causation, was discussed. Research design is not related to any particular method of collecting data or any particular type of data. Any research design can, in principle, use any type of data collection method and can use either quantitative or qualitative data. Research design refers to the structure of an enquiry: it is a logical matter rather than a logistical one. It has been argued that the central role of research design is to minimize the chance of drawing incorrect causal inferences from data. Design is a logical task undertaken to ensure that the evidence collected enables us to answer questions or to test theories as unambiguously as possible. When designing research it is essential that we identify the type of evidence required to answer the research question in a convincing way. This means that we must not simply collect evidence that is consistent with a particular theory or explanation. Research needs to be structured in such a way that the evidence also bears on alternative rival explanations and enables us to identify which of the competing explanations is most compelling empirically. It also means that we must not simply look for evidence that supports our favourite theory: we should also look for evidence that has the potential to disprove our preferred explanations. Many rich descriptions of processes and phenomena in education are accomplished best with qualitative approaches to research. Common qualitative designs include case study, phenomenological, ethnographic, narrative, and mixed methods designs. Many qualitatively oriented research questions (How? and
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Why?) generate hypotheses or raise new questions with the goal of understanding a socially constructed reality. Data collection and analysis are inseparable, and common sources of data include interviews, observations, and documents. Text data are analyzed in a manner described as creative, iterative, and nonlinear. When cracked open, the meaning that emerges is often conveyed by metaphor. Qualitative inquiry favors field work and natural environments. Data analysis is often accomplished by coding, category formation, and theme extraction using techniques such as pattern matching (linking observations and theory). Analysis continues until saturation (diminishing returns). The goal is insight, and discoveries are often presented with visual heuristics such as hierarchies, typologies, networks, and cross tabulations. Qualitative researchers frequently employ triangulation, a type of crossvalidation (corroboration) or data cross-checking procedure in which multiple data sources or data collection procedures are expected to agree (converge). The process is akin to a rigorous art, with the researcher functioning as the instrument and analyzer, and the result is often powerful narrative in story form. One influential model of making sense of qualitative data is grounded theory, which emphasizes the emergence of meaning concealed in data. Credibility or trustworthiness, established with compelling evidence, is enhanced by emergent methodology, or the continual interplay between data and developing interpretation known as constant comparison. Qualitative data analysis is facilitated by software programs that are valuable for functions such as coding, retrieval, sorting, and other types of pattern seeking. Mixed methods research integrates qualitative and quantitative data, the advantages of both offsetting the weaknesses of both, and attempts to arrive at a more complete answer to a research question.

Data Analysis
The procedures for the analysis of data collected through qualitative and quantitative techniques are quite different.

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1. Quantitative data
It will be analyzed with a statistical data analysis. This involves three major steps: Data preparation: logging the data, checking the data for accuracy, developing a database structure, entering the data into the computer, data transformations. Descriptive statistics: the basic features of the data (distribution, central tendency, dispersion or variability, correlations). Statistical analysis of the research design: here the hypotheses are tested.

2. Qualitative data
It will be analyzed with a content data analysis. This involves: Data preparation: data-entry (transcripts) Set up some type of classification scheme (codes) Classification of data by different researchers in order to establish the reliability of the classification scheme. The transcripts are cut and then sorted. Each segment gets a code. Conclusions made on basis of this classification or further analysis in which relations are examined between different codes.

Conclusion
Design is a complex activity, involving artifacts, people, tools, processes, organizations and the environment in which this takes place. Design research aims at increasing our understanding of the phenomena of design in all its complexity and at the development and validation of knowledge, methods and tools to improve the observed situation in design. Design research can be considered to have passed through three overlapping phases: Experiential, Intellectual, and Experimental, but in all phases, a theoretical framework has been largely missing. This fact, together with a fast growing number of researchers, has led to increasing concerns about the
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efficiency of design research and the effectiveness of its outcome. No overview of research results exists, most results never find their way into practice, either directly or indirectly, and research is often lacking the required rigour. One of the main focus points in the near future has to be the improvement of our research, for which an established methodology is one of the main requirements. A methodology that covers both the study of the phenomenon of design as well as the development of design support. Only then, we might enter the next phase in design research: the theoretical phase.

Key Points
1. Research design defines the study type, research question, hypotheses, variables, and data collection methods. Some examples of research designs include descriptive, correlation, and experimental. Another distinction can be made between quantitative and qualitative methods. 2. Sociological research can be conducted via quantitative or qualitative methods. Quantitative are useful when a researcher seeks to study large-scale patterns of behavior, while qualitative methods are more effective when dealing with interactions and relationships in detail. 3. Quantitative methods include experiments, surveys, and statistical analysis, among others. Qualitative methods include participant observation, interviews, and content. 4. An interpretive framework is one that seeks to understand the social world from the perspective of participants. 5. Although sociologists often specialize in one approach, many sociologists use a complementary combination of design types and research methods in their research. Even in the same study a researcher may employ multiple methods.

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Bibliography
1. M.com part 2 (Semester 3) Manan Prakashan book. 2. http://www.sagepub.com/upm-data/43144_12.pdf. 3. http://www.ctu.edu.vn/guidelines/scientific/thesis/part1/1.6%20design%20and%20ana lysis.htm.

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