What comes first, the research design or research problem selection? Read on if you are struggling to answer this question. Any research paper is based on the hypothesis, datum, and methodology. These things though are not written down in the instructions from the professor. As an independent executor of the research, a student is expected to figure out what type of research the topic requires. No worries if you find it hard to answer this question. Here is an overview of the research designs and their purposes.
Consider your priorities
No doubt the research writing is a dynamic process full of changes and adjustments. Although it seems that your research questions should be one of the constant elements, it is far from reality. When you start assessing the resources, timing, and relevance of every research question, you might want to shift the focus of your research. In any case, this is normal, adjustments are acceptable on the stage of conducting the study. It is even possible that the final list of research questions of your paper will be approved after all the work is done.
So, start your process by prioritizing your objectives. Put the instructor’s requirements on top, as well as all factors that can influence your grade. It will help you see what your limits are and what are the goals you have to achieve. In the end, you do not have all the time and resources in the world to polish the study for ages. You want to get it done, and done successfully.
Determine the type of data needed
At this stage, you will get closer to identifying the type of research you deal with, whether it is a qualitative or quantitative one. Analyze the research questions and objectives you drafted and identify how you want to collect the selection. If you plan to analyze the subjective experiences of participants, arrange the study where you can be observing the behaviors than the research is qualitative. If your data collection is performed by assessments and taking measurements then your research is a quantitative one.
How to collect the data
The whole paper is based on the data you collect. You are supposed to interpret the findings after analyzing data. So, make sure you think about the ways and tools you are going to use. Note that copying the findings of some research on the internet is plagiarism, so avoid this type of borrowings, they will be noticed. Here are some tools that can be used for your qualitative and quantitative researches:
- Method of conducting a case study (note that the results will be very specific and narrow since a case study is limited to a small group, individual or event);
- Interviews, questionnaires, surveys;
How to analyze the data
Is there a difference in the analysis of behavioral patterns and measurements? For sure, depending on the data you deal with, your approach to analysis will vary.
Quantitative data analysis
Opting for the quantitative analysis means you are trying to identify some descriptive statistics (range, frequency, etc.). This type of data is collected via polls, interviews, surveys that include mathematical figures (rating, multiple-choice questions, etc.).
Qualitative data analysis
With the qualitative analysis, the principle of interpreting applies. Based on the data received from observations or experiments the researcher is drawing explanations, conclusions, and interpretation of the findings.
Writing your research proposal
Reasons are abundant why the research proposal is an inevitable part of the thesis or dissertation. A research proposal starts with a research problem. Based on the research problem is the formulation of the problem statement that can be thought of as consisting of a research question and a research purpose. A clear research question and purpose directs the entire research project, including the data analysis. Asking relevant research questions is essential for gathering the right data and consequently to provide the analysis with the necessary input to ultimately answer the research questions. The answer to a research question is knowledge. The research goal indicates what the knowledge obtained will be used for.In other words, why is it worthwhile to answer the research question? What is the use of the whole endeavour? It is important that the research question and research purpose match. To start, it provides the validity of your paper. It answers the questions:
- What is it that you are researching?
- What are the reasons and need for this research?
- Your plan on achieving all the objectives.
Write out step-by-step instructions for completing the method. Remember that this paper is written for an academic audience familiar with the processes of your discipline. Include all processes and crucial information, but don't worry about detailed descriptions of common procedures unless you need them for your own notes.
Check your work. It is a wise idea to have a peer review your research design before you execute it or turn in the paper. Your peer can offer feedback on your method as a whole and note any places within the plan where you have offered too much or too little detail, or are missing steps.
Mind that the research proposal is also a sample of your writing style and a showcase of your academic writing skills. Note that the formatting and structure of your paper a well as the proposal will be assessed and significantly influence your overall grade.