Research Design Is the Outline, Purpose, and Specifications of the Project

Research, no matter what field, is often conducted and analysed in accordance with two basic approaches: quantitative and qualitative. The quantitative approach aims to test a hypothesis and examine the relationship through generating numerical data or other information that is than converted into numbers, whereas the qualitative approach is more exploratory, aiming to gain a deeper understanding of the research subject. Through breaking down and examining the key features in each of these approaches it is evident that although they both begin with a problem the researcher aims to understand they fundamentally differ. The table below shows side by side comparisons, highlighting the differences that can be used to differentiate these approaches, described broadly across three main categories.

A research design can be understood as the planning of any scientific research from the first to the last step. In this sense it is a program to guide the researcher in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting facts (Bless and Higson-Smith, 1995:63).

Quantitative research methods are objective as it uses measurements and analysis of statistical data to answer the study question. The researchers’ opinions do not affect the outcome of the study, ensuring that the study is unbiased. Another advantage is quantitative research uses numbers and statistics which is understood universally (Houser,2008).

A quantitative study has objective stances, logic, and numbers focusing on unchanging data and details (Babbie, E.R., 2010). The aim of quantitative research is to classify features, count the features, and construct statistical models to explain what was observed (McNabb, D.E., 2008). It has eight characteristics:

“Research in health and social care usually relies on obtaining information from individuals using social research methodologies”. (Whitehouse, M, 2010:428). Questionnaires are suitable for obtaining important information from many individuals in a survey who are answering the questions this is known as ‘respondents’. Questionnaires gives us the opportunity to ask questions of participants but also allows answers to be given according to the options constructed by the researcher using a response frame. A response frame allows a limited choice of different responses. Also there are self-completion questions this allows respondents to fill in the answers themselves. The questionnaire may be delivered to individuals directly by hand or by post or even online the researcher may contact through an email address. They may be asked to complete a customer satisfaction questionnaire. For example at college we are sent online questionnaires through are student email, questionnaires

Research designs are procedures used for collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting data in research studies. There are many different models with separate procedures for each of them. Research designs help guide which methods a researcher will use during their studies. When a researcher identifies an issue used for research mixed methods they choose a specific research design that best fits the problem and research questions in the study. The four basic mixed methods designs are the convergent parallel design, the explanatory sequential design, the exploratory sequential design, and the embedded design (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2006).

Research methods provide guidance on designing a study. Research design and use of theory varies per research method. Each design has specific requirements pertaining to issues such as the role of theory, data collection, and the use of variables (Jackson, 2012). Researchers conduct studies when a problem or gap in the literature pertaining to a topic is identified, or when a weakness in an existing theory is identified. The researcher then formulates a research question. The research study should be designed to answer the research

The quantitative approach to research has numerous principles that make it unique compared to other approaches. In this paper, I will break down many of the

Through the understanding of the elements involved in a research paper, a person can obtain the ability to complete good research. In research there are two questions asked; what is going on for descriptive research and why is it going on for explanatory research. The research design is simply the theory building approach to research. Although research design is the hardest part of research it is vital for research to be guided.

Quantitative research is to find a way to solve the problem as result generating numerical data or data that use as statistical data. This type of research is used to look at the attitudes, opinions, and behaviours and

Quantitative research is gathered using a traditional tactic, that is a calculated way of obtaining data (Polit & Beck, 2017). Data

Quantitative research involves collecting data, which can be expressed numerically. The design is well structured with pre-determined outcomes. It frequently involves testing a hypothesis, which then can be analysed from the data deductively using statistical methods. Using numerical data is easier to analysis mathematical, so larger sample sizes can be utilised compared to qualitative research, therefore giving a better representative of the population; along with simplifying the process of making a generalisation. Another advantage is that studies can easily compare to similar findings (Kruger, 2003). The disadvantages are the results are limited and might not provide a proper understanding of the topic. Also, statistics and leading questions can be used to give a false representation of the data when summarising.

Research methodology is a way how the research is conducted step by step and in order. There are two methods used for data collection which is the primary data and secondary data. These data can be obtained and used many ways. The data is taken and analyzed in advance to produce a result that we can use for research and future reference. This study will relate to the objective we want to achieve and finding the answer to every objective we seek. In order to successfully achieve the objectives we seek, we must know

Beginning with qualitative research design, this model utilizes surveys to collect information. Qualitative research is unstructured and flexible in design. It does not follow any particular sequence. One must generate their own design model. Basically, the qualitative research model is what the researcher makes it. (Maxwell, 2012). It focuses on the scrutiny of occurrences and is based on observation and questions. With this type of research, parts are evaluated as a whole. Qualitative research answers the why and how questions. These questions, mostly open-ended, would be answered through non-numerical data, such as texts, observations, interviews, and stories. This type of research normally utilizes small sample sizes and is less formal than other types of research. The results are not loaded with numbers and statistics (Johnson, 2007).

The above objective is fulfilled by initiating an exact design required for performing the research process. The research design illustrates the basic understanding about the research (NLP) and various features.