Designing the Research Method

Chapter 4

Research Design

Research design appears to be a schema which maps out the sources of data,
the type of data to be collected, how the data will be collected, and the methods that will be used to analyse the data.

Types of Research Design

Descriptive Research is conducted to illustrate and determine patterns or

characteristics of variables in particular instances or events. - In the statement of specific objectives some of the more appropriate verbs to use describe, analyse, explain, define, and illustrate.

Types of Research Design

Exploratory Research undertaken to gather initial data on patterns or
characteristics of variables in a situation where studies have not been done or minimal data are available to establish significant patters or relationships of variables covering a wider scope.
- Hypothesis is not usually present because one of the purposes of an exploratory study is to recommend possible hypothesis which can be tested in similar future studies. - Appropriate verbs to use are explore, find out, know, examine, and investigate.

Types of Research Design

Causal/Exploratory Research carried out to ascertain that the occurrence

of, or change in, the independent variables leads to changes in the dependent variables. - Appropriate verbs are analyse, determine, explain, and identity.

Types of Research Design

Correlational Research performed in order to establish the fact that the
outcome of certain patterns of relationships occur together in some specified manner without an implication that one variable causes the other variable change.

- The relationship is also clearly stated such as positive or negative correlation.

- Appropriate verbs to use are correlate or interrelate.

Types of Research Design

Comparative Research implemented to confirm if two or more variables
will reveal similar or different patterns of characteristics when compared using a set of variables as standard bases.

- Appropriate verbs/phrases to use are compare, determine similarities, find out differences, and contrast.

Types of Research Design

Evaluative Research conducted to assess performance outcome or impact
of a set of variables on another set of variables. - Considers an adequate time span to pinpoint the effects accurately and can also be a longitudinal study. - Appropriate verbs are evaluate, assess, appraise, measure, and quantify.

Types of Research Design

Experimental Research undertaken to determine the possible cause and
effect relationship by having experimental and control groups. It is usually done in a simulated environment.

- The experimental group, which maybe done or more, is exposed to the treatment conditions or manipulations, while the control group, which may also be one or more, does not receive the treatment and is used to compare the results. - Appropriate phrases are determine the effects, examine the difference, compare the results, and analyse the influence.

Types of Research Design

Action Research done to develop or recommend new approaches, policies,
strategies, or skills to solve problems in an actual organizational setting. Feasibility studies, corporate strategy papers, industry studies, and policy oriented researches are predominantly action research in their design. - Appropriate verbs are develop, propose, suggest, recommend, determine alternative approaches, identify solutions, and formulate policies.

Sampling
It is the process of choosing adequate and representative elements from the
population.

By using sampling, the researcher/s is/are able to save in terms of time,

effort and cost. Moreover, sampling makes the scope of the study manageable due to the smaller number of respondents to be covered, and increases the likelihood of obtaining more reliable and accurate results due to less error in gathering data.

Sampling
The samples must meet the criteria of adequacy and representativeness. Adequacy refers to the sample size (n) Representativeness pertains to the possession of the characteristics of the sample as
specified characteristics of the population The adequate number of elements to be taken as samples is based on the desired confidence level (alpha : ) Most commonly used confidence levels in thesis and dissertation are 0.01%, 0.05%, and 0.10%. The higher the confidence level desired, the bigger the sample size should be

Sampling
Sampling formula used for a finite formula is:
n =NZ2 p (1-p)/NE2 + Z2 /2 p (1-p) Where: 1. at 95% confidence level Z /2 = 1.96 at 90% confidence level Z /2 = 1.65 at 99% confidence level Z /2 = 2.58 2. assume proportion p = 0.5 3. Sampling error E normally assumes the values: 0.025, 0.05. 0.01

Sampling Process

Define the population from which the sample is to be drawn.
Specify the population framework from which the sample will be taken. Choose the sampling method of selecting samples.

Determine the sample size requirement for the study.

Select the actual samples.

Sampling Designs
Sampling designs are classified into probability and non-probability sampling. Probability sampling gives each element of the population known and equal
chance to be included as a sample while non-probability does not provide this predetermined chance

Probability is used when inferences about the population are required.

Probability Sampling

Random Sampling affords each element in the population an equal and

known chance of being chosen as a respondent. It can be done using a lottery.

Probability Sampling

Systematic Sampling allows the elements of the population to be selected

as a respondent through the use of a constant number (k) derived from dividing the total population (N) with the computed sample size. The formula is k = N/n.

Probability Sampling

Stratified Sampling helps in the selection of respondents when there are

already identifiable subgroups or strata of elements within the population which are of interest to the researcher.

Probability Sampling

Cluster Sampling involves the grouping or division of the elements of the

population into heterogeneous groups.

Probability Sampling

Area Sampling pertains to the grouping of the population into

geographical location or territory before selecting the respondents.

Probability Sampling

Double Sampling means getting a smaller sample from the initial large
sample. This is sometimes called sample within a sample. Used to get indepth and focused data on the topic being investigated.

Probability Sampling

Multi-Stage Sampling is a cluster sampling done in several stages. This is

usually done for nationwide surveys, where each region, province, city, municipality, and barangay must be subdivided and selected, before the actual respondents are chosen.

Non Probability Sampling

Judgement Sampling involves the selection of the respondents who are

considered to be in the best position or most knowledgeable to give the needed information.

Non Probability Sampling

Convenience Sampling allows the researcher to gather data from

respondents who are conveniently available to provide the information needed. This can be used to get quick information.

Non Probability Sampling

Accidental Sampling implies that information are collected from

respondents who, by chance or circumstance, are met by the researcher in the process of gathering the data.

Non Probability Sampling

Snowball Sampling is choosing initial samples. These samples will then

offer other respondents from whom the same information may be obtained.

Non Probability Sampling

Purposive Sampling involves the selection of key informants based on a

predetermined set of criteria or standards. These are people considered to be the most appropriate source of data based on the objective of the study.

Methods of Data Collection

Primary Data Collection involves the gathering of data directly from the
respondents through the use of different techniques. Usual technique is survey (personal, telephone interviews, self-administered
questionnaire, mailed questionnaire, and e-mail/internet)

Guides in Constructing Questionnaire

Content Criteria
Purpose Language Type of questions
fixed alternative (structured) question provided an array of response categories from
which the respondent will choose or base his/her response(s)

open-ended (unstructured) gives the respondent the opportunity to respond to the

question in the manner he/she prefers.

Guides in Constructing Questionnaire

Content Criteria
Order should be presented from general to specific, easy to difficult, simple to
complex, or less serious to more serious conditions.

Measurement usual tool used is Liker Scale

Validity pertains to the ability of the questionnaire to accurately measure what it intends to
measure.

Reliability pertains to the level of consistency that a measurement possesses.

Guides in Constructing Questionnaire

Other Features
Introduction it is imperative to write an introductory part especially for self-administered
questionnaire. It should state the purpose, significance, and reason for choosing the respondent, assurance of the confidentiality of the data given, and thanking the respondent for his/her cooperation. errors, and adequately spaced. sentences too. income.

Appearance should be neat, look organized, properly typed, devoid of typographical Length shorter questions are preferred than lengthy ones. Items should be in simple Personal Data ask for age, civil status, gender, educational attainment, occupation, and

Methods of Data Collection

Observation done by looking systematically at behavioural and nonbehavioural phenomena with the use of ones senses and/or with the aid of a mechanical device, like a camera, one way mirror, and recording instrument, Can be participant or non-participant observation. Triangulation this is used when respondents withhold or give limited information if
they distrust, or do not want to cooperate. This process means that a combination of different procedures from the same group.

Other Methods of Data Collection

Delphi Method a qualitative process of acquiring information on issues

which involves forecasting or projecting trends or outcomes. Entails choosing a panel of key informants, who are considered experts on the topic under study, to be respondents.

Other Methods of Data Collection

Projective Method is the use of standardized psychological test, such as the

inkblots, sentence completion, and thematic apperception (TAT), to probe deeper into the mind, behaviour, and attitudes of respondents.

Can be useful in consumer preferences and workers motivation studies.

Other Methods of Data Collection

Unobstrusive Method is the availment of other sources of data aside from

individuals. For instance, the time record of employees can be a good source of the number of absences and tardiness of employees.

Secondary Data Collection

Acquiring data from second hand sources like statistical publications, census
reports, financial statements, annual reports, brochures, catalogues, and other documents/reports.

Can be generated from government agencies, private corporations, and trade

organizations, labor organizations, universities, and commercial information services groups.

Method of Data Analysis

Data Analysis involves the application of the appropriate statistical tools to
generate results which can be interpreted meaningfully to answer the research problem posed at the beginning of the investigation.

The choice of appropriate tool depends on the type and level of data,
hypotheses statement, sampling design, and the requirements/assumptions of the statistical tiils