Steps in the Research Design Process
Before describing the steps in the research design process, it is important to understand what research design is. According to Creswell & Creswell (2017), research design is a blueprint for carrying out a study with the maximum control over variables that may interfere with the validity of the findings. Likening the research process to the construction of a building, the research design would be the type of building to be constructed. Therefore, the research design influences the processes or techniques to be used to ensure that the project is complete.
According to Gorard, (2013), several steps have to be considered when developing a research design. The steps include, the problem, objective of the study, nature of the study, data sources, techniques of data collection, social cultural context, geographical limit, and basis of collection. The problem involves the specifics of what the study is all about. It is essentially the foundation of the research. Secondly, the objective of the research defines the limits of the problem to prevent ambiguity especially among the respondents. The nature of the study describes how the study looks like; for instance, it can be descriptive, experimental, and so on. Data sources refer to channels where information is sought. Techniques of data collection refer to the methods to be used in collecting the information. Regarding social cultural context and geographical limit, these are precincts within which the design ought to be carried out to avoid variations. Lastly, the basis of selection defines the merit of certain factors that overly make the research design successful.
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Difference between Research Design and Research Methods
As already mentioned, research design represents the skeleton of the research process. That means that the research design represents what the researcher anticipates to investigate or establish. On the contrary, research methods are the processes or specific tasks that need to be carried out to ensure the success of the problem under study (Stokes & Wall, 2014). Therefore, while the research design tends to be general, research methods seem to deal with the specifics. Some examples of research methods include sampling methods, data collection methods, and so on.
Developing a Data Collection Plan
Coming up with an effective data collection plan is akin to answering questions such as how, who, what and where. The first step is to determine the type of questions that ought to be answered. Second is to determine the type of data that is available. Third is to determine the amount of data that is to be collected. Fourth is to establish how the data will be measured. Fifth is to determine who will collect the data. Sixth is to establish where the data will come from. Consequently, it is important to determine whether only a proportion of the sample or the whole sample is to be measured. Lastly is to determine the format in which the data is to be presented.
Importance of Using Appropriate Statistical Tools and Databases
First, not all studies use the same statistical tools during the research process. Secondly, the use of certain types of statistical tools in specific studies yields higher accuracy compared to others. For instance, in studies that are experimental in nature, it is important to use relevant sampling techniques to carry out conclusive studies (Stokes & Wall, 2014). In regard to databases, some databases have content that is scholarly hence can be trusted while others have studies whose validity cannot be verified. It is important to use databases that have scholarly work to enhance the validity and reliability of the research.
Example of a Research-Based Intervention
One of the prominent studies on the CDC database is dubbed “Healthcare disparities between men and women with type 2 diabetes.” The study analyzes a sample of 100 patients of different gender and race (Mesa, 2018). It is an example of a research that uses primary methods of data collection to conduct its investigation. Another important database that conducts research of similar nature is the PubMed, which seems to be predominantly for nurses.
References
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches . Sage publications.
Gorard, S. (2013). Research design: Creating robust approaches for the social sciences . Sage.
Mesa, M. (2018). Health Care Disparities between Men and Women with Type 2 Diabetes. Preventing Chronic Disease , 15 . doi:10.5888/pcd15.170120
Stokes, P., & Wall, T. (January 01, 2014). Data Analysis and Interpretation. 174-211.
