RESEARCH DESIGN

Definitions
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Definitions
Research Philosophy
The research philosophy can be defined as a belief that entails, how the data must
be collected, analyzed, and used for a particular phenomenon.
Positivism Vs Realism Vs Interpretivism
Positivism, a belief, that says information can be obtained by observation and the
verification through statements that whether the knowledge is true or not while
realism is a belief that a knowledge must be collected as it is in real by the
researcher and the theory must describe the characteristics based on reality (Elliot,
2004, pp.24). On the other hand, Interpretivism is a belief that the researchers can
use their personal knowledge to obtain the desired result, but it may be
constructive for those who have experience and can think in a different way.
Research approach
The research approach is defined as the plan or technique of research to convert
the assumptions into a detail data collection and analysis method.
Inductive Approach
Inductive approach is a qualitative method that starts from the specific observation
and at the end formulate the general theories based on assumptions. It is also
known as bottom-up approach.
Deductive Approach

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A quantitative approach usually starts with developing a hypothesis and testing the
hypothesis on the basis of available facts. It is also known as the top-down
approach.
Inductive Vs Deductive Approach
An approach which moves from specific to the general is called the inductive
approach while the approach which moves from general to specific is known as a
deductive approach (Burney, 2004, pp.4). In an inductive approach, observations
are used for argument, whereas laws, rules and principles are used for arguments
(Burney, 2004, pp.5).
Research strategy
The research strategy is a planning of conducting a research in an effective manner,
This helps the researcher to investigate the problem and analyze the result.
Case Study Vs Survey
A group of methods emphasized by qualitative approach is referred to as a case
study approach. Longitudinal studies and in-depth interviews are the sources for
data collection. A group of methods emphasized by quantitative analysis is known
as a survey approach (Guy G., 1995, pp.2). The sources used to collect the data in
such approach are telephone interviews, mail questionnaires, and statistical
techniques are used for analysis. However, different techniques are used in both
strategies to analyze the data. A case study is considered as a much better option
for research as compared to the survey because it provides a more realistic
response (Zaida, 2007, pp.3).

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Research Design
The research design is a way in which a process of collection, analyzation and
interpretation of data takes place. Choosing the appropriate design helps the
researcher in obtaining the accurate result.

Exploratory Vs Explanatory
Exploratory research is conducted when the problem is not properly defined and the
researcher is unable to conclude the result. It provides the researcher with the best
methods of collecting data and research designs while explanatory research mainly
focuses on explaining the problem and its causes (Harwell, 148).
Analytical Vs Descriptive Research
An analytical approach that includes critical skills of thinking, and the information
and evidences are evaluated to obtain the desired result. The detailed description of
the collected data and its analysis is provided in descriptive approach.
Sampling Methods
For the collection of precise data from a portion of a large population, researchers
use various sampling methods that include probability and non-probability sampling
methods.
Probability Vs Non-Probability
Probability or random sampling is used by researchers when they want to have
confidence in the collected data. The samples collected by this method can be

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thoroughly analyzed for the determination of possible errors, whereas nonprobability or non-random sampling, on the other hand, allows researchers to collect
the required sample conveniently with a little or no cost (Latham, 2007).
Simple Random Sampling
It is also called as straight random sampling, and ensures that every member of the
selected population gets an equal opportunity of being selected.
Why ethics are important while carrying a research survey?
The adherence to the ethical norms in research studies is quite important as these
norms are believed to promote the objectives of research that include truth,
knowledge, and avoidance of error.
Why is it important to decide and select an appropriate research methodology for
conducting a well-designed research study?
Selecting an appropriate methodology for a research study is the most crucial
decision to make because an inappropriate method is able to ruin the whole
research survey. A number of issues must be looked upon before deciding the
methodology for a research, that include the issues of population, sampling, biases,
content, and administration.

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References
Burney, S. M. Aqil (2008). INDUCTIVE & DEDUCTIVE RESEARCH APPROACH. pp. 4-7
Elliot, S. (2004). Philosophies and types of evaluation research. pp. 24-25
Guy G, Gable (1994). Integrating case study and survey research methods: an
example, in information systems. pp. 2-3
Harwell, Micheal R. Research Design in Qualitative/Quantitative/ Mixed Methods,
Section III.Opportunities and Challenges in Designing and Conducting
Inquiry. pp. 148

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Latham, Bobbie (2007). Sampling: What is it? Quantitative Research Methods. pp. 17
Zainal, Zaida (2007). Case study as a research method. Faculty of Management and
Human Resource Development. pp. 3-4