2

RESEARCH DESIGN

Unit Structure:

2.0 Objectives
2.1 (A) Meaning, definition, purpose and components of research
design.
2.2 (B) Difference between the terms research method and
research methodology.
2.3 (C) Research proposal: Its meaning and need
A. Identification of research topic: sources and need
B. Review of related Literature
C. Rationale and need for the study
D. Definition of Terms
E. Variables
F. Research questions, objectives and hypotheses
G. Assumptions if any
H. Scope, limitations and delimitations
I. Method, sample and tools
J. Significance of study
K. Technique for data analysis
L. Bibliography
M. Time frame
N. Budget
O. Chapterisation

2.0 OBJECTIVES :

On completion of this unit, you will be able to :

1) State meaning of research design
2) Describe purpose of research design
3) Distinguish between research method and research
methodology.
4) Discuss purposes of research proposal
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5) List down various components of research proposal

6) Prepare write up for research proposal for a given topic.
2.1 (A) MEANING, DEFINITION, PURPOSE AND
COMPONENTS OF RESEARCH DESIGN

Meaning of Research Design : Before starting a research, the

investigator will look for problem, he will read books, journals,
research reports and other related literature. Based on this, he will
finalise the topic for research. During this process, he will be in
close contact with his guide. As soon as the topic is decided, first
task is to decide about design.

Research design is a blue print or structure with in which

research is conducted. It constitutes the blue print for the collection,
measurement and analysis of data. According to Gay and Airasian
(2000), “A design is general strategy for conducting a research
study. The nature of the hypothesis, the variables involved, and the
constraints of the “real world” all contribute to the selection of
design.” Kothari (1988) says, “Decisions regarding WHAT?,
WHERE?, WHEN?, HOW MUCH?, by WHAT? means concerning
an inquiry or a research study constitute research design.

Thus, it can be said that research design is an outline of what

the researcher will do from writing of objectives, hypotheses and its
operational implications to find analysis of data. Research design
should be able to convey following :

 What is the study about?

 Where will study be carried out?
 What type of data is necessary?
 Where necessary data is available?
 How much time is needed to complete the study?
 What will be the sampling design?
 Which tools will be identified to collect data?
 How data will be analysed?

Depending upon the types of research the structure of design

may vary. Suppose, one is conducting an experimental research,
then identification of variables, control of variables, types of
experimental design etc. be discussed properly. If someone is
conducting qualitative research, then one should stress on
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understanding of setting, nature of data, holistic approach, selection

of participants, inductive data analysis. Thus, according to nature
and type of study the components of design will be decided.
In short, any efficient research design will help the researcher
to carry out the study in a systematic way.

PURPOSE OF RESEARCH DESIGN :

 A research design helps the investigator to obtain answers to
research problem and issues involved in the research, since it is
the outline of entire research process.
 Design also tells us about how to collect data, what observation
are to be carry out, how to make them, how to analyse the data.
 Design also guides investigator about statistical techniques to be
used for analysis.
 Design also guides to control certain variables in experimental
research.

Thus, design guides the investigator to carry out research step

by step in an efficient way. The design section is said to be
complete / adequate if investigator could carry out his research by
following the steps described in design.

2.2 (B) DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TERMS

RESEARCH METHOD AND RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY :

While preparing the design of the study, it is necessary to

think of research method. It is simply the method for conducting
research. Generally, such methods are divided into quantitative and
qualitative methods. Such quantitative methods include descriptive
research, evaluation research and assessment research. Assessment
type of studies include surveys, public opinion polls, assessment of
educational achievement. Evaluation studies include school surveys,
follow up studies. Descriptive research studies are concerned with
analysis of the relationships between non manipulated variables.
Apart from these quantitative methods, educational research also
includes experimental and quasi experimented research, survey
research and causal-comparative research.

Qualitative research methods include ethnography,

phenomenology, ethnomethodology, narrative research, grounded
theory, symbolic interaction and case study.
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Thus, the researcher should mention about methods of

research used in his research with proper justification for its use.

The term ‘methodology’ seems to be broader, in the sense it

includes nature of population, selection of sample, selection /
preparation of tools, collection of data and how data will be
analysed. Here the method of research is also included.

2.3 (C) RESEARCH PROPOSAL : ITS MEANING AND

NEED :

Preparing the research proposal is an important step because

at this stage, entire research project gets a concrete shape.
Researcher’s insight and inspiration are translated into a step by step
plan for discovering new knowledge.
Proposal is more than research design. Research design is a
subset of proposal. Ordinarily research design will not talk much
about heoretical frame work of the study. It will be also silent about
the review of related studies. A strong rationale for conducting
research is also not part of research design. At the stage of writing
proposal, the entire research work shapes into concrete form. In the
proposal, the researcher demonstrates that he is familiar with what
he is doing.
Following are a few purposes of a research proposal :
 The proposal is like the blue print which the architect designs
before construction of a house. It conveys the plan of entire
research work along with justification of conducting the same.
 The proposal is to be presented to funding agency or a
departmental research committee. Now presentation of research
proposal is compulsory before the committee as per U.G.C.
guidelines of July 2009. In such a committee, a number of
experts participate and suggest important points to help and guide
researcher. In fact, this is a very constructive activity. In
C.A.S.E., a research proposal is presented on three occasions.
First, in the researcher’s forum on Saturday, second in Tuesday
seminar and finally before the committee consisting of Dean,
Head, Guide and other experts. Such fruitful discussion helps in
resolving many issues. When such presentation is there, it
always brings seriousness on the part of researcher and guide
also. During such presentation, strengths and limitations of
proposal will be come out. Funding agency also provides funds
based on strength and quality of proposal.
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 Research proposal serves as a plan of action. It conveys

researcher and others as to how study will be conducted. There
is indication of time schedule and budget estimates in the
proposal which guides researcher to complete the task in time
with in sanctioned budget.
 The proposal approved by committee serves as a bond of
agreement between researcher and guide. Entire proposal
becomes a mirror for both to execute the study further.

Thus, a research proposal serves mainly following purposes.

(i) It communicates researcher’s plan to all others interested.
(ii) It serves as a plan of action.
(iii) It is an agreement between researcher and the guide.
(iv) Its presentation before experts provide further rethinking on the
entire work.

Following components are generally included in the research

proposal. It is not necessary to follow this list rigidly. It should
provide useful outline for writing of any research proposal.

Normally, a research proposal begins with an Introduction,

this gives clearly the background or history of the problem selected.
Some also calls this as a theoretical / conceptual framework. This
will include various theories / concepts related to problem selected.
Theoretical frame work should have logical sequence. Suppose
researcher wants to study the achievement of class IX students in
mathematics in particular area, then conceptual frame may include:
 Objectives of teaching mathematics, its purpose of secondary
school level
 Importance of achievement in mathematics
 Level of achievement as studied by other researchers
 Factors affecting achievements of mathematics
 Various commissions and committees views on achievement
in mathematics.

All these points can be put into sequence logically.

Whenever needed theoretical support be given. This is an important
step in research proposal. Generally any proposal begins with this
type of introduction.

A. Identification of Research Topic : Sources and Need :

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As discussed earlier, researcher will spell out as to how the

problem emerged, its social and educational context and its
importance to the field. Some researchers name this caption as
background of the study or Theoretical / Conceptual frame work of
the study. In short, here the entire topic of the research is briefly
introduced along with related concepts and theories in the field.

B. Review of Related Literature :

In this section, one presents what is so far known about the

problem under investigation. Generally theoretical / conceptual
frame work is already reported in earlier section. In this section
researcher concentrates on studies conducted in the area of interest.
here, a researcher will locate various studies conducted in his area
and interest. Try to justify that all such located studies are ‘related
‘to your work. For locating such studies one will refer following
documents / sources.
 Surveys of research in education (Edited earlier by Prof. M. B.
Buch and Later on by NCERT, New Delhi)
 Ph. D. Theses available in various libraries.
 Current Index to Journals in Education (CIJE)
 Dissertation Abstract International (DAI)
 Educational Resources Information Centre (ERIC) by U.S. office
of education.
 Various national / International journals, Internet resources
(For detail see Ary, D., Jacobs, L.C., and Razavih A. (1972).
Introduction to Research in Education N. Y. Holt, Rinehart and
Winston, ING pp 55 – 70)

In research proposal, the review of studies conducted earlier

is reported briefly. There are two was of reporting the same. One
way could be all such related studies be reported chronologically in
brief indicating purpose, sample, tools and major findings. Of
course, this will increase the volume of research proposal. Second
studies with similar trends be put together and its important trend/s
be highlighted. This is bit difficult, but innovative. Normally in
review the surname of author and year in bracket is mentioned.
There is also a trend to report studies conducted in other countries
separately. It is left to guide and researcher whether such separate
caption is necessary or not.
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At the end of review, in research proposal, there should be

conclusion. (Of course a separate caption like conclusion be
avoided.)
Here, the researcher shares the insights he has gained from
the review. Also, on the basis of review he will justice the need of
conducting present study. The researcher should conclude with
following points :

 What has been done so far in this area?

 Where? (Area wise)
 When? (Year wise)
 How? (Methodology wise)
 What needs to be done?
Thus, the researcher will identify the ‘Research Gap’.
C. Rationale and Need of the Study :
Rationale should answer the question – ‘why’ this study is
conducted? It ‘why’ is answered properly, then rationale a strong
one. For strong rationale, the earlier section of review will be of
much help. Identified research gaps will convey as to why this study
is conducted. Suppose the investigator wants to study the following
problem : ‘Development and Try out of CAI in Teaching of Science
for Class VIII in Mumbai”.
Here, the researcher should try to answer why CAI only?
Why it is in Science teaching only? Why it is for class VIII only?
Why it is in Mumbai only?
If these questions are answered adequately, then rationale
becomes strong. Here one has to identify gaps in the area of Science
teaching especially with reference to CAI. Apart from this, the need
for conducting the present study be justified.

D. Definition of Terms :
Every research study involves certain key or technical terms
which have some special connotation in the context of study; hence
it is always desirable to define such key words. There are two types
definitions, (i) Theoretical / constitutive and (ii) Operational.

A constitutive definition elucidates a term and perhaps gives

some more insight into the phenomena described by the terms.
Thus, this definition is based on some theory. While an operational
definition is one which ascribes meaning to a concept by specifying
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the operations that must be performed in order to measure the

concept, e.g. the word ‘achievement’ has many meanings but
operationally it can be defined as, “the scores obtained by the
students in English test constructed by researcher in 2009. Here it is
clear that achievement in English will be measured by administering
to test constructed by Mr. So and So in 2009. Apart from
operational definitions, one can define some terms which have
definite meaning with reference to particular investigation. The
terms like Lok Jumbish, Minimum Levels of Learning, Programmed
Learning etc. can be define in particular context of research.

E. Variables :
Variables involved in the research need to be identified here.
Their operational definitions should be given in the research
proposal. Especially in study where experimental research is
conducted, variables be specified with enough care. Their
classification should be done in terms and dependent variables,
independent variables, intervening variables, extraneous variables
etc. Controlling of some variables need to be discussed at an
appropriate stage in proposal.

F. Research questions objectives and hypotheses:

While reading the statement of the problem, there may be bit
confusion to avoid such confusions there is a need to have
specification of a research problem. This specification can be done
by writing research questions, objectives, hypotheses, by writing
operational definitions thus, objectives give more clarity to
researchers and reactors objectives are the foundations of the
research, as they will guide the entire process of research. List of
objectives should not be too lengthy not ambiguous. The objectives
we stated clearly to indicate what the researcher is trying to
investigate.

While conducting any research, researcher would definitely

aim at assuring certain questions. The researcher should frame such
questions in a praise way. Some researchers simply put the
objectives in the question form, which is just duplication of
objectives, which be avoided.

Depending on the nature of study, the researcher would

formulate hypotheses, The proposition of a hypothesis is derived
from theoretical constructs, previous researches on earlier
researches, the researcher can write research or will hypothesis will
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be more suitable however as per evidences from previous researches

one can decide the nature of hypothesis.

Formulation of hypothesis is an indication that researcher has

sufficient knowledge in the area and it also gives direction for data
collection and analysis. A hypothesis has to be :

(I) testable, (ii) have explanatory power, (iii) state expected

relationship between variables. (iv) consistent with existing body of
knowledge.

G. Assumptions:
Best and Kahn (2004) assumptions are statements of what
the researcher believes to be facts but cannot verify. If the
researcher is proceeding with certain assumptions, then same need to
be reported in the research proposal.

H. Scope, Limitations and Delimitations:

In any research, it is not possible to cover all aspects of the
area of interest, variables, population and so on. Thus, a study has
always certain limitations. Limitations are those conditions beyond
the control of the researcher that may play restriction on conclusions.
Sometimes, the tool used is not revalidated. This itself becomes
limitation of the study. Thus limitation is a broad term, but
delimitation is a narrow term. It indicates boundaries of the study.
The study on achievement in English can be delimited to only grant-
in-aid school, which includes schools who follow Maharashtra State
Board, so here beyond this conclusion can not be extended. This
can be made more specific by specifying the population and sample.

I. Method, Sample and Tools:

Method: A researcher should report about method of research. As
discussed in (b), researcher should mention as to how study will be
conducted. Depending on nature of study – qualitative or
quantitative the method of research need to be reported along with
justification. i.e. how particular method suits one’s study be
discussed in brief. If it is survey, do not write simply survey, but
indicate further the type of survey too. If it is experimental design,
mention specifically which type of experimental design.

Sample : You might have already studied about sampling in details.

This section of research proposal will mention about selection of
sample. First, the researcher should mention about would like to in
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for. One must describe the population along with total size. This is
especially needed in case of randomization and stratification.
Researcher should mention about probability non probability
sampling design. Accordingly selection of sample need to be
detailed out along with its justification. Many researchers write
about randomization without mentioning size of population. the
researcher also writes about stratified sampling without details of
various strata along with its size. As from the sample statistics,
population parameter is to be estimated, solution of sample be done
with enough care.
In case of qualitative research, investigator may go for
theoretical sampling. It is necessary to derailed out have , it need
be, description of field is necessary.
Tools : You have already shared about various tools of data
collection. In this section of proposal selection and description of
tool is for be reported with proper justification. Steps of construction
of particular tool need to be reported in brief. If readymade tools are
used then its related details need to be reported. Details like author
of the tool, its reliability, validity, and norms, along with scoring
procedure need to be reported. It has been found that many
researchers fail to report the year when tool was constructed. As far
as possible, very old tools need to be avoided. In case of readymade
tools, always look for which population it was desirable to use valid
and reliable tools.
J. Significance of the Study :
If we have already reported strong rationale then, hardly there
is any need to go for significance. In rationale part, one must
describe as to how this study will contribute to the field of education.
How the findings / results of particular research will influence
educational process in general need to be reported in the rationale
only.

(Note : There are various models for writing research proposal. It

differs from university to university. Many funding
agencies have their own format for proposal.)

K. Technique/s of Data Analysis :

This is crucial step in proposal. As to how collected data will
be tabulated and organized for the purpose of further analysis is to
be reported in this section. If it is a quantitative research, parametric
or non-parametric statistical techniques will be used need to be
reported. Before applying any technique for data analysis, verify the
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needed assumptions about that particular technique. Suppose if one

wants to go for ANOVA, verify about assumption for normality,
nature of data – especially in interval or ratio scale, homogeneity of
variances and randomization. If it is qualitative analysis, detailed
out about nature of data, its tabulation, orgnaisation and description.
If data are to be analysed with the help of content analysis, how
exactly it will be done needs to be detailed out. Whichever
technique one is using, it needs to be in tune with objectives and
hypotheses of study.

L. Bibliography :
During preparation of proposal, researcher consults various
sources like books, journals, reports, Ph.D. theses etc. All such
primary / secondary sources need to be reported in the bibliography.
Generally American Psychological Association – Publication
Manual be followed to write references. All authors quoted in
proposal need to be listed in bibliography. Authors who are not
quoted but they are useful for further reading be also listed.
Consistency and uniformity be observed in reporting references.

M. Time Frame :
The proposal submitted for [Link] or Ph.D. degrees,
generally do not require time frame in all universities, but there is a
fixed limit for these courses. It is always advisable to give detailed
schedule if research work, as it helps to keep researcher alert.
Proposals to be submitted to funding agency definitely ask for time
frame. Time frame need to be reported keeping following points in
view. Time / duration mentioned by funding agency be properly
dividend.

 Time required for preliminary work like review of literature.

 Time required for preparing tool/s.
 Time require for data collection, field visits etc.
 Time required for data analysis and report writing.

N. Budget :

The proposal submitted to the funding agency needs details

regarding financial estimates. It may include expected expenditure
keeping various budget needs. Following budget needs be kept in
view along with amount.
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 Remuneration for project team, i.e. principal investigator and

project team.
 Remuneration for secretarial staff like clerk, data entry operator,
accountants, helpers etc.
 Remuneration for appointing project fellow, field investigators
etc.
 Expenditure towards purchase of books, journals, tools etc.
 Expenditure towards printing, xeroxing, stationery etc.
 Expenditure for data entry, tabulation and analysis of data.
 Expenditure for field work, travel for monitoring purpose etc.
 Expenditure for preparing final report.

While preparing budget, examine the guidelines given by

particular funding agency.

O. Chapterisation :

Generally scheme of chapterisation is given in synopsis. If at

all it is to be reported in research proposal write down various
caption, sub captions in each chapter, format for thesis is given by
few universities, same be followed.

Check Your Progress – I

(a) Select one topic for research in education and write a various
steps of research proposal at length.

Suggested Readings :
1) Best, J.W. and Kahn, J.V. (2004), Research in Education, New
Delhi, Prentice Hall of India.
2) Gay, L.R. and Airasian, P. (2000), Educational Research :
Competencies for Analysis and Application, New Jersey : Mersil.
3) Kothari, R.C. (1985), Research Methodology, New Delhi : Wiley
Eastern Ltd.
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