Things To Keep In Mind While Choosing A Research Design

Feasibility, scope, and ethics are often not a high priority when we’re choosing the right research design. And rightfully so, as they make little impact on which design you choose – in most cases. In some cases, these could be the difference between a good piece of research and an ignored paper that lacks utterly in quality.

In this guide, we’re going to look at the significance of all three to help you better determine what research design to choose.

Feasibility

Research design feasibility refers to the practicality of conducting a research study. It includes factors such as time, budget, available resources, and the researcher’s expertise.

These factors play a crucial role in determining the research design, as some designs may require more time, resources, or expertise than others. For example, a large-scale survey may require a higher budget and more time than a case study. Therefore, researchers should consider research feasibility when selecting a research design.

Assess the feasibility of the research design in terms of time, budget, and resources. Ensure that you have the necessary skills and expertise to conduct the study effectively.

Scope

The scope of the study refers to the geographical, temporal, and population parameters of the research. Consider how broad or narrow the scope should be and what impact this will have on your research design.

It can help determine the appropriate research design by providing insights into the type of data required and the level of analysis needed.

For example, if the research question requires a deep understanding of a particular phenomenon, a qualitative research design may be more appropriate. In contrast, if the research question requires a large sample size, a quantitative research design may be more suitable.

Ethical implications

Consider ethical implications and ensure that your research design adheres to ethical principles and guidelines.

Ethics refers to the principles of conduct that govern research. Ethical considerations should be a priority for researchers when selecting a research design. Researchers must ensure that their research design does not compromise the rights, safety, and well-being of participants.

For example, a research design that involves deception may not be ethical. Therefore, researchers should consider ethical principles when selecting a research design and ensure that their study adheres to ethical guidelines.

Wrapping up

Choosing the right research design is crucial for conducting a successful study. However, it is important to consider several factors that may influence this decision.

Often on the lower end of the priority list, these three considerations can make all the difference when trying to determine the right kind of research design.