The importance of understanding the 5 key methods of research design and ethics is alike for researchers from natural and social sciences as well as computer experts and engineers.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The mode of research design is essential in gathering valid and reliable data. It is because, different fields often apply unique perspectives to the same methods. Fundamentally, we have five foundational research designs, including, survey, case study, observation, experiment, and secondary data analysis
Each research design has a specific purpose, process, pros and cons, limitations, and applications. All these are equally applicable in biological sciences, physical sciences, computer science, and social sciences.
One the most important thing to address while discussing about research design is ethics. In research, ethics can be categories into two; shared ethical principles and field-specific considerations.
Steps in 5 Key Methods of Research Design
Steps in a research design represent the general flow to conduct a research study from start to end. Each step helps structure and guide the research to ensure thoroughness, clarity, and reliability.
There are generally 8 steps in a research design, both, in social as well as natural sciences.
Select a Topic
Purpose
To choose a specific area or subject of interest to investigate. This step of research design often begins with identifying gaps in current knowledge or areas that need more understanding.
Example
A researcher may select “The impact of remote learning on student engagement” as a topic.
Problem Statement
Purpose
To define a clear, focused question or problem that the research will address. This step helps narrow down the scope and purpose of the research.
Example
“Does remote learning reduce engagement among high school students?”
Observation/Literature Review
Purpose
To witness something novel or explore existing research and knowledge on the topic. This step of the research design helps the researcher understand what has already been studied, identify gaps, and build on previous findings.
Example
Reviewing studies on effects of remote learning on attention span, participation, and academic outcomes.
Hypothesis
Purpose
To propose an educated guess or prediction based on the literature review and observations. The hypothesis is a testable statement that the research will support or refute.
Example
“High school students in remote learning environments will show lower engagement levels compared to those in physical classes.”
Methodology
Purpose
This step involves outlining the research design, data collection methods, and procedures for analysing data. This step provides a detailed plan for conducting the research.
Example
Choosing a survey-based method to measure engagement levels among students attending remote and physical or in-person classes.
Analysis
Purpose
Its purpose is to interpret the data collected using statistical or qualitative methods. This step of research design aims to identify patterns, relationships, and insights that address the research question.
Example
Using statistical analysis to compare engagement scores between remote and in-person students.
Results/Conclusion
Purpose
Here, we summarise the findings and interpret whether they support or contradict the hypothesis. In other words, this step of research design helps draw conclusions about the research question.
Example
Concluding that remote learning is associated with slightly lower engagement levels among high school students, based on the data analysis.
Publication
Purpose
Finally, we shall share the research findings with the broader community, often through academic journals, conferences, or reports. This allows others to review, critique, and build upon the work.
Example
Publishing the study in an educational journal or presenting it at a conference.
Benefits of Steps in Research Design
Together, these steps of research designs form a structured pathway for conducting research, ensuring that findings are robust, transparent, and open for scrutiny or replication.
1. Survey Research
What It Is
Survey research is a method used to gather information from a sample group by asking standardised questions. Surveys are frequently used to understand opinions, behaviours, demographics, and other measurable characteristics, making them popular in fields where large-scale data is useful.
How It is Carried Out
Surveys are distributed through various channels: online, in-person, or via phone or mail. They can include closed-ended questions (yes/no or multiple-choice) and open-ended questions that allow detailed responses.
Cross-sectional surveys gather data at a single point, while longitudinal surveys collect data over time.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Surveys allow for efficient data collection from large groups, making them cost-effective. They are also versatile, adaptable to different research questions and fields.
- Cons: Respondent bias can be an issue if participants are not truthful. Surveys can also be limited by self-perception of respondents. Moreover, survey fatigue may reduce response quality.
Limitations
Surveys might lack depth, especially with closed-ended questions, and results may not be generalizable if the sample is not representative of the population.
Applications across Fields
Biological Sciences
Public health researchers use surveys to study health behaviours and track trends in disease outbreaks.
Physical Sciences
Environmental scientists survey populations to understand pollution sources, conservation habits, or community perceptions about environmental issues.
Computer Science
Software developers and user experience researchers use surveys to collect user feedback on digital tools, helping refine functionality.
Social Sciences
Sociologists, political scientists, and economists use surveys to gauge public opinion, study behaviours, or track societal trends.
2. Case Study
What It Is
A case study is an in-depth investigation of a single instance, event, individual, or group. This method enables researchers to explore complex issues in detail, making it ideal for examining unique cases or phenomena in real-world contexts.
How It is Carried Out
Case studies rely on a variety of data sources: interviews, documents, observations, and sometimes artefacts. They may be exploratory (generating new insights), descriptive (documenting details), or explanatory (exploring causation).
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Case studies provide rich, detailed data, capturing insights that broader studies might miss. They are particularly useful for exploring unique or rare phenomena.
- Cons: Findings from case studies may not be generalizable due to their specificity. The method can also be time-consuming and challenging to replicate.
Limitations
The narrow focus of a case study can make it hard to generalise findings to a larger population.
Applications across Fields
Biological Sciences
Medical researchers use case studies to document rare conditions, often leading to breakthroughs in diagnosis or treatment.
Physical Sciences
Geologists use case studies to analyse unique natural events like volcanic eruptions, documenting specific conditions and impacts.
Computer Science
Cybersecurity experts analyse specific hacking incidents to understand vulnerabilities and prevent future breaches.
Social Sciences
Case studies are valuable for exploring individual or group behaviours in psychology, social work, or organisational studies.
3. Observation
What It Is
Observation involves studying subjects in their natural environments without interference. This method is ideal for capturing authentic behavior or phenomena, often used when researchers need to understand actions, interactions, and environmental influences directly.
How It is Carried Out
Observation can be structured (with set criteria) or unstructured (open-ended). Researchers might take field notes, record video, or use checklists. It can be participant (researcher engages with subjects) or non-participant (researcher observes passively).
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Allows for real-time data collection and authentic insights, especially useful for studying natural settings or behaviours. Observation reduces reliance on self-reporting, which can introduce biases.
- Cons: Observer bias can affect objectivity. Observational data is often qualitative and harder to analyse, and the presence of observers can sometimes alter behaviour of subjects.
Limitations
Observation can be subjective, and findings may not apply broadly due to limited control over variables.
Applications across Fields
Biological Sciences
Animal behaviourists observe animals in their natural habitats to understand behaviour, mating rituals, and social dynamics.
Physical Sciences\
Astronomers observe celestial bodies through telescopes, tracking patterns and behaviours without disturbing the subjects.
Computer Science
Usability researchers observe users navigating software to identify pain points and improve user experience.
Social Sciences
Anthropologists use observation in field studies to understand cultural practices and social interactions within communities.
4. Experimental Research
What It Is
Experiments involve manipulating one or more variables in a controlled environment to establish cause-and-effect relationships. Experimental research is a cornerstone of the scientific method, especially suited for testing hypotheses in natural and social sciences.
How It is Carried Out
Researchers control variables in a laboratory or field setting. Participants are often divided into experimental and control groups. Random assignment is used to reduce bias, and statistical analysis helps assess the outcomes.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Experiments provide strong evidence for causal relationships and are replicable, allowing for verification of results.
- Cons: Lab-based experiments can lack ecological validity (real-world applicability). Ethical restrictions may limit experiments involving human or animal subjects.
Limitations
The controlled environment may not mimic real-world conditions, and strict ethical guidelines limit certain types of experiments.
Applications across Fields
Biological Sciences
Biologists conduct drug trials to test effectiveness and side effects on health.
Physical Sciences
Chemists experiment with reactions under controlled conditions to discover new compounds or understand chemical behaviour.
Computer Science
A/B testing compares software versions to determine which performs better with users.
Social Sciences
Psychologists conduct experiments to study effects of variables on behaviour, such as stress response under different conditions.
5. Secondary Data Analysis
What It Is
Secondary data analysis uses pre-existing data, such as government records, academic studies, or datasets, to explore new research questions. It saves resources and can provide insights when direct data collection is not feasible.
How It is Carried Out
Researchers acquire data from credible sources, including public records, institutional databases, and published studies. They then analyse it to answer specific questions, often using statistical or comparative methods.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Cost-effective and time-saving; provides access to extensive datasets, often with a wide reach.
- Cons: Researchers have no control over data quality or collection methods, which can affect the relevance of study. Data may be outdated or misaligned with current research objectives.
Limitations
Secondary data may not align precisely with research goals, and quality can vary widely across sources.
Applications across Fields
Biological Sciences
Epidemiologists analyse health records to track disease outbreaks and assess risk factors.
Physical Sciences
Climate scientists use historical weather data to analyse environmental trends.
Computer Science
Data scientists use software usage data to analyse trends in user behaviour or cybersecurity.
Social Sciences
Sociologists analyse census data to understand demographic changes and societal trends.
Ethics in Research
Ethics in research ensures the protection, respect, and trust of study participants and the accuracy of findings. Ethical standards are foundational across all fields but also tailored to specific disciplinary needs.
Common Ethical Values across Fields
Honesty
Reporting findings truthfully and transparently.
Informed Consent
Ensuring participants understand the research purpose and any risks.
Confidentiality
Protecting participant privacy and data security.
Respect for Participants
Treating all participants fairly and avoiding harm.
Transparency
Disclosing potential conflicts of interest or funding sources.
Field-Specific Ethical Considerations
Biological Sciences
Ensuring humane treatment of animals and securing informed consent for medical research.
Physical Sciences
Environmental responsibility in field research and consideration of long-term ecological impact.
Computer Science
Protecting digital privacy and responsibly handling data in AI and cybersecurity research.
Social Sciences
Ensuring cultural sensitivity and avoiding exploitation in studies involving vulnerable populations.
Conclusion
Understanding the distinctions of each research method and applying them appropriately across fields helps advance knowledge responsibly. Ethical guidelines further enhance the integrity of research, ensuring it benefits society and respects the rights of all involved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the 5 key methods of research design?
The five key methods are survey research, case studies, observation, experimental research, and secondary data analysis.
How do surveys contribute to research?
Surveys collect information from a large sample to understand opinions, behaviours, and other measurable characteristics, often providing cost-effective data for large-scale studies.
What are the limitations of using case studies in research?
Case studies are highly specific and may not be generalizable to larger populations, and they can be time-consuming to conduct and replicate.
How does observational research differ from other methods?
Observational research involves studying subjects in their natural environments, either as a participant or non-participant, without intervening in the behaviour of subject.
What is the role of a hypothesis in research design?
A hypothesis is a testable statement predicting an outcome based on literature review and observations, guiding the direction of the research study.
What ethical principles should researchers follow?
Researchers must ensure honesty, informed consent, confidentiality, respect for participants, and transparency throughout the research process.
How do experiments help establish cause-and-effect relationships?
By manipulating variables in controlled settings and using random assignment, experiments can determine causal relationships and test hypotheses effectively.
What are the advantages of secondary data analysis in research?
Secondary data analysis saves time and resources by using existing data, often providing large datasets that might not be feasible to collect independently.
What ethical issues are specific to biological research?
Biological research involves considerations like humane treatment of animals and ensuring informed consent for medical or clinical trials.
How do researchers ensure the validity of survey data?
To ensure validity, researchers should use representative samples, avoid bias, and apply consistent methods in data collection to reduce errors or distortions.