3 Different elements of research design

Question 1

Societal problem

Answer 1

Why is it a problem? For whom is it a problem? How does it hinder them? What are they unable to achieve if the problem is left unsolved? You want to ask yourself what is needed to solve the problem, and what your research’s contribution will be in that regard (societal relevance).

Question 2

Knowledge gap

Answer 2

From a scientific point of view, we are especially interested in what knowledge is lacking to be able to solve the problem. For this, you usually need to know (1) what is already known about the topic, (2) what we still do not know, and (3) what needs to be known to solve the problem.

You will address the corresponding knowledge gap with your research question, which is sometimes also referred to as the knowledge question.

This is what frames the scientific relevance of your research.

Question 3

Research objective

Answer 3

What do you think you can achieve with your research?

You’ll need to be realistic and limit the elements you want to focus on.

Define your research objective in such a way that it is small enough to make it realistic and big enough to make it relevant.

Question 4

Research question

Answer 4

The aim of your research needs to be translated into a central or overarching research question. Even if this question is already pretty focused, you’ll still need multiple steps in order to find a suitable answer. This is when you could formulate sub-questions, the answers to which contribute to fulfilling your research objective

Question 5

Theoretical or conceptual framework

Answer 5

Such a framework is the conceptual lens through which you observe the phenomenon under investigation. It describes the phenomenon in certain terms, words, and concepts. These concepts determine which aspects of the phenomenon you believe to be relevant, and which aspects are less relevant.

To check the extent to which your theoretical framework is suitable for your project, you should be able to formulate an answer to your main research question with the help of the concepts in your theoretical framework.

Question 6

Data

Answer 6

This is the empirical content that relates the abstract theoretical framework to the concrete research question you’re hoping to answer.

This data can come from many different sources. You could use existing databases or existing documents. In many cases, you will collect data yourself (primary data).

If you collect data yourself, you need to determine what the unit of analysis is on which you want to collect data.
You then proceed to collect data from your unit of observation. These need not be the same.

If you need to decide which datasources you’ll be focusing on, we talk about the research sample. These can be either probabilistic (randomly selected) or non-probabilistic (deliberately selected).

Question 7

Data collection method

Answer 7

The choice of the specific method or technique you will use to collect the primary data you need.

For example, are you going to use a survey, or are you going to use interviews? What kind of interviews? Are you doing (participant) observation?

Question 8

Method of data analysis

Answer 8

You need to specify the method you will use to analyze the data. Each method has its own pros and cons, so in your research design you need to underpin your choice for a specific method of analysis.

Question 9

Time schedule

Answer 9

To show that your research is feasible within the time limits of the research project, you need to show a clear time schedule for the different steps to be taken.

Question 10

Results

Answer 10

In your research design, you should specify how you are planning to report the results of your research, and how you plan to disseminate your results to your target audience.