n the social sciences,
there are different research designs a researcher or social scientist can adopt
in the conduct of his research work as regard the area of research methodology.
Research designs are very essential in the collection and gathering of data or
facts when conducting a given research work. In the conduct of social research, social scientists generally choose
from four (4) widely used methods of social investigation. These research
designs include Survey, Field Research, Experiment and Secondary data analysis
(i.e the use of existing sources).These various research design aid the
researcher in the method of data gathering or collection.
Before we consider the different research
designs available to a social scientist, we must first and foremost have a
clear understanding of the concept of Research, Social research and Types of
research.
The concept of Research
The
term research is simply derived from the Middle French “recherché”, which means
“to go about seeking”, the term itself being derived from the Old French term
“recerchier”. The concept of research has been defined by various scholars in
different ways and in different perspectives. According to Shuttleworth (2008) “in
the broadest sense of the word, the definition of research includes any
gathering of data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge”. By
this it means that research seeks to advance knowledge through the gathering of
data, information and facts.
In a nutshell, the Merriam- Webster Online
Dictionary gave a very detailed definition of research. The Merriam- Webster
Online Dictionary defines research “as a studious inquiry or examination;
especially: investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and
interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of
new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws”.
Research is aimed problem solving and seek answers
to a given problem. As, Bell-Gam & Omiegbe (1998) concurs to the above
assertion. He defines research as the systematic collection, analysis and
interpretation of data aimed at getting solutions to a given problem (Bell-Gam
& Omiegbe, 1998). By this definition, he implies that a research paper is a
well organised writing which contributes to the expansion of knowledge and the
promotion of man’s progress in his environment.
For a research to achieve it purpose according
to Bell-Gam & Omiegbe (1998) it must;
- Identify problem to be investigated.
- Collect data about the problem.
- Formulate hypothetical solutions to the
problem.
- Appraise the proposed solutions to
ascertain their relevance or otherwise to the problem.
- Accept final solutions to the problem.
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However, research is
the systematic gathering of data or facts, analysis and interpretation of data
in other to solve a given problem and to advance knowledge. When a research is
applied to society, then it is referred to as a social research.
Social Research
Social research is simply the conduct of
research by social scientists which follows the systematic plan. Social
research methods can simply or generally be classified along quantitative and
qualitative dimensions.
Quantitative designs
often focus or rely on statistical analysis of many cases and examine social
phenomena through quantifiable evidence, in other to create a valid and
reliable general claims. On the other hand, qualitative designs focus mainly on
understanding social phenomena through direct observation, communication with
participants, or analysis of texts. This may stress contextual subjective
accuracy over generality.
It is noteworthy to state that while
various research designs may sometimes be relatively classified as quantitative
or qualitative, most times research designs may contain elements of both.
Types of Research
Research is usually classified or categories
into:
- Pure and Applied Research
- Quantitative and Qualitative Research
In a project report research methodology
appears in chapter three of the report. This chapter is however discusses or
explains the following subsections:
Research Design
In this subsection it is expected for
a researcher to state the type of research design he adopted in conducting the
research work.
What then is the meaning of the term ‘Research
Design’. A research design is define as a plan that specifies how data in
connection to a given problem should be collected and analyzed. It provides the
researcher a vital framework or blueprint for solving a particular social
problem. According to Bell-Gam & Omiegbe (1998)” in the course of
investigating a given problem the researcher is faced with many issues such as
: what ought to constitute the target population; what portion of this (the
target population) should be involved in the study and how this should be
determined (sample and sampling technique) ; how to collect and organize data
pertinent to the problem under investigation; what type of statistical test
should be appropriate”.
Types of Research Designs
In planning a research design, social
scientists generally choose from four (4) widely used methods of social
investigation. These research designs include:
- Survey
- Field Research
- Experiment; and
- Secondary data analysis (i.e the use of
existing sources)
Chukwuemeka Egberase Okuchukwu
A Senior Research Associate
Writes from
Green Research Services
Benin City
(c) 2015
