5. Topic 3: Research Design & Methodology

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this module, students will be able to:
✅ Understand different types of research designs and their applications.
✅ Choose an appropriate research methodology based on the problem.
✅ Differentiate between qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research.
✅ Develop a research framework for an applied research study.

3.1 Understanding Research Design

  • What is Research Design?
  • Importance of Research Design in Applied Research
  • Factors Influencing Research Design Choice (Time, Resources, Scope)

Case Study:

Analyze a real-world applied research study and identify its research design.

 

3.2 Types of Research Designs

1.      Experimental Research

    • Control vs. Treatment Groups
    • Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
    • Examples: Drug testing, A/B testing in business

2.      Non-Experimental Research

    • Case Studies
    • Surveys & Questionnaires
    • Observational Research

3.      Longitudinal vs. Cross-Sectional Studies

    • Studying Trends Over Time vs. One-Time Data Collection
    • Examples: Market research, consumer behavior studies

Activity:

Match different real-world problems with the most suitable research design.

 

3.3 Choosing the Right Research Methodology

  • Qualitative Research (Interviews, Focus Groups, Content Analysis)
  • Quantitative Research (Surveys, Experiments, Statistical Analysis)
  • Mixed-Methods Research (Combining Qualitative & Quantitative)

Discussion Question:

When should researchers use mixed-methods research instead of purely qualitative or quantitative approaches?

 

3.4 Developing a Research Framework

  • Identifying Variables (Independent vs. Dependent)
  • Conceptual & Theoretical Frameworks
  • Justifying Methodological Choices

Exercise:

Choose a topic and outline a basic research framework, including variables and methodology.

 

Assessment & Activities for Topic 3

📌 Discussion Post: Compare two research designs used in applied research.
📌 Assignment: Develop a research design and framework for an applied research problem.
📌 Quiz: Research design types, methodologies, and framework components.