Steps of Research Design
There are 8 major steps of research design which are discussed bellow:
- Selection of a Research Problem
- Review of the literature
- Objectives of the study
- Formulation of Hypothesis.
- Research Methodology (a) Methods (b) Tools of Data Collection (c) Sampling
- Constructing a Study Tool.
- Data Collection and Analysis
- Time Frame and Budget
Model of Research Design
Selection of a Research Problem
Trend towards exogamous marriage in the educated families of district Bhakkar.
Purpose of the Study
The main purpose of the study was to know the trends towards exogamous marriage in educated families of district Bhakkar.
Scope
This study was limited to the socio-economic and psychological causes of exogamous marriage in the educated families of district Bhakkar.
Review of the Literature
This is the study of previous research about the selected topic. All the relevant literature was studied, including articles, books and data from various websites etc. The literature review helped to develop study objectives.
Objectives of the Study
- To know the socio-economic reasons of exogamous marriage.
- To Study the psychological reasons for exogamous marriage.
- To pinpoint the effects of endogamous marriage leading to exogamous marriage.
Hypothesis
- The higher the economic benefits of exogamous marriage, the higher the trend towards exogamous marriage.
- The higher the negative effects of endogamy, the higher would be the trend of exogamous marriage.
Research Methodology
Every social researcher implements and follows a specific procedure of study. Thus, we, as social researchers, utilized a research methodology consisting of two components, i.e., method and tools of data collection. For this purpose, the quantitative method was applied.
Sampling
A purposive sampling technique was used to select the respondents. The total number of respondents was 80, of which 40 were female and 40 were male.
Tools of data collection
Only the questionnaire was the tool of data collection because all of the respondents were educated.
Constructing a Study Tool
According to the nature of the study, a self-structured questionnaire was constructed. For this purpose, themes extracted from the literature review were considered benchmarks to develop questions about the tool.
Pre-Testing
To check the validity of questionnaires and answers in the questionnaire, five questionnaires were distributed, which proved valid. Then the whole data was collected from 80 respondents (40 males and 40 females).
Data Collection and Analysis
The data was collected from the selected population. After collecting the relevant data through questionnaires, the study further progressed through editing, classification, tabulation, findings, verification of hypotheses, and suggestions. For this purpose, a quantitative research tool, i.e., SPSS was utilized to test the hypothesis.
Time Frame and Budget
The duration of this study was three months (i.e., Sep 2023 to Dec 2023). The estimated expenses were 17 thousands.
Characteristics of Research Design
Validity
There exist several methods for assessing the outcomes of research. An effective study design allows the appropriate selection of measuring instruments to assess outcomes in accordance with the research purpose.
Generalizability
An effective study design yields generalizable results that may be generalized to a broad population, without being limited by sample size or the specific research group.
Neutrality
Prior to commencing a research project, it is necessary for a researcher to establish a set of assumptions that will then be subjected to testing during the course of the investigation. An appropriate study design guarantees that the assumptions are free from bias and neutral.
Additionally, it ensures that the data gathered during the research is derived from the initial assumptions stated at the start of the study.
Objectivity
It is possible to allow more than one person to agree on the final results or conclusion of the research.
Reliability
Reliability is a key attribute of study design that pertains to the consistency of measurements over several trials and the reduction of random errors. An effective study design should provide consistent outcomes with minimal chance-related errors.
Advantages of Research Design
Research design offers a multitude of advantages. The following items are:
Clear Direction
One of the primary advantages of research design is its ability to offer guidance and direction to the research process, aiding in the selection of well-defined objectives. This, in turn, enables the researcher to concentrate on the specific research questions or hypotheses they wish to study.
Control
By using a well-structured study design, researchers have the ability to control variables, recognize any contributing variables, and employ randomization techniques to reduce bias and enhance the reliability of their results.
Replication
Research designs give the option for replication. This helps to confirm the results of a study and assures that the results are not due to probability or other factors. Thus, a well-chosen research design also minimizes bias and inaccuracies.
Validity
A study design assures the validity of the investigation, i.e., if the results genuinely represent the phenomena being researched.
Reliability
The advantages of study design also encompass the reduction of errors and the assurance of research reliability, which pertains to the consistency of research outcomes across time, across various samples, and in various situations.
Efficiency
An effective research design enhances the efficiency of the research process by allowing researchers to select the most suitable design for their study and utilize statistical analysis to optimize their data.
By accurately specifying the required data for a thorough examination of the hypotheses and outlining the methods for obtaining such data, research design saves valuable time for researchers.
In essence, a well-selected and well-executed research design enables researchers to carry out excellent study, draw significant findings, and make valuable contributions to the progress of knowledge in their respective area.
