What Is Research?

Question 1

1.1 The purpose of a research study is to answer research questions, and making observations is only a means to this end (Shugan, 2002). And nothing is random about this process, a lot of work goes into making a research project a success – and much of that involves doing enough planning before embarking on the actual research. This kind of preparation helps with constructing a research project that will have structure and one that is supported by a well thought-out strategy that will direct how the research will be conducted. In fact, Coldwell and Herbst (2004:35) define research design as the strategy for the study and the plan by which the strategy is to be carried out – which in essence implies that there should be specified methods and procedures for the collection, measurement and analysis of data.

The following extract, from an unknown author, explains even better what research design is all about.

When constructing a building there is no point ordering materials or setting critical dates for completion of project stages until we know what sort of building is being constructed. The first decision is whether we need a high rise office building, a factory for manufacturing machinery, a school, a residential home or an apartment block. Until this is done we cannot sketch a plan, obtain permits, work out a work schedule or order materials.

Similarly, social research needs a design or a structure before data collection or analysis can commence. A research design is not just a work plan. A work plan details what has to be done to complete the project but the work plan will flow from the project's research design. The function of a research design is to ensure that the evidence obtained enables us to answer the initial question as unambiguously as possible. Obtaining relevant evidence entails specifying the type of evidence needed to answer the research question, to test a theory, to evaluate a programme or to accurately describe...