Types of Research Design: Key Research Design Types and Examples

Research Design plays a vital role in uncovering new insights across various fields, including science, technology, art, media studies, geography, mathematics, and more. For example, during the global Coronavirus pandemic, extensive research was carried out to develop vaccines and understand the virus. A well-structured Research Design ensures that the research process is organized, systematic, and leads to valid conclusions.

In any study, whether academic, market-oriented, or another type of inquiry, Research Design acts as a roadmap, guiding researchers through the stages of data collection, analysis, and interpretation. This blog will explore the different types of Research Design, its key components, and best practices to help you choose and implement the most effective design for your study.

What is Research Design?

By the term ‘research‘, we can understand that it’s a collection of data that includes critical information by taking research methodologies into consideration. In other words, it is a compilation of information or data explored by setting a hypothesis and consequently coming up with substantive findings in an organised way. Research can be done on an academic as well as a scientific basis as well. Let’s first understand what a research design actually means.

A Research Design is simply a structural framework of various research methods as well as techniques that are utilised by a researcher.

The research design helps a researcher to pursue their journey into the unknown but with a systematic approach by their side. The way an engineer or architect frames a design for a structure, likewise the researcher picks the design from various approaches in order to check which type of research to be carried out.

Elements of Research Design

A successful research design integrates several key elements. Here are the most important elements of a research design-

• The method applied for analyzing collected details
• Type of research methodology
• Accurate purpose statement
• Probable objections to research
• Techniques to be implemented for collecting and analyzing research
• Timeline
• Measurement of analysis
• Settings for the research study

Get to know about the characteristics of Research Design through the infographic given below.

Also Read: Research Institutes in India

Types of Research Designs

Research designs are broadly classified into two categories: Quantitative and Qualitative Research. These categories are further divided into several types of research designs, each serving different research purposes. Here are the major types of research designs:

• Descriptive Research Design
• Case Study
• Correlational Research Design
• Experimental Research Design
• Diagnostic Research Design
• Explanatory Research Design
• Historical Research Design
• Cohort Research Design
• Sequential Research Design
• Action Research Design
• Survey Research Design
• Causal Research Design

Among these, Experimental Research Designs and Causal Research Designs are often considered the closest to true experiments. These designs are highly preferred for their accuracy, relevance, and ability to yield high-quality, reliable results.

Each of these research designs plays a crucial role in addressing specific research questions and objectives. Understanding their strengths and applications can help you choose the right approach for your study.

Descriptive Research Design

Descriptive Research Design focuses on providing a detailed and comprehensive description of a situation, phenomenon, or case within a research study. This design is primarily theoretical, where the researcher collects data, analyzes it, and presents the findings in an easily understandable format. It is one of the most generalized forms of research design, as it aims to explore one or more variables without manipulating them.

In Descriptive Research Design, the researcher does not alter or control any variables, unlike in experimental research. Instead, the researcher observes and measures the variables as they naturally occur. While qualitative research can also be used for descriptive purposes, this approach is generally classified as a form of quantitative research. To ensure the results are reliable and valid, the research design should be well-structured and carefully executed.

Examples of Descriptive Research Design:

• How has the housing market in Delhi changed over the past 20 years?
• Do customers of Company A prefer Product C or Product D?
• What are the main genetic, behavioural and morphological differences between Indian wild cows and hybrid cows?
• How prevalent is disease 1 in population Z?

These examples demonstrate how descriptive research designs are used to gather, analyze, and present data without manipulating variables.

Experimental Research Design

Experimental Research Design is a scientific approach used to study the relationship between two sets of variables. One set remains constant while the other is manipulated to observe changes. Commonly used in quantitative research, this method helps establish cause-and-effect relationships by collecting reliable data in controlled environments.

In experimental research, it’s crucial to ensure that observed changes are due solely to the manipulation of the independent variable. The goal is to identify clear cause-and-effect connections. Experimental design refers to the strategies used to collect data in such studies. There are three types of experimental designs:

• Pre-experimental research design
• True experimental research design
• Quasi-experimental research design

Each design is selected based on the study’s objectives and conditions.

Correlational Research Design

A correlational research design looks into correlations between variables without allowing the researcher to control or manipulate any of them. Correlational studies reveal the magnitude and/or direction of a link between two (or more) variables. Correlational studies or correlational study designs might have either a positive, negative or zero.

Correlational Studies Direction or Types	What Happens?	Example
Positive correlation	Both variables change in the same direction	As the price of petrol increases, the fare of an auto increases too.
Negative correlation	The variables change in opposite directions	As tea consumption increases, tiredness decreases
Zero correlation	There is no relationship between the variables	Tea consumption is not correlated with height

Correlational research design is great for swiftly collecting data from natural settings. This allows you to apply your results to real-world circumstances in an externally legitimate manner. Correlational studies research is a viable choice in a few scenarios like:

• To investigate non-causal relationships
• To explore causal relationships between variables
• To test new measurement tools

Recommended Read: Scope of Operation Research

Diagnostic Research Design

Diagnostic research design is a type of research design that tries to investigate the underlying cause of a certain condition or phenomenon. It can assist you in learning more about the elements that contribute to certain difficulties or challenges that your clients may be experiencing. This design typically consists of three research stages, which are as follows:

• Inception of the issue
• Diagnosis of the issue
• Solution for the issue

Explanatory Research Design

Explanatory research is a method used to explore phenomena that have either not been researched previously or have not been adequately explained. The primary goal of explanatory research is to provide insights into areas where limited information is available. This approach helps researchers gain a broader understanding of a topic, guiding them toward specific questions or issues that can be investigated further in future studies.

The main purpose of explanatory research is to uncover the “why” and “what” behind a subject under investigation. It is particularly focused on identifying cause-and-effect relationships, helping to explain why certain events occur. In essence, explanatory research is designed to establish the reasons or causes behind observed phenomena.

The most common methods used in explanatory research include:

• Literature Research: Reviewing existing studies and publications to build a foundation of knowledge.
• In-depth Interviews: Conducting detailed interviews to gain deeper insights into individuals’ experiences and perspectives.
• Focus Groups: Gathering a small group of participants to discuss and provide feedback on specific topics or issues.
• Case Studies: Analyzing specific instances or examples in-depth to uncover broader insights and patterns.

These methods allow researchers to delve deeper into unexplained phenomena and uncover essential details that lead to a better understanding of the subject matter.

Process of Research Design

Is it possible to conduct research without a plan? Most likely not. Research design is a topic we cover while discussing a plan for gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data. This design solves issues and produces a coherent and consistent data analysis model. Let’s study up on it.

A methodical and planned technique for conducting research is the research design process. To make sure the study is legitimate, trustworthy, and yields insightful data, the procedure is crucial. One should keep the points in mind while preparing for research.

• Think about your goals and strategies: Establish the study’s theoretical framework, methods, and research questions and objectives.
• Select a kind of study design: Based on the research questions and objectives, choose the best research design, such as experimental, correlational, survey, case study, or ethnographic.
• Decide on your sample technique and population: Establish the sample size and target population before selecting a sampling strategy, such as convenience, stratified, or random sampling.
• Select the techniques you’ll use to collect data: Choose the right instruments or tools for data collection and decide on the methodologies, such as surveys, interviews, observations, or experiments.
• Arrange the steps you’ll take to collect data: Create a plan for gathering data that takes ethics into account and specifies the time, place, and people involved.
• Choose your data analysis techniques: Plan how to interpret the findings after choosing the relevant data analysis methods, such as statistical, content, or discourse analysis.

Also Read: 10 Types of Qualitative Research Methods & Examples

2 Major Types of Research Design

Keeping its dynamics into consideration, the research design is categorised into two different perspectives, i.e. Quantitative Research Design and Qualitative Research Design. Further, there are four main characteristics of research design which include Reliability, Neutrality, Validity as well as Generalization. Further, a researcher should have a clear understanding of how their project can be implemented in the research design. Let’s explore what Quantitative and Qualitative Research Designs mean:

Quantitative Research Design

In Quantitative Research Design, a researcher examines the various variables while including numbers as well as statistics in a project to analyze its findings. The use of graphics, figures, and pie charts is the main form of data collection measurement and meta-analysis (it is information about the data by the data).

Qualitative Research Design

This type of research is quite contrary to the quantitative research design. It is explanatory in nature and always seeks answers to “What’s” and “How’s”. It mainly focuses on why a specific theory exists and what would be the respondent’s answer to it. This allows a researcher to draw a conclusion with proper findings. Case studies are mainly used in Qualitative Research Design in order to understand various social complexities.

Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research Design

Following is the difference between Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research Design

Quantitative Research	Qualitative Research
Focuses on putting ideas and hypotheses to the test.	Concentrate on generating ideas and developing a theory or hypothesis.
Math and statistical analysis were used to examine the situation.	Summarizing, classifying, and analyzing data were used to conduct the analysis.
Numbers, graphs, and tables are the most common forms of expression.	Mostly represented with words
It necessitates the participation of a large number of people.	Only a few people are required to answer.
Closed questions (multiple choice)	Open-ended inquiries
Key terms: testing, measurement, objectivity, replicability	Key terms: understanding, context, complexity, subjectivity

Fixed vs. Flexible Research Design

A contrast between fixed and flexible research design can also be drawn. Quantitative (fixed design) and qualitative (flexible design) data gathering are frequently associated with these two study design categories. The research design is pre-determined and understood with a set study design even before you begin collecting data. Flexible designs, on the other hand, provide for more flexibility in data collection — for example, you don’t provide fixed answer alternatives, so respondents must put in their own responses.

How to Write Research Design?

Creating a research design is a crucial step in the research process, as it provides a structured plan for collecting and analyzing data. A well-written research design outlines the methodology, research questions, participant selection, and data collection methods. It ensures the study’s objectives are met in a systematic and organized way.

Research Design Types by Grouping

Another classification of study design types is based on how participants are categorized. In most situations, grouping is determined by the research premise and the method used to sample individuals. There is generally at least one experimental and one control group in a typical study based on experimental research design.

In medical research, for example, one group can be given therapy while the other receives none. You get my drift. We can differentiate four types of study designs based on participant grouping:

Cohort Study: A cohort study is a sort of longitudinal research that takes a cross-section of a cohort (a group of people who have a common trait) at predetermined time intervals. It’s a form of panel research in which all of the people in the group have something in common.

Cross-Sectional Study: In social science, medical research, and biology, a cross-sectional study is prevalent. This study approach examines data from a population or a representative sample of the population at a specific point in time.

Longitudinal Study: A longitudinal study is a type of study in which the same variables are observed repeatedly over a short or long period of time. It’s usually observational research, although it can also take the form of a long-term randomized experiment.

Cross-Sequential Study: Cross-sequential research design combines longitudinal and cross-sectional research methods, with the goal of compensating for some of the flaws inherent in both.

These research design types help researchers structure their studies, ensuring that their data collection and analysis are appropriate for the research questions they aim to answer.

Types of Research Design PDF

A Types of Research Design PDF serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the various research designs used in academic and scientific studies. The PDF format allows for easy access, reference, and sharing of these essential insights on research design. Download the Types of Research Design PDF by clicking the button below.

Research Design PPT

A Research Design PPT offers a detailed overview of various research designs used in academic and scientific research. This presentation format makes it easy to visualize and understand different types of research designs, their applications, and how they contribute to the research process. The PPT format is ideal for presentations, discussions, and easy sharing of information. Download the Research Design PPT by clicking the button below.

Research design and types of research design final ppt from Prahlada G

Examples of Research Design in Action

Example 1: A company wants to assess customer satisfaction. They may use a descriptive research design with surveys to collect data on customer experiences, preferences, and satisfaction levels.

Example 2: A healthcare organization conducts a randomized controlled trial (experimental design) to test the effectiveness of a new medication on reducing symptoms of a disease.

Example 3: A researcher wants to explore the relationship between income levels and education levels in a certain population. They may use a correlational research design to gather data and analyze any trends.

Challenges in Research Design

Research design is not without its challenges. Some common difficulties include:

• Bias: Bias can influence results, especially in non-random sampling. Researchers should take steps to reduce bias in data collection and analysis.
• Ethical Concerns: Ethical considerations, particularly in experimental and clinical research, are vital to ensure the safety and well-being of participants.
• Resource Limitations: Limited time, budget, or access to participants can affect the scope and quality of the research design.
• Data Validity and Reliability: Ensuring the validity (accuracy) and reliability (consistency) of data is a common challenge in designing research.

Benefits of Research

Since we are dealing with the types of research design, it is imperative to understand how beneficial the practice of doing research is and some of its major advantages are:

• Research helps in getting a deeper understanding of the subject.
• You will learn about its varied aspects as well as its different sources like primary and secondary.
• It helps to resolve complex problems in any field through critical analysis and measurement of unsolved problems.
• You will also get to know how a hypothesis is created by weighing preserved assumptions.

Also Read: How to Make a Career in Research?

FAQs

Certainly, research is the fuel that can potentially drive the solutions to redress all the world’s problems. In order to help to gain a deeper understanding of any subject matter, knowing types of research design plays a critical role in carrying out your thesis. If you are aspiring to pursue your career in the field of research and aim to pursue a PhD, call us at 1800572000 for a free 30-minute career counselling session with our Leverage Edu experts and we will help you find a suitable program and university that fit your aspirations, interests and preferences and can guide you towards a fulfilling career in this domain.