UNIT THREE: RESEARCH DESIGN AND HYPOTHESIS

Unit Structure
3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN

3.2 TYPES OF RESEARCH DESIGN

3. 3

CONCEPT OF HYPOTHESIS

3.4 TYPES OF HYPOTHESIS

Learning Objectives

1. To understand the basic concepts of Research Design

2. To familiarize with the different concepts of Hypothesis

3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN:

A Research Design is simply a structural framework of various research methods as well
as techniques that are utilized by a researcher. It is a logical and systematic outline of the
research work that directs the whole research activity. It acts as a road map for the researcher for
timely completion of the research project. It is also known as blue print of research work used for
collecting and analyzing the data.

A good research design answers all the questions pertaining to research work and gives a
clear picture of the resources needed to complete the research activity. A research design states
the objective of research, its purpose, the time frame required, data needed, techniques to be
implied, sample size, area of study etc.

Decisions relating to what, where, when, how much, by what means concerning a
research study constitute a research design. Research design is like a building plan prepared by
an architect for construction of a building where in a similar way the researcher gets to know all
details about the research work. It constitutes the plan, strategy and structure of the research
work. It enables the researcher to arrive at meaningful conclusions.

Research design can be properly implemented if all steps are followed properly such as:
Defining the problem, stating the objectives of study, knowing the sources of data, gaining
information about the techniques of data collection, making decision on the population,
determining the sample size, fixing the geographical limit, resources required, analysis of data,
working on the design and then finally submitting the report.

Research design scope comprises of sources of data collection, methods of data

collection, analysis of data, availability of physical resources, qualified staff requirement, time
limit, population needed for research, decision on sample size etc.

A good research design is one which has following essentials in it like: simplicity,
flexibility, suitability, objective focused, cost effective, systematic, element of pilot study,
acceptance, ease in implementation etc.

A good Research design must include the following aspects also:

1. A clear statement of the research problem.

2. The purpose or objectives of the research.
3. The sources of collecting data.
4. The time period of research study.
5. The procedures and techniques of collecting data.
6. The universe of research design.
7. The sample size of respondents, if any.
8. The area where research to be conducted.
9. The methods or techniques of data processing.
10. The resources required to conduct the research.

IMPORTANCE:
1. Research design is essential as it gives framework within which the research activity has
to be conducted.
2. It gives a proper timetable as to which activity has to be completed in which time frame.
3. Possibility of conducting errors is avoided.
4. Proper Planning of research work gives result oriented activity in the end.
5. Accuracy and efficiency of the research work is maintained due to effective research
design planning.
6. It guides the researcher in the right direction as to which and how much resources are
needed for conducting and completing the research work.
7. It helps in removing the uncertainties related to research work and thus gives the
researcher an appropriate research work in the end.
8. It helps in defining the relationship between independent and dependent variables.
9. Proper research design leads to accurate and desired conclusions.
10. Research design helps in doing way with monotonous work faced by the researcher.
11. It facilitates in making good business decisions.
 12. Execution of project work happens in timely manner.
13. It is helpful in monitoring techniques of research.
14. Research design acts as a success journey and provides exciting experience to the
researcher.
15. It gives motivation to the research staff to collect the right data from the right source.

3.2 TYPES OF RESEARCH DESIGN:

Quantitative Research Design:

Quantitative research is the process of collecting, analyzing numerical data. It is generally used
to detect averages, patterns, predictions, as well as cause-effect relationships between the
variables.

Qualitative Research Design:

 Qualitative research- It can be defined as a method used for market research with an aim
of obtaining data through open-ended questions and conversations with the intended
consumers.

Research designs can be divided into five types which are as under:

1. Descriptive research design: Descriptive research refers to the methods that describe the
characteristics of the variables under study. It is conducted to obtain detailed information
about the research problem. It answers all the “WH” questions in detail.

2. Experimental research design: It is also called experimentation, as this research is

conducted using a scientific approach using two or more variables. Experimental
research design is the most realistic and exact kind of research method. This research
design is used in social sciences to understand and observe human behavior.

3. Correlation research design: It refers to an association or a relationship between two

entities. A correlation research studies and evaluates how one entity impacts the other and
what are the changes that are observed when either one of them changes.

4. Diagnostic research design: Here the researcher tries to evaluate the cause of a specific
problem or phenomenon. This research design is used to understand in detail about the
factors that are creating problems for the said activity.

5. Exploratory research design: Here the ideas and thoughts of a researcher on one subject is
used as the guiding point for future studies, it is also used in exploring theories further.
 The researcher here focuses on explaining the unexplored patterns of a phenomena and
elaborate on the details pertaining to the research questions such as; what, why, and how.

3. 3

CONCEPT OF HYPOTHESIS:

Hypothesis is a tentative prediction that explains the relationship between two variables.
It provides clear indication to research objectives and research problem. It is basically an
assumption based on evidences. It is specifically clear and concise and has scope for conducting
more testes. It is an important step in the formulation of research problem. It is the base for
further investigation through which facts and figures can be approved or disapproved. It is a kind
of guess work that the researcher makes while analyzing answers to the research questions.

A good hypothesis should be simple, specific, clear, certain, consistent, based on certain
theory, relevant to facts, capable of estabilising relationship among variables etc. It is considered
as that part of scientific procedure which marks the stage where a definite plan or method is
proposed for dealing with new or unexplained facts.

For formulation of good hypothesis a researcher needs to adopt a systematic procedure

which includes the following:

a. Identification of research problem

b. Specifying the null and alternative hypothesis
c. Significance level
d. Test statistic
e. Region of acceptance and rejection
f. Selection of an appropriate test
g. Selection of test criterion
h. Rejection or failing to reject the null hypothesis

On the similar lines for formulation of good hypothesis it is important to know the source
from where the development of hypothesis has taken place. Sources can be ones intuition, his or
her research studies, by consulting expert panels, through published theories, observations,
analogies, culture, personal experiences, academic literature, state of knowledge, ones
imagination and thinking etc.

Hypothesis also performs certain functions like it helps in making observations and
experiments possible, it is known to be the starting point of investigation, gives directions for
making inquiries etc.
 Researchers also use hypothesis to put down their thoughts directing how the experiment
would take place. Following are the steps that are involved in the scientific method:

Formation of question

Doing background research

Creation of hypothesis

Designing an experiment

Collection of data

Result analysis

Summarizing the experiment

Communicating the results

Thus an hypothesis can never be proven to be right as upon analysis of result it can be
accepted or rejected.

IMPORTANCE:

1. It provides direction to conduct research.

2. It links theories with practical world.
3. It provides objectivity to research activity.
4. It helps the investigator to collect right amount of data needed for research work.
5. It helps in analyzing the source of data.
6. It formulates in designing the whole research framework.
7. It helps in further investigation also.
8. It gives a clear picture of what is accepted, approved or disapproved which is ultimately
the background of research study.

3.4 TYPES OF HYPOTHESIS

1. Simple hypothesis
2. Complex hypothesis
3. Directional hypothesis
4. Non- directional hypothesis
5. Null hypothesis
6. Alternative hypothesis
7. Associative hypothesis
8. Causal hypothesis
1. Simple hypothesis: It shows the relationship between dependent and independent variable. It is
also called as the basic hypothesis. This hypothesis gives probabilities to potential observations.
For example: One needs to exercise daily in order to lose weight. So here exercising is
independent variable and losing weight is dependent variable.

2. Complex hypothesis shows relationship between more than one dependent and independent
variable. These hypothesis aims at testing the existence of logically derived relationships
between empirical uniformities. For example: Regular exercise with eating lots of fruits and
leafy vegetables will lead to weight loss and reduction of skin related diseases.

3. Directional Hypothesis states the researcher’s intellectual capacity towards the outcome. The
relationship between the variables also predicts its nature. For example- Children aged four years
eating proper food over a five-year period are having higher IQ levels than children not having a
proper meal. This shows the effect and direction of effect.

4. Non- directional hypothesis states that there is no relationship or difference between two
variables. It states that the independent variable will have effect on dependent variable but the
extent of it is not known.

5. Null hypothesis: It is opposite to the research statement mainly in negative form. These are
hypothetical statements denying what are explicitly indicated in working hypotheses. They do
not, nor were ever intended to exist in reality It is denoted by Ho.

6. Alternative Hypothesis: This hypothesis states that there is a relationship between two
variables being studied that is one variable has an effect on another. It is denoted by H1.

7. Associative hypothesis occurs when change in one variable leads to change in another one.

8. Causal hypothesis: It states the cause effect relationship between two variables. It state that the
existence of, or a change in one variable causes or leads to an effect on another variable. The first
variable is called the independent viable and the latter is called dependent variable.
 QUESTIONS

RESEARCH DESIGN:

1. Explain the concept of research design stating its importance in research

work?
2. Explain the various types of research design with suitable examples?

HYPOTHESIS:

1. State the concept of hypothesis?

2. Highlight the types of hypothesis with relevant examples?