Q.

3   What are the basic research design issues? Why basic designs issues are
important to consider before conducting the study and even as early as
at the time of formulating the research questions?
 
          There has been a general concern over the quality of research designs in education
research. In particular these focussed upon the quality of research questions posed,
the working definition of sample groups (and how they are chosen), the limited
attention to triangulation in the research design, and what conclusions can be made
from the research findings (and/or the choice of
methods/methodologies employed). Note that this latter concern does overlap with ‘the
path from studies to evidence’ – see below. The problem for this programme theme
will be how to articulate the need to address basic design issues without appearing to
patronise researchers. The primary aim of this programme theme may be, therefore,
to invoke greater rigour in the current use
of research methods and methodologies rather than with the concern to develop new and
innovative research methods and methodologies.