To some these two (research design and method) are different. Can anyone provide a concrete difference between the two?
Research design is the plan that shows how a study will be done. It includes the main structure, like whether the study is experimental, correlational, or exploratory. On the other hand, research methods are the specific tools or techniques used to collect and analyze data, such as surveys, interviews, or statistical models. You might think of research design as the architect's plan and research methodologies as the tools that are actually utilized to build the structure. A flexible design lets researchers use adaptive approaches, including adding AI-driven data collecting in the middle of a study, which makes research more sensitive to changing real-world factors.
Research design and methodology are closely related but distinct concepts in the research process.
*Research Design:*
Research design refers to the overall plan or structure of a research study. It outlines the approach, procedures, and methods to be used to investigate a research question or hypothesis. Think of it as the blueprint or framework for your research.
*Research Methodology:*
Research methodology, on the other hand, refers to the specific techniques, procedures, and tools used to collect and analyze data. It explains how you will execute your research design, including the methods for data collection, sampling, data analysis, and interpretation.
In other words, research design is the "what" and "why," while methodology is the "how." A good research design will inform and guide the choice of methodology.
To illustrate the difference:
- Research design might include decisions about the type of study (e.g., experimental, survey, case study), the population and sample, and the data collection methods.
- Methodology would then specify the exact procedures for collecting data (e.g., surveys, interviews, observations), the sampling strategy, and the data analysis techniques (e.g., statistical analysis, thematic analysis).
In overall,
Research Design= sets of paradigm, philosophy, believe, value.
Method= Technique, course of action, practice, performance.
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