Day 14 - Research Design

Today topic was about research design. Firstly Mr Eranjan explained how research is important when doing our final year project. Research can be used to identify the problem in more detailed manner and shape up the solution. To gather information regarding the problem, one should conduct two research phases which is primary research and secondary research.

• Primary Research- The research done by the researcher and he/she collects the data through interviews, observation, questionnaires etc.
• Secondary Research- The research done by a third party like a literature review, magazines, newspapers etc... 

Then Mr Eranjan explained processes involved in research design. Following are some of them,

• Clearly define the aims and objectives of research.
• Solution and deliverable.
• Literature Review – Required domain research.
• Selected Data collection methods (Primary Research).
• Selected Sampling methods.
• Selected Data analysis methods.
• Rationale for selected technical aspects.
• Selected Design approach.

Process of research design

After that Mr Eranjan started explaining about different sampling methods. There are two types of sampling methods. 

1.      Probabilistic Sampling 

This method of sampling believes that everyone in the population has an equal chance of getting selected. Under Probabilistic Sampling there are four types,

·        Systematic Sampling.

·        Simple Random Sampling.

·        Cluster Sampling.

·        Stratified Sampling.

2.      Non-Probabilistic Sampling

This method of sampling everyone doesn't get equal chance of selecting. This    method consist of two types,

·        Convenient Sampling.

·        Snowball Sampling.

Mr Eranjan explained the most important fact regarding sampling methods is that researchers do intend to select probabilistic sampling methods over Non- Probabilistic sampling methods because it’s more correct and accurate.

Furthermore Mr Eranjan discussed about different research methods and tools. Following are some research methods used by the researchers,

•    Survey.
• Case Study.
• Action Research.
• Experiments.
• Ethnography.

Research tools help researchers to conduct different research methods. As an example for a survey following research tools can be used.

• Interviews.
•  Observation.
• Questionnaires.
• Surveys.

 After that session was concluded. 

Reflection of today's lecture

Today I was able to learn about different types of sampling methods, research methods, and research tools. Last few sessions were so important because it gave good amount of information regarding final year project. Research is also an important are in a FYP. It helps us to identify the problem in more detailed way. That’s why research design need to be perfect for a FYP. With today lecture I was able to identify my research methods that will conduct for my FYP. Overall it was a good presentation regarding research design by our lecture. Mr Eranjan.