A research design is a form of structure propositioning how a research study should be undertaken. It offers guidance and direction to the study by ensuring that it is conducted as per plan. A constructive research design provides accurate and valid findings , allowing for further research advancements .
Uses Of A Research Design
- Enhances the reliability and accuracy of results-A research design reduces the bias in content quality , thus allowing the repliccation of data findings.
- Improves data assesssment-It asserts that the data gathered is assessed effectively to offer worthwhile perspectives.
- Ensures a connection between research study components-It ensures that all the study elements including research objectives, research questions and findings are synonymous.
- Offers direction as to how the study should progress-It is the selected research design that directs a study in accordance to plan. With it , a researcher clearly defines what a study should encompass.
Nutrition study designs can be categorized in various ways:
Based on research question :
Descriptive study –It describes the study variables without involving their manipulation. This type of study asseses the characteristcs, links and trends of a particular phenomenon and answers questions such as what, when, where etc.
Analytical study-It assesses the causes, effects ,and associations between study variables; and aims to answer questions on how and why. This study seeks to determine causal relationships between variables. It also involves the manipulation of variables.
Based on influence on study variables :
Observational study-The researcher only observes without interfering with the study variables.
Experimental study– There is control on the intervention and study subjects. There is manipulation of variables by controlling external factors to determine causal relationships.
Based on the timing required :
Cross-sectional study-It is undertaken at a point in time.
Longitudinal study-Study participants are assesed over a period of time. Such a study can even take several years.
Based on the type of data produced :
A Qualitative study-Seeks to explain a subject matter in detail. It aims to konw the why and how about an issue.
A Quantittative study-Used in collecting numerical data with the use of statitical analysis methods. It includes the measurement of variables, and the testing of hypotheses to generate objective results that can be replicated in diverse study samples.
Based on data follow-up :
Retrospective study-The researcher looks at previous records and past events to obtain links and effects on existing findings.
Prospective study-The researcher seeks to establish outcomes as events unfold.
The various study designs are important in directing a study as per plan while enhancing the credibility and accuracy of its results. Study designs aid researchers to collect and assess data relevant to the research question. The selection of a design significantly influences a study’s reliablity, soundness, reproducibility and ability to derive appropriate conclusions.