tutkimusdesign

Tutkimusdesign, or research design, is a plan and structure for conducting a study. It specifies the procedures for collecting, measuring, and analyzing data in order to answer research questions or test hypotheses. A good design aligns with the theoretical framework, aims to ensure validity and reliability, and considers ethical constraints and practical feasibility.

Its core components include: the research questions or hypotheses; the theoretical or conceptual framework; operationalization of variables; the sampling strategy; data collection methods and instruments; procedures; data analysis plan; and ethical considerations. The design also addresses potential threats to validity and bias, and how these will be mitigated.

Common design families. Quantitative designs include descriptive, correlational, quasi-experimental, and experimental designs, such as randomized controlled trials. Qualitative designs include case studies, ethnography, grounded theory, phenomenology, and narrative inquiry. Mixed-methods designs combine qualitative and quantitative components. Designs can be cross-sectional (data collected at one time) or longitudinal (data collected over time).

Process. The choice of design follows from the research questions, hypotheses, and the level of control needed. It also considers resource constraints, setting, ethics, and measurement possibilities. Typical steps are formulating questions, reviewing the literature, selecting an appropriate design, operationalizing variables, deciding on sampling and data collection, planning analysis, and outlining procedures to safeguard validity and reliability.