Research design is a plan for collecting and analyzing data to understand problems and
test relationships between variables. It helps researchers work efficiently and make better
decisions.
There are three main types of research design:
1. Exploratory research is used when little is known about a problem. It is
unstructured and helps gain background information and develop hypotheses.
2. Descriptive research describes characteristics of people, situations, or markets.
Data can be collected once (cross-sectional) or over time (longitudinal/panel
studies) to track changes.
3. Causal research examines cause-and-effect relationships. It uses experiments
where independent variables are manipulated to see how they affect dependent
variables while controlling other factors.
In experiments, researchers use control and experimental groups, apply pretests and
posttests, and often use A/B testing. Valid experiments require good internal validity (the
effect is really caused by the independent variable) and external validity (results apply to
the real world).