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of their individual effects. Consider a study investigating the
effects of two factors, A and B, on a dependent variable, C.
Factor A has two levels (A1 and A2), while Factor B has three
levels (B1, B2, and B3). In this study, researchers would create
six distinct experimental conditions or cells to represent all
◆ Study the possible combinations of the levels of factors A and B. These
interaction effect
conditions would be labelled as A1B1, A1B2, A1B3, A2B1,
A2B2, and A2B3. The dependent variable, C, would then be
measured or observed within each of these conditions. Thus
factorial design helps to identify relationship between the
independent and dependent variables and provides insights
into the complexities of real-world phenomena.

Summarised Overview

The research design refers to the overall strategy that a researcher chooses to integrate
the various components of the study in a coherent and logical manner, ensuring that the
researcher will effectively address the research problem. It serves as the blueprint for
data collection, measurement, and analysis. It is important to note that the type of design
used by the researcher is determined by the research problem, not the other way around.

The function of a research design is to ensure that the evidence obtained enables the
researcher to effectively address the research problem as unambiguously as possible.
Obtaining evidence relevant to the research problem in social sciences research generally
entails specifying the type of evidence required to test a theory, evaluate a programme,
or accurately describes a phenomenon. Often, researchers rush into their investigations
without giving due consideration to the essential information required to address the
research questions effectively. By neglecting these crucial design issues at the outset,
the resulting conclusions may lack strength and conviction, ultimately falling short in
adequately tackling the overall research problem.

Self- Assessment Questions

1. What is termed as the blueprint of research work? Explain its importance.
2. Which research design enables the researcher to manipulate two extraneous vari-
ables? Explain.

3. Explain multiple time series design.
4. Explain the research design that determines the long term effect of the treatment.

5. What is true experimental research design?

40 SGOU - SLM -MCom Research Methodology