Possible Steps in Positivistic Research Design a) Decide the general realm of research and the knowledge you want to gain i) Based on literature, observations, gaps, applied needs, etc. b) Survey main previous studies (keep reference list updated) i) Their research questions, variables, methods, theoretical bases ii) Synthesize previous studies for idea of range of potential studies c) Develop initial research question(s) that i) Extends, tests, applies or completes previous research/theory ii) Addresses significant theoretical/empirical issue(s) d) Identify main (and secondary, intermediate, confounding) variables i) Which could yield measurable and comparable data? ii) Which are valuable in developing theory, and how? e) Identify exactly the main relationships between variables i) Which variable comes first (independent) and which is affected (dependent)? ii) How, and how much, might each variable vary? iii) What might be the results of this relationship and/or interaction? f) Draft significance of the study: “so what?�, in other words, its contributions to (1) Theory (2) Understanding of the topic and ways to apply it in the world (3) Future research g) Polish and simplify research question(s) (and hypotheses if possible and desired) i) Link previous research, theory, and other research question ii) Order them for internal logic and clarity iii) Ensure measurability iv) Consider wording and the relationship to all the variables to make sure they all fit h) Select data collection method: survey, interviews, content analysis, etc. i) Ensure its practicality and suitability for the kind of data needed i) Select data analysis method: descriptive, parametric, etc. i) Survey potential statistical tests, compare to data and interactions ii) Select most suitable and check the level of analysis j) Review, revise and decide final i) Research question(s) ii) Variables and their comparability iii) Method for collecting and analyzing data iv) Precise interactions/relationships between variables v) Significance for the discipline, method, theory, and applications vi) Appropriateness of the expected relationships between concept/data/analysis/goals k) Consider i) Validity: will your data measure what you mean to measure? ii) Reliability: will the design allow testing and similar future studies? l) Develop protocols (procedures and parameters) of data collection and analysis i) Construct steps and timetable of data collection and analysis (1) Ensure practicability: access, timeliness, software, etc. (2) Anticipate and prevent/minimize threats to validity and reliability m) Collect data by applying the method; i) Ensure protection of data at each step (e.g., frequent computer/hardcopy backups) n) Analyze data to produce results: i) Identify and explain patterns that address research question(s) and hypotheses o) Concluder how each hypothesis is confirmed/disconfirmed by the results p) Discuss limitations, theoretical/research implications, and value for the discipline
q) Write report in appropriate format (APA, etc.) with clear sections i) Introduction/RQ, literature review, method, results, conclusion, discussion, appendices