Research Design and Planning Phase - Reflection Paper

A Reflection Paper On The Second Phase Of The Research Process

ClipArt Source: (VectorStock)

    In doing research, certain pre-determined steps need to be followed so that the study will progress in a logical sequence. These pre-determined steps in a research study are composed of five (5) phases; the conceptual phase, design, and planning phase, empirical phase, analytical phase, and the dissemination phase. Each of these steps has a substantial function and purpose that toils concurrently hand-in-hand that navigates the researcher towards his/her research endeavor. In this reflective paper, exclusively the research design and planning phase will be highlighted.

The research design and planning phase is the second part of the research process. This phase is a valuable part of research since in this phase, the researcher will going to select a specific research design, identify the population to be studied, specify the material and methods of research variables used, designing the sampling plan, as well as finalizing and reviewing the research plan, and conducting a pilot study.

All the aforementioned above are the elements that encompass the research design and planning phase that should be utilized and employed to achieve a research study.

 

Selecting the Research Design

The significance of this particular phase is that the researcher renders several decisions about the methods used to address the research question.

 

Identification of the Population to be Studied

With the help of identifying the population to be studied, the researcher will be able to recognize the characteristics of the study.

 

Specification of Materials and Methods of Research Variables

Since developing a data collection plan is a complex process, in the specification of the materials and methods of research variables used, the researcher will able to observe and measure research variables as accurately as possible.

Designing the Sampling Plan

As the entire population cannot be studied in a research study, designing the sampling plan that utilizes many tools to obtain the sample will help the researcher to use a small fraction of the population and employs many methods to obtain the sample so that there will be representativeness of the selected sample when applied.

Finalizing and Reviewing the Research Plan

The finalizing and reviewing the research plan before the actual implementation ensures a research study that the plan does not violate any ethical principles of the research. This particular step is best achieved with the approval of special panelists or committees.

Conducting a Pilot Study

And lastly, conducting a pilot study will classify the adequacy of the data collection plan so that the researcher will be able to know the adequacy of the technical equipment to convert collected data into the easy form and then organizes it into meaningful categories.