Research Design vs. Strategy of Inquiry

Attribute	Research Design	Strategy of Inquiry
Definition	The overall plan for conducting a research study	The specific approach or method used to investigate a research question
Focus	Emphasis on how the study will be conducted	Emphasis on how the research question will be answered
Scope	Broader in scope, covering the entire research process	More specific in scope, focusing on the methodological approach
Flexibility	May be more rigid in terms of following a predetermined plan	May allow for more flexibility in adapting to new information or insights
Examples	Experimental, correlational, descriptive, etc.	Case study, ethnography, grounded theory, etc.

Introduction

Research design and strategy of inquiry are two essential components of any research project. While they are closely related, they serve different purposes and have distinct attributes that researchers need to consider when planning their studies. In this article, we will compare the key features of research design and strategy of inquiry to help researchers understand how they can be used effectively in their research projects.

Research Design

Research design refers to the overall plan or structure of a research project. It outlines the steps that will be taken to answer the research question and achieve the research objectives. Research design includes decisions about the type of study, the research methods that will be used, the data collection techniques, and the data analysis procedures. The research design provides a roadmap for the research project, guiding researchers on how to collect and analyze data to address their research questions.

• Research design outlines the steps of a research project.
• It includes decisions about study type, research methods, data collection techniques, and data analysis procedures.
• Research design provides a roadmap for the research project.
• It guides researchers on how to collect and analyze data to address research questions.

Strategy of Inquiry

Strategy of inquiry refers to the overall approach or methodology that will be used to conduct the research. It involves decisions about how data will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted to answer the research question. Strategy of inquiry is more focused on the process of conducting research, including the theoretical framework, research methods, and data analysis techniques that will be used. It helps researchers determine the best way to approach their research question and ensures that the research is conducted in a systematic and rigorous manner.

• Strategy of inquiry involves decisions about data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• It focuses on the process of conducting research.
• Strategy of inquiry includes the theoretical framework, research methods, and data analysis techniques.
• It helps researchers determine the best approach to their research question.

Key Differences

While research design and strategy of inquiry are closely related, there are key differences between the two concepts. Research design is more concerned with the overall structure and plan of the research project, while strategy of inquiry focuses on the specific approach and methodology that will be used to conduct the research. Research design provides a roadmap for the research project, outlining the steps that will be taken to answer the research question, while strategy of inquiry helps researchers determine the best way to collect, analyze, and interpret data to address their research question.

Integration

Research design and strategy of inquiry are closely intertwined and should be integrated seamlessly in any research project. Researchers need to consider both the overall structure of the research project and the specific approach that will be used to conduct the research. By integrating research design and strategy of inquiry, researchers can ensure that their research is conducted in a systematic and rigorous manner, leading to valid and reliable results.

Conclusion

In conclusion, research design and strategy of inquiry are essential components of any research project. While research design provides the overall structure and plan of the research project, strategy of inquiry focuses on the specific approach and methodology that will be used to conduct the research. By integrating research design and strategy of inquiry, researchers can ensure that their research is conducted in a systematic and rigorous manner, leading to valid and reliable results.