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Area of study in research generally delimit that particular area of interest which is to be examined in order to achieve the objectives of the research.

Generally, the area of study defines the target segment which can be a location. When the area of interest is known, it serves as a guide to the population of study.

Population of study in simpler terms refers to the whole body of items, objects or people that fall within the geographical area in which the researcher seeks to investigate for his study. A researcher may choose to study the entire population when the following conditions are met.

1. The population size is small.
2. When the research has no time bound or there's enough time for the research to be carried out.
3. When there are adequate resources available such as money, materials and human.
4. When the aim of the research is to take census of the population.

There are different types of population a researcher can work with. Notable amongs them are the following;
1. Finite Population: A complete set of items or objects that are finite. Examples are employees of a company, citizens of Ghana.

2. Infinite Population. A theoretical construct that is potentially infinite in size thus counting the units in the population is not possible. Example, germs in a patient's body.

3. Homogeneous population: Population that consists of discrete elements that have common property with very little variation such as same age, s*x, level of education and rank in a job.

4. Heterogeneous population: Population with different categories of participants or elements that have uncommon characteristics e.g. children in all classes in a school or all categories of workers in an organization (lecturers, accountants, clerks, secretaries, managers, directors and artisans).

When researchers have limited time to work on a large population and the available resources aren't enough, there's therefore the need to work with a sample.

Join us here on Thesis Insight next week Monday as we take a look at sampling and sampling techniques. We are still receiving offers with assistance in all academic write ups.
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We end the section of Research Study Designs on Thesis Insight with Systematic, Sequential and Philosophical Study Designs.

1. Systematic Design
A systematic research design is a specific methodology that identifies existing research about a well-defined topic of investigation, usually derived from a public policy or clinical, practice-based problem. The design involves selecting and critically evaluating the contributions of each identified study, analyzing and carefully synthesizing the data, and reporting the evidence in a way that facilitates clear conclusions about what is and is not known.

The nature of systematic review is self-contained research project that is not a traditional literature review. The design of a systematic review differs from other review methods because distinct and exacting principles are applied to the evaluative process of analyzing existing literature.

Findings of multiple studies related to each other are systhesize by the systematic approach to reduce biases and random errors.
Systematic research can be use to identify, justify, and refine hypotheses, recognize and avoid hidden problems in prior studies, and explain data inconsistencies and conflicts in data.
Even though results of the synthesis can be generalized with more validity than most other types of studies but the study does not create new knowledge but synthesize existing studies about a research problem in order to gain new insights and determine gaps in the literature.

2. Sequential Design
This method uses a deliberate stages approach in carrying out the research. The sample size in this research design is not predetermined. Sequential studies generally utilize samples of individuals or cohorts and uses qualitative methods, such as interviews or observations in collecting data.

This research design is useful for exploratory studies and gives limitless option to researchers in sample size and sampling. Sequential studies provides opportunities for continuous improvement of sampling and methods of analysis because results of one sample are known before the next sample is taken and analyzed.

The sampling method used in this research design is not representative of the entire population hence the design cannot be used to create conclusions and interpretations that pertain to an entire population because the sampling technique is not randomized. It is therefore difficult to account for and interpret variation from one sample to another over time, particularly when using qualitative methods of data collection

3. Philosophical Design
This approach uses the tools of argumentation derived from philosophical traditions, concepts, models, and theories to critically explore and challenge the relevance of logic and evidence in academic debates. It is also used to analyze arguments about fundamental issues or to discuss the root of existing discourse about a research problem. Philosophical design provides a basis for applying ethical decision-making to practice.

It offers clarity and definition to the practical and theoretical uses of terms, concepts, and ideas. This research design is limited to answering research problem of "So what" in social science. Its analysis can be abstract, argumentative, and limited in its practical application to real-life issues.

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Today on Thesis Insight, we take a look at another three important research study designs.

1. Field Research Design
Field Research Design is a quantitative approach of collecting data on individual or group of people to observe and understand people in their natural setting. Findings from this research method do not consist of conclusive statements derived from numbers and statistics because it involves analysis of words and observations of behavior. Conclusions are developed from an interpretation of findings that reveal overriding themes, concepts, and ideas.

This research design fills the gap in understanding research problem applied to a local condition or specific group of people that cannot be found in an existing data. The nature of this research design offers the opportunity for researchers to acquire new perspectives or unique data that challenges existing theoretical propositions.
It also allows researchers to make observations or ask questions that reflect the specific context of the matter being investigated.

Because researchers are embedded in the field, this research method requires extensive time and resources to carry out. Without access to materials and documents that help enhance the credibility of the information obtained from the field, findings can be difficult to interpret and verify.

2. Meta-Analysis Design
This research method is designed systematically to combine multiple studies addressing the same question, evaluating and summarising the result.
The purpose is to not simply summarize existing knowledge, but to develop a new understanding of a research problem using synoptic reasoning. The main objectives of meta-analysis include analyzing differences in the results among studies and increasing the precision by which effects are estimated.

A well-designed meta-analysis depends upon strict adherence to the criteria used for selecting studies and the availability of information in each study to
properly analyze their findings. Lack of information can severely limit the type of analyzes and conclusions that can be reached.

Conditions necessary for Meta-Analysis
1. Clearly defined objectives including precise definitions of variables.
2. A well documented justification of identification and selection of studies.
3. Assessment of any research bias in the selection process
4. Description of degree of heterogeneity among sample size
5. Justification of techniques used to evaluate the studies

This method provides a means of overcoming small sample size in individual previous studies and its effective in determining gaps in literature. It is used to highlight new hypotheses for further studies.

Results from this research method can be reliable because of large sample size but not necessarily valid. This research can be time consuming depending on the sample size. Violation in defining criteria for content analysis can lead to meaningless findings.

3. Mixed Research Design
Mixed methods combine both qualitative and quantitative research approach of answering a research problem or question. This approach allows a broader and more complex research problem to be investigated because researchers are not constrained by one method. The mixed method design provides stronger and robust evidence to support set of recommendations.

Mixed methods uncover hidden insights, patterns, or relationships that a single methodological approach might not reveal. It also produces more complete knowledge and understanding of the research problem that can be used to increase the generalizability of findings applied to theory or practice.

Even though mixed method generate new insights, it can increase the likelihood of producing conflicting or ambiguous results.
Reporting the findings in mixed method requires a well-organized narrative, clear writing style, and precise word choice.
Due to multiple forms of data being collected and analyzed, this design requires extensive time and resources to carry out the multiple steps involved in data gathering and interpretation.

Catch us up next week on Thesis Insight as we draw the curtains down on research study designs.

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Thesis or dissertation basically follows a generic five-chapter format. The generic format follows the order
1. Chapter One: Introduction
2. Chapter Two: Literature Review
3. Chapter Three: Research Methodology
4. Chapter Four: Analysis, Results and Findings
5. Chapter Five: Discussions, Conclusion and Recommendations

Where do you begin the thesis or dissertation writing?

With your research objectives and questions in mind, draft and write your thesis or dissertation in the following order
1. Chapter Three: Research Methodology
2. Chapter Four: Analysis, Results and Findings
3. Chapter Five: Discussions, Conclusion and Recommendations
4. Chapter One: Introduction
5. Chapter Two: Literature Review



Starting or preparing your thesis with Research Methodology (Chapter Three) implies that the writer is abreast with
1. The variables involved in the study
2. How to measure or collect the variables involved in the study
3. The availability of the data needed for the study
4. The Statistical tools to analyse the data collected
5. The study's overall validity and reliability.

The Methodology serves as ignition source for the project work or thesis. Once the Methodology is known and well written, you stand a higher chance of completing the thesis.

It is always prudent to begin drafting from Research Methodology. But the question remains.
What does the Research Methodology entails and how can one write it in relation to a given topic?

We come your way next week on Thesis Insight with answers to these questions. Don't miss out

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Many students get stranded and stuck on the way with their project work realizing how difficult it is to get the right method and statistical tools to achieve the research objectives.

On Thesis Insight this and every Monday, we come your way with relevant information and tips for effective thesis or research writing.

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