When can research design be redesigned?

A research design typically acts as a blueprint to conduct a research study/project. But sometimes it becomes imperative to redesign the same for reasons, such as feasibility, accuracy and most important relevance. Possible reasons could be:

Deviation in research objectives

Often objectives are evolved based on requests/pointers from stakeholders or priorities or encountering new insights.

For example, a study based on people’s health in a state may focus on malnutrition in rural areas.

Non-availability of required data

Sometimes data sources which have been planned may not be accessible or inadequate to address research questions.

For example, restricted data sources from Government departments can hamper data accessibility.

Ethical dilemma

Adjustments may be required due to ethical concerns, and the research project will need to adapt its research ethics.

For example, sensitive topics which are included in a research design may require to follow certain protocols to protect privacy.

Challenges in methodology

Certain methodologies adapted for research may not be suitable during the implementation.

For example, the determined size of a sample study may not be appropriate for the study

Budget or resource constraints

Limited or non-availability of funds may hinder the research and hence compromises have to be made by introducing a simpler cost-effective design.

For example, if a research design is planned to capture a global scenario, then it may have to be scaled down to a region/national level.

Feedback from stakeholders

Considerations on inputs from stakeholders and funding agencies inputs, peer reviews may be required to highlight the gaps.

For example, a funding agency may require an intense sampling technique or a different geographic coverage.

Changes in technological aspects

An increase in technological approach may impact the feasibility of the research design.

For example, tools that were planned to be used may not be available for remote data collection.

Outcomes from a pilot study

In many cases, the outcomes of a pilot study provide new insights on unforeseen issues which are required to be redefined in a research design.

For example, ambiguous responses received from respondents may require to be addressed by redesigning the questionnaire.

Absence of feasibility

Barriers like lack of appropriate participants/respondents may need to be handled.

For example, if a specific audience or respondents have been identified and are not available then it becomes a challenge.

Tips for an Effective Redesigning:

• Sustain methodological rigour
• Include ethical implications
• Align with research objectives

Overcoming Challenges

Challenge 1: Choosing the Right Topic

Suggested Solutions

• Know your topic well
• Identify a theoretical basis
• Ensure that the topic is of interest to you
• Realign the topic based on inputs and feedback received from relevant stakeholders.

Challenge 2: Identifying the Correct Research Methodology

Suggested Solutions

• Fashion it to your research problem and be clear in choosing a qualitative or quantitative study or a mix of both
• Plan the timeline and process well
• Be aware of your capabilities, strengths and areas for improvement

Challenge 3: Identifying the Right Audience/Respondents

Suggested Solutions

• Build networking and be prepared to have an alternate approach
• Do not be dejected with refusals or non-commitment
• Be like a salesperson who wants to sell their goods

Challenge 4: Putting Data Together

Suggested Solutions

• Identify methods to tackle huge data
• Step back and ‘listen’ to your data
• Use technology effectively/tools to identify patterns

Redesigning a research design helps in answering research questions appropriately. It will help to ensure that your methods match your research objectives and that you will be using the right kind of data. In short, redesigning is an iterative aspect of an adaptive research process to ensure that a research study is relevant, topical and actionable.