ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author discusses the various elements that make up the research design. The research aim does however exert an influence on what exactly has to be recorded in the research design. A central element of the research design is the choice of which strategy to follow and what methods and techniques to apply. Research strategy, method and technique are terms that are often confused with each other, but they refer to different levels of the design. The research strategy is the overall design or logical procedure that will be followed. Given a certain research strategy, different methods of data collection can be used. The philosophy of science applied by the researcher is important as well. Whatever shape or form a study eventually takes, the reasons underlying the decision to apply a certain strategy, method or technique must be clearly specified and explained in the research design.
