Empirical Study

Abstract

The research design can be understood as a logical plan that states how the research questions will be addressed by the data that will be empirically collected. It provides a framework that guides the researcher from the research problem through the process of collecting, analyzing and interpreting observations (Ghauri & Grønhaug 2005, p. 56; Yin 2003, pp. 19–20). The research design should be influenced by the objective of the study, the theoretical framework and the nature of the research problem (Zalan & Lewis 2004, p. 512). Furthermore, the availability of temporal, personal and material resources should be taken into account. The research design should specify aspects such as the selection of empirical material, the methodological procedures and the degree of standardization and control (Flick 2004, pp. 146–147).