How does your research question shape your study's design?

Your research question is the compass guiding your study. It dictates the type of data you need (numbers for quantitative, experiences for qualitative) and how you collect it (primary data or secondary data). This shapes the design - will it be an experiment testing a cause-and-effect with controlled variables, or a case study examining a specific situation in detail? The question sets the boundaries, influencing everything from who you study (sample selection) to how you analyze the data (statistical tests for numbers, thematic analysis for experiences).

Your research question essentially sets the direction for your study's design. It's like the spotlight that narrows down the expansive field of business strategy to a specific focal point. Shying away from being too broad or trying to encompass too much, your research question allows you to dive deep into a precise aspect and glean nuanced insights that might be missed otherwise. This sharper focus promotes efficient resource allocation and collects data that’s tightly correlated with your strategic queries. 🎯🔍

Focus on one problem at a time Too often businesses try to fix everything at the same time Start with ONE Break it down to smaller components Then smaller Then harness collective expertise and brainstorming to really get to the root case Once you get there.. Asking the right questions becomes a whole lot more doable And ACTIONABLE

Your research question is the foundation of your study's design. It defines the scope, methodology, and objectives. A clear question helps you choose the right data collection methods, identify the target population, and determine the analysis techniques. Essentially, it guides every decision, ensuring your study is focused, relevant, and impactful.

Why not start quantitative and go qualitative then quantitative again Let me explain… Once you’ve identified your “problem” Gather some macro level insights such as: - Statistics - Data from research papers - Data from market listening tools Then ask or test different versions of the solution either organically or through paid ads Then listen to what the $$ and numbers are telling you Reiterate Try again

There's no one-size-fits-all approach here. The best method depends on your question. Think of it like choosing the right tool for the job. Surveys are great for gathering opinions, while experiments help test cause-and-effect. The key is to pick a method that provides the data you need to answer your question clearly.

Data Collection Methods: Since the question focuses on the impact, both quantitative and qualitative data might be necessary. Surveys and productivity metrics could provide quantitative data, while interviews and focus groups could offer qualitative insights. Data Analysis Techniques: The analysis plan would outline specific statistical methods to analyze the collected data. For quantitative data, regression analysis or ANOVA might be used to understand the relationships between remote work and productivity metrics. For qualitative data, thematic analysis or content analysis might be employed to identify recurring themes and insights.

Let's not forget – research comes with ethical responsibilities. When designing your study, be mindful of privacy, informed consent, and potential biases. There are guidelines and frameworks to help you navigate these issues, ensuring your research is conducted ethically and responsibly.

The research question is a foundational element that shapes every aspect of the research design. The nature of the research question ( descriptive, exploratory, explanatory) guides whether the research will be structured as a case study, ethnography, experiment, survey etc. The research question also influences whether the research will be a one time analysis or a longitudinal study to observe changes over time.