Research Design (4-5 pages). The third part of your signature piece paper should explain the research strategy and the design of the study. Here you should clarify the tradition of research you are locating your work in (quantitative, qualitative, or action research) and explain why it is especially appropriate for the purpose of your study.
Then you will discuss design choices, and for each choice you will describe, explain, and justify, as well as anchoring it back to methodological literature:
(1) setting(s) and participant(s), and other sampling choices, such as time-frame and events to be observed;
(2) data sources and data collection tools (measurement tools, survey questions, interview protocols, etc.);
(3) data analysis plan, including attempt to ensure reliability and validity; and
(4) ethical considerations (e.g., the strategies you will use to obtain consent, protect participant privacy, and ensure confidentiality of the data.); and
(5) limitations of the design.
Remember to use methodological literature to support your argument throughout your description, explanation, and justification in this part.
