One of the important aspects that will lay the foundation for your dissertation is the research design. Every project needs to have a layout before it is brought into action. Just like you cannot build a house or a ship without a design, you need to have a framework for research work as well. This is the plan which needs to be implemented to bring about the desired results.

Research design can be fixed or flexible. The type of design you adopt depends upon the nature of research. Experimental projects will have a fixed design, as you know the exact steps which you will follow. On the other hand, case studies and ethnographic studies, which are based largely on observation, have a flexible design because the process depends on the initial findings.

The components of a research design are well defined, and you have to lay equal emphasis on all of them. Identifying these elements needs in depth understanding of the research goals and resources. There may be viability factors, like limitation of time and money, according to which you will specify the design elements. The components are as follows:

1. Methodology of research: This is the most important aspect, as it will decide the direction which your study takes. Broadly, the methodology can be qualitative or quantitative.
2. You can also qualify the method as descriptive, correlational, experimental, non-experimental, or meta-analytical.
3. Information required: What information you need for completing the study will also be defined here. The scope of information will depend on the objectives of the study.
4. Sample size and target group: Having the accurate sample size is essential for getting the results right. A very small sample will not represent the population properly, while a massive one will only cause duplication of task. You also need to define the target group which you will be covering for the study. It may be a class of students, an ethnic group, a professional group, etc.
5. Mode of data collection: There are many media of gathering information. So you need to choose the best one and mention the same while making research design. You can opt for a survey, online poll, interview, recordings, etc.
6. Data analysis tools: Identifying the tests that you will use for data analysis is important. The choice will depend on the nature of research and methodology followed. There are a number of programs and identifying the right one when preparing the design will save you trouble later.

The research design will be checked for completeness, coherence and validity in all aspects. It must be feasible to implement and ensure correct results. While there must be certainty in the design, it is necessary that you keep it somewhat pliable, so that it can be altered according to change in research situations.